The question always been are the witnesses speaking the truth or merely repeating a story which they learnt? The Magistrate in a case should decide this and this decision should be final - whereas at present when the evidence is doubtful and unsatisfactory the Magistrate thinks himself justified in committing, leaving it to the Council to hand it to the Governor in Council or to a Court of Review to discharge the accused or to discharge him. For these reasons I would suggest that the question of rendition should be reconsidered.
I to J. Ackroyd
Actg Attorney
28th Sept 1889
DRAFT,
Breign
Mr. Pearson 24 Dec.
Mr. Wingfield.
Mr. Bramston.
Mr. Meade.
Sir R. Herbert.
Lord Onslow.
248
Sir H. T. Holland.
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I am directed by Sir H. Holland to transmit to you, to be laid before the Lord for Legge Affairs, the accompanying copy of a dispatch from the Governor of Hong Kong, with a request for which the return is requested, calling Oct.