328
the
opinion be sufficient. On reference to my correspondence with ... I addressed a Confidential Despatch to him on the 4th instant, stating that on the facts stated: I should observe that on allowing lodging money to Government Officers in Hong Kong. To that Despatch
I have received no answer and as I should be unwilling to decide on the allowance to Mellarton until ... correlated cases and differing from that of ... other officials in the Colony. Thorlton's for the present coming under any conclusion upon it. But as you are of opinion that under any circumstances allowance is twice as much as necessary you will have the goodness to inform Mr. Stanton that even if I should hereafter feel justified in allowing him a lodging allowance, I should not be able to sanction a greater amount.
I allow $50 a month, and that according to you, he should at once refund the excess which he has received beyond that amount, and not draw more than that amount for the future.
Shaver