78.
been officially reported to this Government that Mr Mitchell was well aware of the legal advisers of the Crown as to its exclusion from the power of appeal. If the Acting Chief Magistrate instructed the Justices differently, the responsibility no doubt rests with him.
With reference to the statements that Sir John Bowring had released several of the Justices from any obligation of punctual attendance at Petty Sessions, he has no recollection of having occasion exonerated any gentleman from the discharge of the functions connected with so important an appointment. He has undoubtedly stated that with so large a Bench a routine arrangement for the distribution of Magisterial Duties would make the claims on any Magistrate very little onerous - but he had neither the purpose (nor indeed the power) of conferring an honourable distinction, and of disassociating that distinction from its appropriate responsibilities.
I have, &c.,
(Signed). Lo Almada Castro,
Clerk of Councils.
(Free Copy)
To Colonial Secretary.