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properly triable by a Judge alone: I would, however
suggest that this should be left to the good sense of the
parties themselves, who can no doubt mutually arrange the
mode of trial.
10.
The desired amendment is calculated
to allay the feeling of unrest to which the request of
the Chamber of Commerce and the recommendation of the
Hongkong Law Society give expression on behalf of the
general public: and the amendment if sanctioned by Your
Lordship will place His Majesty's subjects in Hongkong
upon an equal footing with His Majesty's subjects in
Shanghai who possess the right with respect to trial by
Jury which those in Hongkong ask should be restored to them.
The conditions in Hongkong and in Shanghai are identical,
for in each place there is a Court consisting of but two
Judges, and there would seem to be little if anything to
distinguish the case of the suitor in Hongkong from that
of the suitor in Shanghai in respect to a right to trial
by a Jury of questions of fact.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
humble servant.
Cecil Clementi
Governor, Hongkong