No. 165

I have the honor to forward to Your Lordship a Letter from Chief
Justice Begbie in which he renews his application for the
appointment of Chief Justice of the Straits Settlements, which
he is informed has now been resigned by Sir Philip Maxwell.

2. It may not be out of place to mention that the promotion of
Mr Begbie as he desires may facilitate some of the official
arrangements consequent upon Confederation. I would suggest to
Your Lordship for consideration, with reference to my Despatch
No 147 of the 17th ultimo, that in the event of Mr Begbie's
removal, Mr Crease may be appointed Chief Justice, and that Mr
Phillippo the Attorney General may then be provided for by
promotion to the vacant Office of Puisne Judge.