CO129-334 - Governor Nathan - 1906 [5-7] — Page 162

4

158

attended with great inconvenience to all concerned. But when the

Court is busy, it often as was the case in the summer of 1905

produces what is practically a deadlock.

1 cannot put my view more strongly or more

concisely than this: I think it is the one measure which will

stave off for the present the consideration of the question, often suggested, of the appointment of another Judge to deal with

the Original Jurisdiction of the Court.

1 believe that in most other Colonies it

is customary, as in the counties in England, to hold quarterly assizes; so that even under the new system, should it be adopted,

prisoners will still be tried more quickly than in other places, except London. Fower should however be reserved to the Chief

Justice to appoint a speciel session in urgent cases.

Both Judges should sit; with two Courts

the Sessions would occupy no more than one week, and this coming

once in two months would not seriously interfere with the other business of either of the Civil Courts. 1 am confident that the

change would be welcomed by that part of the community which

serves, or whose servants serve, on the jury.

22nd. January, 1906.

(Sa.) F. T. figgott,

Chief Justice.