Phong trong
*
6 November, 1867.
Mouster of the Mint
(2. W. Ninder)
to
Acting Rodenial Borstory
Acting
1 Hon. Canil lo. Smith,
Reporting referval of
the
M = Davies to pay balance of Tyx prices
to the Manter..
J621
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
HONGKONG, 12th November, 1867. SIR-I am directed by His Excellency the Governor to forward to you copy of a letter received from the Master of the Mint to this office, in which you will perceive that Mr. Kinder presses some very grave charges against you.
His Excellency much regrets that complaint of insubordinate conduct on your part should he again laid before him, as the consequences to yourself may prove serious, because you have already been warned that any future obstrac- tiveness would be considered in connection with with those former instances, wherein you ex- perienced comparative leniency. His Excellency however can no longer permit you to interrupt public business. and give to the Civil Service here an example of disobedience and general insubordination highly predjudicial to the public interests.
I am therefore desired to call on you for such explanations as you may be able to afford of the charges contained in Mr. Kiuder's letter. Those charges may be resolved into the follow. ing:
1-Refusal to obey an order of Mr. Kinder to refund a balance due by you, as shown by your books, and reported by the audit clerk deputed to investigate the case.
2.-Iusubordination and insulting behaviour to the Head of your Department.
3.-Uutruthfulness; 1st in asserting that Mr. Kinder had imputed dishonesty to you, and 2nd, in stating that you had omitted from your account the Pyx Pieces to London, because Mr. Kinder had ordered you not to enter them.
Such is the substance of the present complaint against you by your superior officer, and 1 an to add that if personally unconvinced by, or dissatisfied with, your explanations, His Excel- leney intends to bring the whole case before the Executive Council, with a view to obtain- ing their opinion as to the advisability of sus. pending you from your post of Superintendent of the Bullion Office, till the pleasure of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies be signified.
I have the honour to be, sir,
Your most obedient servant, (Signed) CECIL C. SMITH,
Arting Colonial Secretary.
Changelen Davies, have.
Suferintendent of the Bullion office,
An
Enclosure. N°1 Governor Fir Rishard Greaves Mu Ronnelli Respatch N = 4.08 of 12th Recomber, 1867.
137