135 the other hand
in force,
and
may
not after all
objectionable as it does to
been accustomed to a
to others
appear myself, who have
to state
very different
of
things at the important Commercial Settlement of Singapore, where, I can safely
say
a similar system would not have existed
for three months without loud complaints.
The
question is now
whether in addition
to the inconvenience already shown to exist
and which is by no means overstated.
overstated, a total cessation of all Business, Civil, Criminal,
and summary is to be permitted for four
months - the period proposed for vacation, during which time no case is to be heard or determined.
My
own views on this important matter will
be sufficiently obvious to your Lordship. If it be intended that the Law of England with all delays, technicalities, and forms of Pleading,
owing to which
no one can score, save with
the aid of legal Adviser, is to be extended to this Colony, then there can be no objection to the
Court having a vacation
:-if, on
the Court's proceedings are to be so framed as to be in some degree consistent with the convenience, and comprehensible to the understandings of those whose lives and property
are under its
control, I do certainly recommend that this additional disadvantage be not imposed
upon the Inhabitants.
Much,
my
Lord, has been alleged
about the mismanagement of this Colony, and
too much discontent expressed at its not rising to the mercantile importance that was anticipated.
I have no hesitation in saying that the system of Judicature has retarded its progress, but I have no scruple in asserting that had
there been
an extensive trade, it would have
seriously injured it
I beg, My Lord, to assure you
that
this Despatch is written without reference to what person may
be the Judge of the Court.
I consider a comprehensible, and more particularly