CO129-347 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [4-6] — Page 35

33

8.

I feel myself insufficiently

C

familiar with the work of the Courts here to form an

original opinion on this point, and indeed I doubt whether

any one not actually engaged in the Courts could properly

do so. I have asked the views of the Attorney-General, and

I gather that he does not consider that a Third Judge is

necessary to relieve the pressure of work, but he considers

a Third Appellate Judge exceedingly necessary. The Crown

Solicitor took the same view. He expressed the view that

the Puisne Judge could well take Bankruptcy cases on

Thursdays and many Session cases. I have also spoken on

the subject to the two leaders of the Bar here. The Honour-

-able Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., did not express any very

strong opinion (except on the question of the Appellate

Court) and I gather that he considers that a Third Judge

is not an absolute necessity at present. Mr. M. W. Slade

on the other hand thought that though the work of the

Court could be carried on after a fashion as at present,

the delay in appointing a Third Judge would involve

serious risk and would create "almost a scandal" if the

Chief Justice's health broke down since it would be

extremely difficult to adequately fill his place even

temporarily in the absence of Mr. Wise. He emphatically

negatived