"So, what, and in whose favour? Is the Appraiser or Registrar justified in charging Fees in small Intestate Estates? See Note under Ecclesiastical Fees, Rule generalised as above. Do Bailiff's Fees go to Sheriff, Bailiff, or the Colonial Treasury?
Treasury 9.
One of the gentlemen, the Editor of the most extensively circulated Newspaper in the Colony, who had been most constant in his complaints of abuses in levying fees, was specially requested to attend and give evidence; but he refused to do so, objecting to the Constitution of the Commission.
10. But, that among the Subordinate Servants of the Government, not being Europeans, many abuses exist, and that bribes, pressure, and irregular fees are taken, there is but too much reason to fear. The communication between the higher functionaries and their dependents is, from ignorance of the language, and remoteness of position, so infrequent, that it is exceedingly difficult to obtain sufficient proof of existing irregularities, or adequate means for their suppression. There is also a universal unwillingness to substantiate charges, from apprehension of consequences. The habits of all Chinamen, and of many of the Oriental races, have been formed in countries where the pure administration of justice is unknown, and bribes, "presents", and fees are exacted and given almost as a matter of course.
11.