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I believe appointed by the Governor, under Ordinance No 6 of 1845 repeated and reenacted by Ordinance No 12 of 1873.
I believe that Mr. Rogario is the oldest public officer in the Colony. He was Interpreter to St.13. in forces when no other Interpreters could be had. He has received the China medal. He is zealous and honest. He has been Interpreter in the Supreme Court since 1855 and his salary has been raised to £350 a year, not half the salary sufficient for an Interpreter even in one language.
But he interprets some seven or eight languages, all with more or less accuracy. He cannot interpret the written language of China and when documents are put in evidence, one of two Chinese Clerks in the Office (both sworn Interpreters to the court but not appointed under the Ordinance) is called in to read the Chinese Character to him, and so the evidence is obtained.
Mr. Rozario is unable to express himself in correct English. To me that is practically less important as it enables me to understand him; but the defect strikes the general public.
Mr. Rozario excepted, there is no staff of Interpreters in connection with the Supreme Court.