67.
Portuguese and Spanish Interpreters
With regard to the Chinese Interpreters, we have thoroughly competent Sub-Inspectors, in all the dialects mentioned, and I do not see that a better one is readily obtainable or desired. Such Interpreters when serving are not only able but honest.
In Portuguese and Spanish, the Interpreting is carried out by the Assistant Usher. This duty has been performed for many years, and although the Class of persons filling this post are not well educated, they are sufficiently so, in both English and Portuguese or Spanish, to suit the Class of cases and witnesses coming before this Court.
68.
With regard to the Indian languages, almost all natives of India, the Straits Settlements coming to this Colony speak Hindustani or Malay, and these languages are interpreted by a Police Constable, seconded from the Police Force and receiving more than his Police pay from the amount on the Estimates (viz: $35 a month) for interpretation in Hindustani and Malay languages.
I consider it desirable that a competent Interpreter and translator in the Hindustani, Guzrati and Malay languages should be provided.