Note 40 — Memoir

The Civil or Landraad ought to hold its sittings as stated in the Memoir. I am very much surprised to find that this Court is hardly worthy of the name of Court any more, as not a single sitting has been held or any case heard since March 21, 1696. It appears that these sittings were not only neglected during the absence of the Commandeur in Colombo, but even after his return and since his departure for Mallabaar, and it seems that they were not even thought of until my arrival here. This shows fine government indeed, considering also that the election of the double number of members for this College had twice taken place, the members nominated and the list sent to Colombo without a single meeting being held. It seems to me incomprehensible, and as it is necessary that this Court should meet again once every week without fail, the Dessave, as chief in this Commandement when the Commandeur is absent, is entrusted with the duty of seeing that this order is strictly observed. As Your Honours are aware, I set apart a meeting place both for this Court as well as the Court of Justice, namely, the corner house next to the house of the Administrateur Biermans, consisting of one large and one small room, while a roof has been built over the steps. This, though not of much pretension, will quite do, and I consider it unnecessary to build so large a building as proposed either for this Court or for the Scholarchen. The scholarchial meetings can be held in the same place as those of the Consistory, as is done in Colombo and elsewhere, and a large Consistory has been built already for the new church. As it is not necessary now to put up a special building for those assemblies, I need not point out here the errors in the plan proposed, nor need I state how I think such a place should be arranged. I have also been averse to such a building being erected so far outside the Castle and in a corner where no one comes or passes, and I consider it much better if this is done within the Castle. There is a large square adjoining the church, where a whole row of buildings might be put up. It is true that no one may erect new buildings on behalf of the Company without authority and special orders from Batavia. I have to recommend that this order be strictly observed. Whether or not the said foul pool should be filled up I cannot say at present, as it would involve no little labour to do so.