years, including the studying and qualifying in a native language both written and colloquial,— in publishing works of public utility, several of which are now considered standard authorities on the subjects with which they treat.
In regard to those of my works dealing strictly with the Colonies, I beg leave to mention particularly my Reports of Straits Settlements Cases covering a period of over one hundred years, long ago out of print, and which are, I am informed, still almost daily quoted in the Courts of the Straits Settlements and which, apart from having been embodied by various authors and others as authoritative, have been quoted in England and are also known in Ceylon and in India. My other works published in the Straits Settlements and in Hongkong, as evidence of my labours, also equally speak for themselves and are public property.
5. I therefore crave for a consideration of my position after thirty years' faithful and devoted service. In one respect I have practically held the position of Registrar for upwards of twenty years. A late Governor of the Straits Settlements, Sir Frederick Weld, when writing upon myself and services many years ago, as may be seen from the several records in testimony of my services, and from which I now take the liberty of quoting, expressed himself as follows: - "I have every reason to believe that this gentleman, who is a painstaking and indefatigable officer, will efficiently perform the duties required of him. During his previous administration of the Department he made many improvements in the Registry."
6. This one acknowledgment alone of my services in another Colony, by the Sovereign's representative so far back as in 1882, I believe stands as good now as regards this Colony, and will prove, I most respectfully beg to state, equally as good in any higher position which it may please you to confer upon me by way of advancement.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
IW Norton
Registrar of the Supreme Court,
Land Officer, Official Administrator and Registrar of Companies.