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W(B)L SI-7406
"diorophen and
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which,
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telegram No. 8ε4,
Li Hong Kon
he Ċ Sir James) inversid
12st oppo
CL
recommendation for
Sir Ivo's appond lutut.
6. At a subsequent meeting Sir Hugh Norman-
Walker's further assessment (Hong Kong
telegrams Nos. 884 and 885) was considered.
It was evidently his opinion that disruption
would result in the Supreme Court and
Sir Leslie Monson was inclined to think that
adverse reaction could be expected in other than
judicial quarters. Telegram No.884 referred
to Sir Ivo Rigby's "considerable stature in
the Colony" and although this might mean little
more than that he was a well-known character the
implication was that, against the background of
"a settled and accepted expectation of his
appointment
both inside and outside the
Courts", much more was involved.
7. Sir James McPetrie said that there was
little doubt that Sir Ivo Rigby could make a satisfactory
presentable Chief Justice. The risks of
sppointing him remained but had to be balanced
against the turmoil which could evidently be
expected if he were passed over. If the
Governor believed that despite Sir Ivo Rigby's
limitations he had more personal authority than
Mr. Blair-Kerr, and sufficient knowledge of his
own limitations to operate discreetly, then
it would be preferable to promote him.
8. Sir Leslie Monson said that there were
three necessary qualifications to be taken into
account professional ability, quality of
leadership and standing in the community.
On the score of professional ability there
seemed to be no doubt that Mr. Justice
Blair-Kerr would be the better candidate.
But on the score of leadership, and that of
/ standing