to.
25
paint which could only be ascertained from the Judge's Notes. I evidently thought it desirable that the Attorney General should give his opinion for my guidance as to whether Mr Deane could be directed to deliver the paper.
8. The Attorney General (Mr Pauncefote) seems to have held the same view - and was anxious to explain that the sending of the report "be delayed on my account." On the same day, the Colonial Secretary sent him the Attorney General's opinion above mentioned and returned him his own letter as the best means of acquainting him with the point. His opinion, however, seems not to have been forwarded at once and on the 24th February the Chief Justice made further communication, repeating his request and at the same time acknowledging the justice of my not forwarding the report without affording him an opportunity of explaining. He winds up by saying such informal modes of communication show how little idea was entertained in my office that the Chief Justice could take umbrage at the action of the Executive, or that he was otherwise than gratified at my giving him an opportunity of explaining how far Mr. Deane's statement was correct.