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before the Council that he might like to make in addition to his written defence.
Mr
The Honourable J. M. Price expresses the opinion that Mr Gibbons is guilty of insubordination but adds that he is not prepared at the moment to recommend suspension. The Honourable The Attorney General states that, instead of voting on that question, he would suggest that the question should be put in the terms of the Royal Instructions viz: whether or not the Council assented to suspension.
To that suggestion His Excellency, The Governor agrees, and after lengthy discussion and mature deliberation the majority of the Council appeared to be of opinion that they would be prepared to assent to the suspension of Mr Gibbons, if he were given an opportunity of resigning and refused to resign.
But before finally deciding, it was Resolved that the following letter be sent to Mr. Gibbons by the Acting Colonial Secretary.
No. 1792
Sir,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 16th December 1880.
Before finally deciding on your