Many years ago, and being in no way applicable to the actual circumstances of Mr. Morrison's case.
Though I regret that Sir R. MacDonnell should have made an inadequate statement, as he had been informed on which he relied.
The charges against Mr. Morrison were arraigned before the Council and arose from events which occurred subsequent to the date of my predecessor's despatches, and these charges should, when once brought forward, have been pursued to their legitimate conclusion without delay.
I must therefore refrain from expressing any opinion as to the charges brought against Mr. Morrison, and leave the matter to be dealt with by you, as you may consider to be best.
If you are of opinion that the correspondence with Messrs. Cecil Edwards, Smith, and Stewart, exhibits sufficient grounds for charges against Mr. Morrison, and if you are also of opinion that it is really in the interest of the public service that these charges should be brought forward and investigated, then you will proceed against him in accordance with the regulations of the Colonial Service, giving due notice of the nature of the charges.
Even if the charge is proved, it is another question whether, in another Colony, Mr. Morrison might not be employed; and it is based on the mere proceedings that if incompetence or misconduct is alleged against his employment in another Colony, it would not be justifiable; and that the proceedings against him will not be allowed to fall through on the ground of any technicality.
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