of Surf. B. is right led hun before) by stating the following facts. Mr Marsh (in 6909) referred to the Condition of the Fire Brigade, as calling for some improvements, whereupon we asked Sir J. Bowen what improvements he thought "feasible & desirable", and when he proposed to make Superintendent (desp. an 6912).
Mr Marsh also stated that he did not intend to fill the vacant post of the one the Asst Superintendents, appeared to him sufficient, as one Assistant.
Sir G. Bowen (in 9839) reported appointment of Mr. Wodehouse as Superintendent "subject to your Lordships' Confirmation", and Lord Derby replied that he deferred his decision (i.e. his confirmation) till he received the report on the Fire Brigade called for in the desp. (in 6912) and asked meanwhile whether in Sir G. Bowen's opinion Mr. Wodehouse could efficiently perform the duties of the officer of Magistrate, Croner Supt of Fire Brigade especially if there is to be only one Assistant Superintendent.
Mr Marsh had proposed (in 6909) that there should be only one Assistant Superintendent. Sir G. Bowen now sends home Regulations dated December 1882, and accuses Lord Derby of "meddle interference", and says that no changes are required.
(1) Reply to the first four paragraphs of this desp. that the Secy of State is glad to hear such a favourable report, and entirely ignores Mr Marsh's suggested improvements, and also Mr. Marsh's proposal that there should be only one Assistant (the Enclosed Regulations mention two Assistant Supts).
(2) Remind Sir G. Bowen that the Secy of State had not suggested himself any change in the management of the Brigade, but had only asked the Governor, in consequence of the remarks made by Mr. Marsh in his despatch no. 56 of 14th March, whether he thought what improvements he (Gov. B.B.) thought feasible & desirable, and had no intention of interfering with the discretion vested in the Governor by Ord. 4 of 1868; far from relieving the Governor's responsibility.
And add that His Lordship gathers that the Governor does not concur in Mr. Marsh's view that only one Assistant Supt is required, but that he intends to retain two Assistant Supts as heretofore.
As for the appointment of Mr. Wodehouse as Superintendent, remarking that Lord Derby did not in his despatch under reply express the slightest doubt as to Mr. Wodehouse's personal fitness in any respect for the post of Superintendent; but merely, in the face of his request for confirmation...
Page 210
Page 211