Copy letter from the Registrar to the Honorable the Chief Justice.
Court House, Victoria,
Hongkong, 20th June, 1848.
Sir,
I beg leave to represent to you that it now becomes necessary for me, as the head of the Department, to point out the very great inconvenience experienced in consequence of the present arrangement for performing the duties of Chinese Interpreter of the Supreme Court.
Mr. Caldwell, who at present is charged with these duties, is better qualified to perform them, so far as the interpretation of evidence is concerned, than any other person who could be found; but as he also holds the appointment of Assistant-Superintendent of Police, his services are not always available, when wanted in the Supreme Court, his other duties frequently taking him to other parts of the island, and even when in Victoria, he has to be sent for, which causes very great inconvenience and delay, often to little purpose.
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