temporary reception into the
Service.
In a
colony like this with limited surface and society the effects of associating unfit men to the Public service must be and are detrimental to the Government, and I shall not be
doing my duty if I do not advise His Excellency strongly against the introduction of Mr. Bevan to the confidential Government office for which application is
now made on his behalf. (Signed) W. J. Mercer, Colonial Secretary.
Colonial Secretary's office, Victoria, Hongkong,
19th June, 1856.
(True Copy)
Colonial Secretary
(Copy.
No 404.
Sir,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Victoria, Hongkong,
20th June 1856.
I have laid your letter of ultimatum before His Excellency The Governor,
and am directed to reply that His Excellency has received no intimation of Mr. Hotters' resignation of the Judgeship, and is therefore unable to consider that office vacant.
As directed in Despatch of 6th October 1848, from the Colonial Office, His Excellency will report your intended nomination of Mr. Bevan to the Secretary of State, but regrets that it will be out of his power to recommend the confirmation of the appointment.
The Honorable The Chief Justice.