A STUDY IN LEGAL ADMINISTRATION AND RECORDS SHARON ...

As the years progressed and court business increased, the secretariat was
enlarged. In 1882, for example, the roster of court employees included a
prothonotary, deputy prothonotary, two court stenographers, three clerks. a
master in chancery, and an Equity records keeper?
A position unique to Equity side of Queen's Bench was that of "master in
equity." Frequently. this position, too. overlapped with others. The act of 1880
wnsidered Equity side at length and stated:
The Lieutenant-Governor in Council may from time to
time appoint, during pleasure, one Master in Equity
for the Province of Manitoba, one accauntant, one
referee in chambers (al1 of which offices may be held
by one person) .... 87
The act explained the nature of the referee in chamber's responsibilities. These
were quasi-judicial and, with certain exceptions, could be administered with the
same authority as that of a judge sitting in chambers. The referee was em-
powered to administer oaths, take affidavits, receive affirmations, and examine
parties and witnesses. He wuld also make judicial decisions and issue orders.
Daniel Carey, the province's first prothonotary, arrived in Winnipeg in
1872 and was named to his position the following year." He had studied law in
Quebec and was bilingual. Thus, when it was necessary, Carey acted as court
interpreter. He bore the burden of court administration alone until 1875 when an
assistant was assigned to the prothonotary's office. Two years later two more
assistants joined the staff." Ouring his tenure Carey was instrumental in the
preparation of the first law reports to be published in the province. Written to