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inefficient and of doubtful integrity. I have been closely connected with the Magistracy since 1845 and I unhesitatingly state that men of superior ability have invariably filled the position of 1st Interpreter and although two instances have occurred, wherein Interpreters have been compelled to leave the service, in the only case where the cause of dismissal was deserving of the term "corruption".
Up to the year 1854, a good and able man, Mr. C. B. Stiller was at the Magistracy either as Assistant or Chief Magistrate. He was conversant with the Chinese languages, both speaking and writing it, but to a qualified extent.
I have prepared a nominal Return of the Interpreters who have served at the Magistracy from 1844 to the present time, from which it will be discerned that if success in life is a fair criterion of ability and integrity, the Colonial Service has reason to be satisfied with its Interpreters in this Department.
I desire to mention that the 2nd Clerk (F.W. Sock) speaks and writes Armenian and has oral knowledge of Chinese, Hindustani and some... Portuguese and Malay. The 3rd Clerk (Mr. Parker) speaks Chinese and Portuguese and