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charges imputing motives unless the evidence is fully brought together and considered. Here, the opinion is that as you have made a specific allegation as follows, "Mr Ford's Report is otherwise," any one might raise a case of motive and leave it to the Secretary of State to search out the evidence on either side.
It is expedient, the Major General remarks, that Mr Price ought either to substantiate the charge or withdraw it. It is thereupon resolved that the following letter be addressed to the Secretary to Mr Price:-
Sir,
By the Acting Colonial Secretary,
With reference to your application for leave on the 22nd instant, I am to inform you that it was submitted to the Executive Council by His Excellency the Governor, and that the Council advert to your letter of October 1879, which appeared in the Government Gazette of the 31st July 1880, officially printed. During that period, you had incurred the Governor's displeasure, which culminated at an Executive Council meeting [on the 28th of Nov. 1880] respecting the formation of a Sanitary Department. The Council are of the opinion that you should either substantiate the allegation or withdraw it, before you leave the Colony.
(signed) J. Stewart.
Acting Colonial Secretary