HONGKONG.
30
NO. 1904
REPORT OF THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, FOR THE YEAR 1903.
Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.
REGISTRY, SUPREME COURT,
HONGKONG, 30th April, 1904.
SIR,-I have the honour to forward to you, herewith, the usual Annual Returns of this Court, together with the following Report on the working of the several Divisions thereof, and of the Offices of Registrar of Companies and Official Trustee, viz. :----
1.-ORIGINAL JURISDICTION.
The number of Actions instituted in this division of the Court during the Return No. 1. year 1903 was 178, and there were 91 in dependency. Of these, 114 were disposed
of, of which 25 were settled or withdrawn before trial, leaving a balance of 155.
The total amount involved was $777,396.12.
The debts and damages recovered amounted to $317,431.98.
There was one Injunction granted.
The total fees collected and paid into the Treasury amounted to $8,210.03.
2. SUMMARY JURISDICTION.
The number of Actions instituted was 1,643 during the year 1903, and 38 Return No. 1. were brought forward from 1902. Of these 1,521 were disposed of, 640 being settled or withdrawn before trial, leaving a balance of 230.
The total amount involved was $338,972.44; and the total fees collected and paid into the Treasury amounted to $6,774.45.
The number of Distress Warrants for Rent issued was 368, representing Return No. 2. aggregate unpaid Rents amounting from $24,902.10, of which the aggregate sum of $20,880.48 was recovered, 156 Warrants having been withdrawn on settlement Between the parties.
The fees collected for issuing Distress Warrants and paid into the Treasury amounted to $2,208.
3. CRIMINAL JURISDICTION.
There were 78 cases and 178 persons committed for trial at the Criminal Keturn No. 3. Sessions.
The number of persons actually indicted was 142, of whom 104 were convicted ; 2 failed to surrender to their Recognizances which were estreated; and 36 were acquitted. Against 35 persons no Indictments were filed, and they were discharged on Proclamation. One prisoner died in Gaol before trial.
4.- APPELLATE JURISDICTION.
There were 10 Appeals instituted during the year, being:-
+
From the decision of the Chief Justice,..
Return No. 4.
1
*
of the Puisne Judge,
""
19
""
27
*"
13
Magistrates, Land Court,
of which 9 were disposed of, being :--
From the Chief Justice,
33
**
Puisne Judge,
""
Magistrates,
Land Court,
??
77
215
6
10
1
1
1
leaving one pending.
One case was carried to the Privy Council and the decision of the Court below upheld.