Justice is administered in Christchurch at the Supreme Court, the Magistrate's Court, and the Police Court. Mr Justice Denniston presides over the first, Mr R. Beetham, S.M., over the second; and Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., who has charge also of the northern district, officiates at the Police Court. Bankrupt estates are administered by the Official Assignee, Mr G. L. Greenwood. The Arbitration Court, presided over by Mr Justice Cooper, sits in the Provincial Council Chambers when there are industrial disputes for it to consider. As, however, wigs and gowns are seldom seen at the table of the Arbitration Court, and as its functions are of a very specialised nature, it hardly comes under the same category as an ordinary court of law. Christchurch has produced a large number of prominent figures in the legal profession, and has had for judges such well-known men as the late Mr Justice Gresson, who held office from December, 1857, till March, 1875, when he resigned, and Mr Justice Johnston, who was appointed in November, 1858, and died in harness on the 1st of June, 1888. Mr Justice Denniston was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court in Christchurch on the 11th of February, 1889. Mr A. R. Bloxam is Registrar of the Supreme Court, and Mr T. W. Stringer is the Crown Solicitor for Christchurch.