465
case, and I may add that upon examination it was discovered that the most important Cheungshawan claims were based upon titles absolutely different in kind to those under which the Kowloon Bay claims were put forward, and involved a prolonged study of the numerous intricate laws and regulations relating to reclamations in China.
21.
Again
In the Cheungshawan case I was deeply indebted to the able assistance of Mr. Clementi and in minor degree to Mr. Lau Tsz Fing.
22.
In July and August I was engaged in making preliminary enquiries as to these cases, and from my return from short leave on the 18th September until the close of the evidence on the 8th January, I devoted every moment I could spare to this matter.
23.
In addition to the necessary work out of Court of preparing evidence, studying exhibits, Chinese law and other necessary matters, I attended the Land Court during 49 separate sittings most of which occupied the whole of a morning or afternoon, and spent a long afternoon in Cheungshawan Bay itself.
24.
The claims were supported with the greatest vigour by the claimants, and representatives of most of the firms of Solicitors in the Colony attended the Court on their behalf, the claims were gone into with very great minuteness and care by Mr. Gompertz and the hearing finally resulted in his judgment dated 18th February.
25.
The Government is, I trust, satisfied with the way in which the interests of the Crown were upheld in this case, the judgment being more favourable than I ever even hoped for.
26.
The amount which I should be entitled to charge a private client for my work in the Cheungshawan case would