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and His Excellency, in calling the attention of the magistrates to the ordinance and the case above cited, would suggest that they should restrict their inquiry accordingly, as he is of opinion that to require quasher perof would be acting contrary to the provisions of the Treaty and the clear intention of the late Ordinance.
4. He is glad to add that in explanation of the delay of the Ordinance, more than one of the Solicitors either for the prosecution or defence was engaged elsewhere in cases which were proposed for continuing the enquiry for the same day, and His Excellency is of opinion that the magistrates should fix days for the hearing, should not grant postponements merely for the convenience of the Solicitor, but only on good and sufficient grounds; and, if the lawyers or one of them do not choose to attend, he should proceed with the case without them. His Excellency thinks it not improbable that the Colonial Office, in view of the great delays which have taken place in some of the cases instongkong, may ask the Colonial Office for some explanation of the time which these preliminary inquiries have occupied and of the delays meted with the hearing of the same.
5. Frederick Stewart,
Acting Colonial Secretary.