In despatch N. 12 of 9th January 1856 Sir John Bowring advocated the appointment of a member of the Bar to the chief Magistracy in order that he might succeed to the Bench in the absence of the Chief Justice, for the Attorney General would naturally be disqualified to a great extent by his interest in all pending business Criminal and civil and would moreover be disinclined to leave to rival practitioners the large field of emolument at the Bar.
In accordance with this (a thoroughly sound one) Mr. Davies was nominated on the transfer of the late W. Hilliar.
I am sorry to say that on a recent occasion Sir John Bowring did not carry out the plan urged by himself, although in the Executive Council I strongly advised its enforcement as will be seen on reference to the minutes of that Body. I believe however that Sir John had not altered his opinion of the general principle.
If there be any Office in the Colony which ought, more than another, to require high character, it is that of a Magistrate. He need not be ...