CO129-028 - Bonham - 1849 [1-3] — Page 294

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control over the whole Bland continues to be productive of beneficial results. Crime has decreased considerably. Indeed when the locality of this Stand is borne in mind, the facilities it offers as a refuge for all desperate characters from the mainland, and the nefarious practices in the adjacent waters, it is to be a matter of surprise that the amount of crime is not much greater than the Returns herewith enclosed exhibit; and I consider much credit is due to Mr May for the manner in which the arduous duties of the Police have been conducted.

I beg to forward a letter from that officer, accompanied by two documents, No. 6 and No. D, which fully exhibit the number of persons apprehended during the years 1846, 1847, and 1848, and the manner in which they were disposed of before the Magistrates and the Supreme Court respectively, during the past year.

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By reference to Enclosure No. 8, Your Lordship will see that out of 187 Prisoners tried before the Supreme Court last year, only 41 were convicted. This arises partly from the migratory nature of the population, and the hitherto infrequent holding of the Criminal Sessions. Ordinance No. 1 of 1849, for the speedy disposal of summary offences, before a bench of Magistrates, and already submitted to Your Lordship, will, I have no doubt, (if confirmed), materially tend to remedy this very serious evil.

I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, Your Lordship's, Most Obedient Humble Servant,