when he was quite new to the post, I believe that he has performed his duties in a very satisfactory manner. His appointment to the Gaol has been criticised also on the ground of his youth and inexperience. Mr. Mitchell-Innes is past 27 years of age and has now been in the service for two years, excluding the time that he was studying Chinese as a Cadet. He is an officer of promise, with plenty of resolution of character, and I feel confident that he will maintain the discipline in the Gaol which has been established by General Gordon. In this respect the Executive Council considered that he was more likely to succeed than a Military Officer senior in age to himself who had offered to take charge of the duties of Superintendent whilst General