CO129-535-5 N.I. Brewer- transcript of trial and evidence 1-1-1929 - 31-12-1931 — Page 95

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verdict of "guilty".

In my opinion, the conviction was

undoubtedly right. The evidence established clearly an

intention to deceive.

It is to be noted that the intent to deceive

found by the jury fell short of any intent to defraud.

I have not been concerned in what has since

transpired. It would seem that the proceedings at the

Middle Temple were exparte. What reasons Mr.Brower may

have advanced against his conviction, it is not known.

Nor have the Benchers of the Middle Temple assigned

reasons for their pronouncement. It is possible that

Mr.Brewer convinced the Benchers that the loans appearing

in the bank's books were bona fide assets. The

Official Liquidator will be able to state the amount

realised from them in the liquidation. Sir Joseph Kemp,

who as Attorney General filed the indictment and also

will have communicated with the Inn, will be returning to

the Colony on the 23rd April and may be able to furnish

to Your Excellency further comments upon this matter.

One of the possibilities in the case is mental

derangement. The Instone Bank was a financial bubble;

and a public danger.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

(sa). J.R.Wood.

Chief Justice.

His Excellency,

Sir William Peel, K.C.M.G.‚K.B. E.,

Governor.