0.0 P Y.
Enclosure No. 2 to Despatch No. 22 of the
2nd July, 1902.
Supreme Court,
Hongkong, June 10th, 1902.
521
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the enclosed minute addressed to me by the Registrar of the Supreme Court, with regard to the vacant office of Deputy Registrar and Accountant.
2. I quite concur in his views that it is most desirable that the post should be filled up without delay.
3. It is not satisfactory to have the duties of the office parcelled out, as at present, among the various clerks in the Registry.
4. The qualifications for such an appointment are a fair acquaintance with law, especially the law and practice of the Supreme Court, and a knowledge of Book-keeping. Though some knowledge of Chinese is an advantage, it does not compare in importance with the experience acquired in legal practice by a man who has served his articles with a Solicitor at home.
5. Mr. Seth, the other Deputy Registrar and Appraiser, is not in such good health as he used to be and if we should lose his really valuable services I am afraid great difficulties would arise with regard to the important work of the Registry of the Supreme Court.
6. It is desirable that any candidate should understand that he would be expected to remain for some years in the post, as it is only by experience that a proper knowledge of his work can be obtained; and when accounts of moneys in trust estates and suits lasting often for years, have to be kept, it is desirable that the officer responsible should have some acquaintance with the history of the proceedings connected with them.
7. I have, therefore, the honour to recommend that the Secretary of State should be asked to send out some suitable Officer from home and that there should be no further delay in making the appointment.
His Excellency
Major-General Sir W.J. Gascoigne,
K.C.M.G., Administering the Government.
I have etc.,
(Sgd.) W. Meigh Goodman,
Chief Justice.