doubt Mr Seth's ability
or
the good service which
he has rendered in the
late. I am unable to confirm
I observe from the Blue Book that Mr Alves
the 2nd clerk in the C.-S.O.
has been a
longer time
in the public service, and
it would seem hard he
should miss the promotion
which might reasonably
have
been expected.
3. Before therefore
I can
confirm the arrangements
which you
have made I
shall be glad to have
some explanation of
the
reasons
which
have led
you
on
this occasion
to
pass over
273
the clerks in the
Colonial Secretary's office
for an appointment which they may reasonably
have
regarded
as
a
prize for
good service.