573
This case. First whether the Ava was legally arrested, and secondly whether the conduct of the Officers of the Vice Admiralty Court, of the Superintendent of Police and of the Acting Attorney General is open to censure. I desired to give them full consideration before expressing any opinion on the subject.
Some little delay has, therefore, unavoidably occurred in replying to your Despatch of the 9th May. I have submitted it to the Lords of the Admiralty and by them to Mr. Rothery, the Registrar of the High Court of Admiralty, who from long experience is thoroughly acquainted with the practice and procedure in cases similar to that now under consideration.
Mr. Rothery reported very fully upon the whole subject, and I transmit, for your information and guidance, a copy of that Report.
31 July 1872.. (In Adu: 7833)
I can insert there, with reference to Mr. Rothery, as they will give greater weight to his recent supervision of the conduct of the officials.