marked for a trained officer.
The place was
Co
was first offered to [name], who was at one time Chief of Police in British Guiana, but he declined it.
We then wrote to the Home Office; the result was that [name] was rejected due to ill health. Major Browse Knollys was also offered the place and declined it. Further time was lost in communication with the Home Office on the question of whether to offer better terms, outfit, or passage.
It is uncertain whether the Governor should know what has been done. Lord Derby is now able to submit the name of Major A. Carew Hunt, who was Secretary to the Sanitary Commission at Gibraltar on £300 per annum, plus £225. His office has been abolished, and he has been on half-pay for 3 months.
His claim is not very strong, but I think this is a case where the Hong Kong place, if he is appointed, will be a suitable position for the salary of £600 per annum. The fact that a passage allowance is given is a great stumbling block in the way of candidates. The appointment was next offered to Capt. Barrow, but he could not afford to take it.
A dispatch should, I think, be written at once to the above effect. Possibly we shall have a great advance; the salary is $3360, or about £600 per quarter. But on the other hand, he will not be put to any great expense for the removal of himself and his family.
As my earlier minute shows, we have had great difficulty in getting anyone to take the place. Lord Napier of Magdala wrote (see his letter with minutes) that he cannot speak of [name] from personal knowledge of his work, but thinks his testimonials are very strong; and Sir J. Adye...
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