176 NEWFOUNDLAND.

bers from the out harbours to come to, and remain at St John’s, during the sitting of an assembly; that efficient members, who were permanent residents, could not be found in the island ; and, consequently, that giving it a representative constitution, would be premature and unnecessary.

There is no doubt but that the internal improve- ment of the colony would be promoted, and that matters of local utility would be better directed than at present, by the acts of a legislative government. The question is, whether the great business of the colony, that which makes it important to Great Britain —-the fisheries, would also, at the same time, prosper; and, whether directing the attention of the inhabitants to the cultivation of the soil, would not be injurious to the fisheries. From all I have observed in Nova Scotia, and in the district of Gaspe’, I certainly believe that Newfoundland is not only quite as much entitled to a legislative government as the other colonies, but that the fisheries would in consequence be rather supported than depressed.

The supreme court of judicature, as now constitu- ted, has a chief justice and two assistant justices. It has criminal and civil jurisdiction, and is also a court of record. It holds plea of all crimes and misde- meanors committed within the island of Newfound- land, the coast of Labrador, and dependent islands, agreeably to the laws and practice of England, and the acts of Parliament for regulating judicial pro- ceedings in Newfoundland. It also holds plea for the recovery of debts due by persons residing, or