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I am not aware of this — Our Mr. Medlin late (W. in the R. E. Dept.) resigned his appointment by permission on obtaining a private appointment out here, but in his resignation forwarded through me, he especially stated that he would pay the expense of the passage of his relief out here, but this was not required by the Home authorities.
Thus to ...
This resignation also gave promotion in the Department; and I speak for the good of the Service when I state that such chances for prizes will naturally raise the standard and encourage the development of the abilities of all candidates for the Civil Branch of the R. E. Dept., and by this means ensuring to H.M. Government, a superior Class of public Servants; and with that view I would afford every facility for material benefit & progress to those reasonably deserving, provided it did not interfere with the due performance of their public duties.
I do not think that in a Colony, or at-home, the system of protection as proposed by Mr. Storey will do public good.
Private practitioners of ability & perseverance will work their way according to their merits; and it will be on their own merits that the Public, who is their employer, would judge — tact and undue protection would be unjust to the Public.
As far as regards the employment of Imperial Servants by the Colonial authorities it appears to be natural that punctual assistance should be afforded whenever necessary as long as it is not detrimental to the service on which the Claim is made.
In fact, Mr. Storey appears to consider that the Colonial government are not to make use of any advantages at their disposal by the temporary loans of Imperial Servants, but are to be obliged to use and pay "private aspirants" at higher rates whether they like it or not.
In any Colony, I consider, as C.R.E., I am bound to afford all assistance in my power through myself or my Department to the Government, whether Imperial or Colonial, consistent with the approval of the Major General or other Officer Commanding; and none of Mr. Storey's remarks give me reason to alter my opinion.
I have the honour to be,
Lir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Hampden Murray
B. C. R. E. in China
P. P. I enclose a more detailed statement of the employment of Clerks of Works R. E. D. by my Head Clerk of Works, who has now been in the Colony for some years. All ...