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waste of the time of the Government officers appearing before it, that would occur if the Committee were a large one, not, I think, exceed five in its members should number. Assuming Your Lordship concurs in this view, I would further suggest that the five members should be the five Unofficial members of the Legislative Council. They are naturally designated for appointment under the circumstances, and while it would be inconvenient to add to their number, it would be invidious to omit any of them. I cannot answer for their all being willing to serve, but I think that when it is seen that their serving presents the only possibility of obtaining a Retrenchment Committee in Hongkong, they will not refuse - notwithstanding that Mr Keswick asked to be excused from serving on the
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