226
College, and I beg to make the following observations.
1. In a Circular issued by His Lordship, dated Street 6th July 1889, and forwarded to this Department, it is stated: "That in future, before any Teacher from one of these Colleges is definitely engaged for service in a Colony, he should repay whatever sum is due to the Imperial Treasury on account of his training."
2. I beg to ask for information with regard to the interpretation of the term "definitely engaged."
I note from paragraph 7 of Mr. Woodcock's agreement that the sum of £96. 18. 4 has been repaid by the Crown Agents for the Colonies to the Imperial Government, and that therefore the interpretation by the Crown Agents of the term "definitely engaged" seems to refer to the three years of probation.
As Mr. Woodcock is only on probation, as set forth in the preamble of the Agreement, I beg most humbly to submit that the term "definitely engaged" should not refer to his three years' probation, but should be interpreted to refer to the time after such probation when he may be placed on the Permanent Civil Service of the Colony, as set forth in paragraph 4 of the Agreement.
I am led to submit this interpretation of the term from the fact that Mr. Woodcock may, after his three years probation, return to England and resume duties as a Teacher, in a manner required by the Educational Department, and thus redeem, by Service, the cost of his training claimed by the Imperial Government, which cost has already been repaid in Sterling.