§ MR. BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the Chief Justice of Trinidad happens to be, for the time, the only one of the three Judges of the High Court present in Trinidad; whether the Chief Justice gives daily audience, in his Chambers, to from 20 to 40 persons coming to him for advice in regard to grievances and difficulties upon which he may ultimately have to adjudicate in Court; whether a majority of the persons seeking audience are intending litigants; whether he is aware of dissatisfaction being manifested in Trinidad at this action of the Chief Justice; and, whether such action is customary, or has the approval of the Secretary of State?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)Yes; but I may add that it is now vacation time, and that there are at present only two Judges of the High Court, although the appointment of a third Judge has been decided upon, and will shortly be made. I am informed that some statements to this effect have appeared in a Trinidad newspaper; but I have no official information on the subject. I am not aware of such action on the part of the Chief Justice, or of dissatisfaction having been manifested; but I will cause inquiry to be made. Such action on the part of a Judge is not customary, and would not have the approval of the Secretary of State.