No. 46

With reference to my despatch No. 24 of the 11th January,
I have the honor to report that Mr Needham still continues
to act as a Judge of the Supreme Court of this Colony in Civil
Cases though possessing no other commission than that under
the hand of the late Governor, Mr Kennedy appointing him Chief
Justice "of the Colony of Vancouver Island." I do not in any
way interfere with his proceedings in Civil Cases, and pay his
Salary although I do not believe him to be a Judge of the
Colony at all, much less its Chief Justice.

2. I recently however appointed Mr Needham a Commisioner
of Oyer and Terminer of British Columbia for the delivery
of the Gaol at Victoria.