that Afoon had told him (Deponent) that his Proceedings did not come from his heart, but that he had been instigated thereto by Mr Tarrant.
4th Witness - "Wei-Afoon", the Co-Defendant in this case, swears he was not in any way instigated to speak against Major Caine by Tarrant, and that he never did so speak. Mr Tarrant, it appears, on being questioned by the Magistrate said he had nothing to say.
9. Your Lordships will observe that the Depositions against Mr Tarrant were not taken before Mr Hillier, the Chief Magistrate. This mode of procedure arose from Mr Hillier having been Major Caine's Assistant in the Magistracy, and it was in consequence considered desirable that some other gentleman should take the Magisterial chair on the occasion. – Sir John Davis, it appears, therefore requested Mr Johnston, the Secretary to the Superintendent, a Gentleman of 20 years standing on the Government Services, of high character, and altogether unconnected with the affairs of the Colony, to investigate this matter and to obtain clear proof that, so far as the local officers were concerned,