§ MR. WHITEHEAD (Essex, S.E.)To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the reason for the prolonged delay in appointing a British judge of the Land Court constituted under the New Hebrides Convention; and whether, having regard to the fact that a French judge was appointed some months ago, and is already on the spot and becoming acquainted with the details 1225 of the case from the French point of view, an early appointment can be made in the interests of British settlers and British claims.
(Answered by Colonel Seely.) There has been some difficulty in finding a candidate with suitable qualifications for this post, and more than one gentleman who has been recommended, and thought likely to accept it, has declined it for personal reasons. But is it hoped that an appointment will be made some time before the court buildings are ready, which will probably not be before the end of the year. I understand that it is not the case that the French judge has been appointed, and is already in the New Hebrides.