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The position and rank of "Chief Justice" does carry with it powers, precedence and status, which are well-known and observed in the Colonial Service, and in the Colony.
The question of precedence between the Chief Justice of Hongkong and the Chief Judge of Shanghai was not raised by me unnecessarily or discourteously. As to the latter, I disclaim all idea of discourtesy to Sir H. de Sausmarez or to any Judge on the Bench. Sir Haviland is a very old friend of mine; and in replying to his letter referred to above, I told him that I knew few men with whom I would more gladly co-operate.
I was however compelled to raise the question as it had been put forward by the Foreign Office in the interests of the Chief Justices of Hongkong and in the Colony; because in the eyes of the suitors, whether English, foreign or Chinese, it would undoubtedly diminish the prestige which the position of Chief Justice gives to the occupant in the Colony. To the Chinese especially it would appear that a slight had been put upon the Chief Justice by allowing a Judge from another part of the world to preside in the Court in which he usually presides. Nevertheless I desired to maintain what I believe to be the...
Para. 7.
Para. 8.
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