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to, and is well calculated I think to have that effect. Having regard to the large class of cases arising out of pilfering and petty depredations committed by the innumerable vagabonds and thieves that swarm to the Colony from the Mainland, I think the power of interrogating prisoners can be most usefully entrusted to our Police Magistrates, and I am unable to anticipate any injury to the cause of justice likely to arise from its exercise. I cannot doubt that the utility of the law would be vastly impaired by rejecting this particular provision.
Measure Sections III and IV provide that the prisoner's answers when given shall be treated as evidence in the cause. This I think is obviously just.
The Ordinance also contains a clause suspending its operation until Her Majesty's pleasure is known. I am of opinion, that the Royal assent may with propriety be given to this Ordinance.
(Signed.) Thos (Hayllar, Acting Attorney General)
(Signed.) W. M. Deane, April 8th 1872 Acting Colonial Secretary.