profession last week by handing down his trusty courtroom wig.

Sir James, who retires aged 70 in about six weeks, presided over a Supreme Court ceremony enrolling his son David into the ranks of the Island's lawyers.

Attorneys packing the court smiled as Sir James asked court clerk Mrs. Judi Crawford to fetch the wig as a surprise gift for his son.

Sir James told The Royal Gazette : "It's my wig which I had when I was called to the Bar almost 40 years ago.

"I haven't worn it since I became Chief Justice and I handed it over to him.

"He was searching around for a wig and I had one up my sleeve. I hope my wisdom will trickle down to him.'' Mr. David Astwood, 32, went to Berkeley Institute and works as an associate of Conyers, Dill and Pearman in Hong Kong.

He was proposed by Mr. Charles Collis and had tributes paid to him by Attorney General Mr. Walter Maddocks, Bar Council representative Ms Liz Jones, Sen.

Jerome Dill, Mr. Melvin Douglas, Miss Sonia Grant and Mr. Kim White.

Sir James told the gathering: "Notwithstanding my vested interest, it's my great pleasure to admit him to the roll of barristers of this court.'' He recalled how his son, aged six, had tried to attend court cases over which he presided in the West Indies.

"I never thought I would see the day when I would have the pleasure of admitting my son David to the bar.

"I don't think his mother and I could be happier than we are at the moment.'' Mr. David Astwood said: "I'm sure this is a moment with few precedents in the Bermuda courts.'' He paid tribute to his father's achievements and praised his sense of humour.

Addressing him as "your Lordship'', he added: "It's a particularly special occasion because my entering the profession coincides with your leaving it.'' ALL IN THE FAMILY -- Chief Justice Sir James Astwood (left) and his son David.