than twenty years, and subject to the Queen's confirmation appointed Phineas Ryrie, Esquire, to fill the seat vacated by Mr Dent.
I have provisionally
V
Met is & his Ryrie is Chairman of
the Chamber of Commerce and the resident head of the old established Firm of Turner & Co. whilst from his position and China experience, he seems in all respects
suitable selection.
I have also to report that Mr Gibbs recently applied for leave of absence for a year which
I have
253
granted to him from this date and I have appointed provisionally Mr Francis Parry, resident head of the Firm of Shirley Bros and a gentleman of good Commercial Standing and large experience, to fill Mr Gibbs' post during his absence.
4.
As Mr Ball is at present acting Attorney General whilst he personally fills under the Queen's Instructions the first place amongst the Non-official Members, the number of the Council may be considered practically reduced by one, because