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Se bender has a thorough knowledge of the practical routine of the Prison administration, having served in it since 1873, and his long residential service of 17 years in this Colony has given him exceptional opportunities of studying the Chinese criminal classes, a qualification essential, in my opinion, to the office he holds. He also possesses, in a marked degree, the faculty of exercising control over the Chinese superintendents and subordinate staff, enabling them to carry out their duties without the intervention of a European superior.
From what I know of Mr. Bender, and from what I have seen of his work, I have invariably found him punctual and active in the discharge of his duties, a man of ready resource, thoroughly loyal to the Superintendent, and while maintaining strict discipline among his junior officers, securing their respect and support.
As regards sobriety, he is above suspicion. Previous to his arrival in Hong Kong seventeen years ago, Mr. Bender was employed in the Chinese Expedition under Captain Hay and Stone; in the Mercantile Marine; as a sergeant in the Police in Mauritius; and in the Hong Kong Naval Yard and Colonial Police, the discharges from these services being of a satisfactory nature.