§ Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are made for the administration of justice in the Cocos Islands; and what officers are responsible for law and order there?
Mr. M. MacDonaldJustice is administered locally in the Cocos Islands by Headmen and Elders, who decide cases by a majority vote; and a person accused may appeal, if dissatisfied, to Mr. Clunies Ross, who holds from His Majesty's Government the grant of the land in all the islands in the group. A Government officer from Christmas Island is sent to the islands periodically, and reports to the Governor of the Straits Settlements.