prescribed, 14 have created a Court of Police Sessions, which is to sit once a week, with the power of adjournment when necessary, and to be composed of the chief Magistrate as Chairman, and any other Magistrate or Magistrates that may choose to take their places in the Bench.
I have also taken measures to ensure that this Court commands the respect and confidence of the Public. I have appointed 10 of the principal Gentlemen of the place to be Magistrates. I have selected one Gentleman from each of the principal Mercantile Firms, and they are entirely independent of Government in every way, and as far as I am able to judge in the circumstances, of character and education.
I have every hope that this Court will in all respects prove beneficial to the Colony, and be entitled to the confidence of the Government and the Inhabitants.
Your Lordship will observe that the Town of Victoria is situated not 600 yards from the Coast of China, and that the Chinese are constantly passing to and fro, many of whom are disreputable characters, and very frequently commit crimes such as I have made cognizable before the Petty Court. There, if not dealt with summarily,
Governor Bonham
Hongkong 24th February, 1849.