CO129-566-11 Somerset Fitzroy- comments on legal profession and administration of the law in Hong Kong 2-8-1938 - 2-8-1938 — Page 8

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The Appeal Court here is a difficult matter.

At present you appeal from a decision of the C.J. to it

and it consists of a Puisne Judge and another Colonial

7. Cadit at present the acting A.G. Neither of these have

ever had any practice at the bar, nor have they been

called for any great time. It does not seem ressonable

to submit the decisions of a C.J. to be reviewed in such

a manner.

May I suggest that the Colonial office might

well arrange for Judges from the Straits Settlement and

P.M.. to come up periodically and hear appeals in the

?

Jurisdiction.

It is a matter of policy for H.k. Government

and I put forward my suggestions for what they may be

worth, but a comprehensive scheme for Courts of Appeal

seems to be indicated.

It may not appeal to H.M. Advicers at the

Confidence in Superior Courts must

Colonial Offices

be maintained.

The foregoing observations may or may not be of

interest to you. I have done some 18 years in H.M.

service, Navy, Admiralty "ar Staff, F.0. and Colonial

Governmenta so that I am well aware of what the fate of

this may be.

I have thought it necessary to draw your

attention to the matter.

I have the honour to be,

sir,

Your obedient servant,

(8gd.) SOMERSET FITZROY,