CONFIDENTIAL
Hongkong, April 25
My Lord,
Government House, Hongkong, 23rd June, 1909.
With reference to paragraph 3 of Your Lordship's Confidential Despatch of the 3rd ultimo, I have the honour to enclose copy of a letter from the Puisne Judge, of whom I enquired whether the appointment of the Senior Police Magistrate of the Colony to sit as an Appeal Judge would be feasible, and to suggest for Your Lordship's favourable consideration that legal power should be taken by this Government to appoint from time to time as a temporary member of the Appeal Court such person as the Governor may think qualified to fill the position.
I did not ask the opinion of His Honour the Chief Justice on this suggestion since it is already contained in his letter of February 29th, 1908, which formed the 7th enclosure to my Despatch Confidential of 7th April, 1908. The proposal had been made by Mr. Sercombe Smith who had a long experience as Puisne Judge in this Colony, and was characterised by His Honour in the letter referred to as "grotesque".
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It is quite clear that Sir F. Piggott actively mischief-makers and will develop a grievance (he is good at that) when he is not given notice. Moreover, the warning man in disgrace will induce him to resign. R.E.S. 4/8. Sin I Hopwood WBL 4/8 Send copy to P.O. explaining that the proposal to appoint the Senior Police Magistrate to the Court of Appeal is being given careful consideration.
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that the bare proposition is that the Shanghai Judge has that camera face bringing view of 878 he 7.0. to agree. What this ford few hush this the free may be revived saily in 1912 no he double kind die. Piggott Service with not be retained after 9 60.
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proposed by (1390), Wt, 20024-28, 6000, 11/08, A, & E, WS J. Hepword (8327). 1081-7. 6000. 4/09. 21. VIII despalet 10.9 active)
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
THE EARL OF CREWE,
C. &C. &C.
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C.O. 24978 539
RECD 26 JUL 09
Government House,
Hongkong, 23rd June, 1909.
CONFIDENTIAL