The second question is the alteration of the Criminal Sessions. I have suggested this on previous occasions, as the only way of economising the time of the Court, but it has been disapproved of. On the first occasion the then Governor Sir M. Nathan, submitted the question to the Chamber of Commerce, and the Committee reported unfavourably. But my reasons for making the suggestion were not put before the Committee, and I have since learned that had they been, they would have been in favour of it.
As I have pointed out in my previous letter the creation of the Appeal Court necessitated some alteration in the present system of monthly assize. But if a change is made, the matter must be dealt with thoroughly. Merely to make the Sessions every two months will hamper the Chief Justice by giving him longer sessions every two months.
I have already pointed out that the creation of the Appeal Court will in any circumstances make it more difficult than it is now for the Chief Justice to carry on the Original Jurisdiction work satisfactorily, as it will compress the work he has to do already within a smaller compass of time. This will be met in some measure by a proper scheme of quarterly Assizes being instituted, as I have already suggested in my letter of 29th February, 1908. Two Assize Courts should sit, both Judges sitting apart a week or ten days according to the calendar, for the disposal of the business. The only practical difficulty in the way would be the necessity of providing a second prosecutor. The jury panel should also be increased.
His Excellency
The Governor.
I have etc.,
(Sd.) F. H. Pigott,
Chief Justice.