(NON CONFIDENTIAL)
I wrote to Mr. Orange in the morning, apprising him that, by the Colonial Office Rules, public officers were prohibited from engaging in trade or commercial undertakings. I informed him to sever his connection with the Brick and Cement Company. Later during the day, I saw Mr. Orange at the office, and he informed me that he had complied with my instructions and severed his connection with the Company. This statement was subsequently confirmed by Messrs. Notton & Deacon, Solicitors to the Company.
After I had written my letter to Mr. Orange, I received a letter from the Colonial Secretary, calling my attention to the same newspaper report which had attracted my notice and referring to the Colonial Office Regulation above referred to.
In reply, I was able to inform Mr. Stewart that I had already taken action in the matter.
Subsequently, Mr. Orange enquired of me if there was any Government objection to his giving advice to his father, the chief promoter of the Company, on the suitability of local clays in the manufacture of bricks or cement, provided that the advice was not given in exchange for any fee or remuneration. To this, I saw no objection at all, and told him he could not be prevented by any rule from helping his friends by advice if he chose to do so. I went further and told him that, if his scientific knowledge could in any way promote the prosperity of the Colony by helping to develop fresh industries, he would be doing a public-spirited thing in giving promoters the benefit of his views.
Subsequently, Mr. Orange had...