James Astwood yesterday.

"You've done well M'lud!'', summed up one of the jurors, Attorney General Mr.

Walter Maddocks.

The jury? The assembled might of Bermuda's Bar.

The occasion? A farewell to Sir James, Bermuda's first black and longest-serving Chief Justice this century.

About 100 lawyers and some members of the public packed Supreme Court No. 1 to hear fulsome tributes to Sir James.

Mr. Maddocks, tipped as the next Chief Justice, spoke of Sir James' "intuition'' and acute legal antennae at reaching correct decisions in cases.

He told Sir James: "Your inimitable blend of wisdom, technical excellence, and homespun philosophy has earned you respect.'' He recalled the problems Sir James encountered as a black man trying to make his way in Bermuda.

These had forced him to launch his legal career in Jamaica.

Bermuda Bar Association president Mr. John Cooper said Sir James, although a no-nonsense man, showed patience and understanding to those unfamiliar with courts.

And, on behalf of the association, he handed Sir James a framed cartoon by artist Mr. Peter Woolcock.

The drawing was of Sir James doing what he loves best when off duty -- playing golf.

Several lawyers spoke of the challenge they faced when appearing before Sir James.

At least one had been at he receiving end of a tongue-lashing.

But lawyer Mr. Saul Froomkin provoked laughter by saying: "I respect your candour. You told it like it was -- right or wrong!'' Veteran lawyer Mr. Peter Smith, who lost out to Sir James in his bid to become Chief Justice, said: "The whole of Bermuda owes you a great debt.'' He described Sir James as one of the most successful Chief Justices this century.

Lawyer Mr. Ian Kawaley praised Sir James, a former Senior Magistrate, for Bermudianising the Magistrates' Courts.

Sir James voiced optimism about Bermuda, saying it had a great future. He said the Island now had a strong judiciary, which had been "mediocre'' when he became Chief Justice 16 years ago.

BIDDING FAREWELL -- Lady Astwood gives retiring Chief Justice the Hon. Sir James Astwood a kiss outside the Supreme Court after Friday's farewell ceremony.