176 NEWFOUNDLAND . bers from the out harbours to come to, and remain at 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 ¬ 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