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not be expected to make any sacrifice of his practice
except on receiving half of his salary on becoming acting Chief Justice, but I submit that the whole of that absence should be counted as vacation leave.
I now respectfully ask for leave of absence as sick leave for ten months from not earlier than the 25th of January next. I could not at an earlier date without injury to my health finish all my various arrangements for leaving Hong Kong, which I cannot conceal from myself may be for ever.
I have...
(Signed) John Smale, Chief Justice.
True Copy,
Colonial Secretary.