Opinion be given preferential claim.
Page 438
I agree generally with the views contained in your despatch. I will not at present attempt any criticism of the details; I will mainly point out that where professional qualifications are considered necessary for certain offices, all possible encouragement should be given to cadets to attain them, as it is desirable to avoid, as far as may be, the necessity of introducing officers from outside into the Service. And on each occasion of one of the higher appointments in the Service falling vacant, the salary should be carefully considered with a view to securing greater...