238A
Wodehouse in my despatch n. 40 of the 24th April ultimo, I stated that I had made that nomination "subject" to Your Lordship's confirmation. The Attorney-General at the time pointed out that this phrase was mere surplusage, for the duty of nomination was imposed on the Governor by a Statute which cannot be overridden by Regulations, not having the force of law, issued by Department; and that, therefore, the appointment of Mr. Wodehouse did not require confirmation. But I simply intended to show that I had no wish to exercise personally this petty piece of patronage, and that I desired to act with Your Lordship's approval in this as in more important matters.
8
If, however, it should be decided that the control of the Fire Brigade, as of the other branches of the local administration, is henceforth to be practically exercised by Colonial Department in Downing Street, it will, of course, become my duty to propose to the Legislature of Hongkong the repeal of the Ordinance which now vests