The Governor has strong grounds for doing so on perusal of the evidence as well as the Magistrate who has seen and heard the witnesses for the prosecution and defence. What is required for this is that such a good and satisfactory prima facie case be made out against the prisoner on account of the crime with which he is charged as would justify his committal for trial, in any Magisterial Court in England.
This, I take it, is what is required by the Home Government and the Magistrates are therefore desired to follow these instructions.
(Signed) W. G. Cameron,
10/9/897.
Page 330
Minutes by the Acting Attorney General
I have considered this subject as I had intended alluding to it in a letter of my purpose. In a certain writing respecting remarks of Mr. Mitchell Smith, I would submit the following sentence for insertion after the word England.
"If therefore the Magistrate should find such a prima facie case duly made out it is his duty to commit and his decision will not be reviewed unless strong grounds exist for authorizing any interference with it."
(Signed) J. Ackroyd,
10.9.87.