Enclosure 5,
C.O.
15922
Per 18 SEP 93!
Hon: T. H. Whitehead to Captain Sterling, A. D. C.
Dear Sir,
Hong-Kong 29th July 1893.
414
Before replying to your note of yesterday afternoon may I venture to suggest for the consideration of His Excellency the grave inconveniences attending the working of a Committee of four. Frequently the responsibility of giving a casting vote would necessarily be thrown on the Chairman, and I scarcely think he should be placed in such a position. I have not seen the Chief Justice, but I am of opinion he would not like it. May I ask His Excellency if it would not be possible to put on the Committee a lay member: say Mr. Eae, who has considerable interests in Hong-Kong, has had a long experience in the Colony, is a very practical business man, and possessed of a wide knowledge of office work. Such a member would be of great service, and would render vast assistance. Would His Excellency not think it well to ask by wire for authority from the Secretary of State to put some lay member on the Commission, though I think it is unnecessary to do so.
I remain &c.,
Captain J.T. Sterling,
A. D. C.
Government House.
(Signed) T. H. Whitehead,