Secretary.
It should be noticed that no one is recommended.
The post of Registrar General and I presume it would retain the present acting R.G. M. Gerrard who is really in charge of that department. The first choice of host has by a late despatch been offered to M. Stewart. (Su 9-4522)
Reply that Lord Kimberley cannot alter the decision which has been already communicated to the Governor, viz that the Registrar General is, as in times past, to do the duties of Chinese Secretary; that he is also to be Chief Interpreter, in addition to the inspectorship of Schools, and is to organise a Set of interpreters. But that there is to be no such connexion between interpretation in the law courts and the duties of the Chinese office.
The Staff of the Registrar General will probably have to be restored to its old strength when at least the full duties are restored to the office: but M. Stewart will be able hereafter to settle this point. I think to avoid delay, and to ensure that instructions are carried out, it would be well to telegraph.
Your despatch 13 received and considered. Carry out instructions in my despatches 24 and 35. Despatch follows.
C.Pd. 1 April.
He might be just about leaving now. It will be as well to telegraph it.
This matter has already been thought out and it will be put into shape when this is settled, I dare say.
We shall have greater difficulty if he may give trouble in the meantime.
In writing the despatch as...