Extract from a letter dated 9 February 1971 from
Sir Jocelyn Bodilly, Chief Justice Western Pacific
to Sir James McPetrie
I would now like, though with considerable hesitance, to mention a personal matter. While we were in Hong Kong, Sir Ivo Rigby asked me if I would ever like to return to Hong Kong as a Puisne. I replied that nothing would suit me better but that it seemed unlikely that I would be considered for a transfer of that nature now that I am here as a C.J. Sir Ivo then suggested that I ought to write to you personally and drew my attention to the fact that in the next year or so there would be various vacancies arrising on the High Court Bench and authorised me to say that he would be happy to have me, on his Bench. I am writing to you therefore, and again. I say with hesitance, so that you may know that. if opportunity arrises, in the next year or so, and I am considered still fit professionally after these last five years in this primitive professional setting, I would not like it to be thought that by reason of any loss of " status" as a Chief Justice I would not be interested in a transfer back to Hong Kong as a Puisne. As far as
I am concerned the professional interest, the better climate and the more civilised environment of Kong Kong would outweigh any question of status. But please do not think that I am complaining of my appointment here or seeking to let the side down. Far from it. My wife and I have been quite happy here and as long as my services are required on the Western Pacifio circuit, and I remain fit to carry th¤ out the duties involved in the manner in which they ought to be carried out, I shall be happy to continue to serve here.
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