M. I
• Melch. (acting Chief Magistrate) who issued the Circular, disapproved the Circular,
inasmuch as Mr. Austin's letter was evidently written with intent to relieve M. Mitchell of the responsibility he incurred in inviting the Magistrate to attend and outvote him, and because the plain result of the Circular would be the illegal dismissal of Cases under the Building Regulations 1887, 1855.
Subsequently to the expression of my disapproval, I found it necessary to cause a circular letter to be written to the Justices (dated 14 November) between the Est. Sec. & Mr. Mit... A: A. 304
which was acknowledged by all save Mr. Liele and Mr. Gray. Mr. Searth was absent in Canton. I directed the Colonial Secretary to call for explanation from Mr. Liele and Gray separately, & most unsatisfactory replies were received from Mr. Liele, dated 19 & 24 November respectively. Mr. Gray refused even acknowledgement of the Colonial Secretary's letter.
It appears that on the 20th November the correspondence with Mr. Mitchell referred to above was irregularly shown to the Justices by the Chief Magistrate, and hence issued-