CO129-448 - Governor Sir May - 1918 [4-6] — Page 312

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these appeared to be the appropriate proceedings for the Government to institute upon the above very strong prima facie case of fraud and forgery being brought to their notice, and it was the attitude of the Court which practically obliged them to take the course which was adopted subse- quently.

(d). The Criminal proceedings would probably have oc-

cupied a longer time than the continuation of the Civil action and would have involved very heavy costs. It has been estimated that the trial at the Sessions would alone have occupied from 50 to 100 days. This expenditure of time and money was avoided by the continuance of the Civil proceed- ings.

(e). The Chief Justice and the Full Court had in the

9.

winding up proceedings expressed themselves strong -ly on the grave suspicion attaching to the de- fendants' case.

I trust, therefore, that in the circumstances you will give your covering sanction for the expenditure

incurred.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

Governor, &c..