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2. From the telegraphic reply to my "Confidential despatch" of July 31st,
I, in common with others (as will be seen from my public despatch No. 268), inferred that your Lordship had approved the proposal submitted by me in the following terms:
"The six weeks vacation allowed in other Colonies, has, owing to the peculiarly trying character of this climate, been extended at Hongkong to two months in the case of the Government Officers. I submit that it would be just to extend this indulgence to the Governor also, on the understanding that he will not be absent from his post at all, if the state of public business should require his presence at Hongkong; or for a longer period than six weeks, unless public business, such as a conference with the British Minister at Peking, or the state of his health, should render that course expedient."
3. I would observe that the climate during the hot season at Hongkong is more trying to English