CO129-298 - Governor Sir Blake Administrator Major Gen Gascoigne - 1900 [3-4] — Page 346

345

not true that lawyers Clerks are almost always in atten- dance at trials in the Supreme Court. The reverse in generally the rule. In this connection I would invite attention to Mr. Caldwell's evidence in C.S.0. 2033 of 1887. Mr.Caldwell was an Eurasian and a Soliciter here. He spoke about a third of his mind when he gave evidence. He might have told us very much more, but he has told enough I think to show that it is desirable in the Supreme Court at any rate to have as Chief Interpreter an Englishman of good social standing, and th have the Interpretation in the Magistracy checked either by a Chinese speaking Magistrate or an Interpreter who can

be trusted.

The question now is how can Interpretation and Translation work in this Service be improved,

and except that I consider the Chief Interpreter should

still be an Enhlishman, I agree with the recommendation made

in paragraphs 5 and 10 of the Report.

<

There ought to be an Interpretation Department, and on the whole I consider that the gistrar:

General is the proper office to take charge of it. It

might be possible for the Inspector of Schools to do so,

but that officer will have greatly increased duties soon

an account of the New Territory and in any case for 3

months in the year he is so busy with examinations that

he would no time at all to devote to supervising the

Interpretation Department. Since to make the Registrar-

General Head of the new Interpretation Department would

ara

involve separting the posts of Colonial Secretary and

Registrar General, I would prefer, since I am only acting in both appointments that before any final dicision is

arrived