It would be expected to do would, I consider, certainly be of equal importance. 10. I believe that in some cases of this nature, an offer has been left by one of the Home Departments to a Colony for a few years. It might be considered advisable to pursue that course in the present instance, and to engage him permanently at the expiration of that period, if it then appeared desirable to do so, and if the Officer, on his part, were anxious to remain.
I may mention that, before leaving the Colony, I consulted the Governor generally on the subject, and understood him to concur in my views.
I believe I am correct in stating that the Committee of the Legislative Council, which recently sat to consider the question of raising the salaries of the Public Servants, expressed itself in favour of the employment of an Englishman in the post under consideration as soon as opportunity offered.
I have the honour to be,
Norman G. Mitchell-Innes,
Treasurer of Hong Kong.
See Enc. 24
//23/
DRAFT.
Hongkong
10. Sir W. Robinson
Mr. Lucas
Mr. Fairfield.
Mr. Wingfield.
Mr. Bramston.
Mr. Meade.
Baron de Worms.
Lord Knutsford.
27 May
2 drafts
No. 156
12821
Lee 14216
628 cor June 92.
With ref. to your letter of 3rd May 1892:
I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter from Mr. Mitchell-Innes, suggesting that the post of first clerk in the Colonial Treasury should be filled by an Englishman, and that someone should be selected in this country for the post.
I should be glad to have an expression of your views upon this recommendation, but I may add that, unless you concur in Mr. Mitchell-Innes' views, I shall be disposed to...