171
Commerce:
Is there any truth in the Report that the Postmaster General at Singapore is about to be appointed to the Colonial Treasurership, Hongkong, and if so will His Excellency the Governor move the Secretary of State to refrain from making any new appointment until this Council has had an opportunity of considering and reporting on the question whether it is advisable to continue the office on the present footing.
The question was answered in the negative, but looking to the fact that the Unofficial Members have an idea that the principal work of the Treasurer can be more efficiently and economically performed by the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, an idea which I do not share with them. I would certainly venture to suggest, as a matter of policy, that no permanent arrangement should be made for the transfer of the Colonial Treasurer and the filling up of his appointment here, until the Retrenchment Committee, the constitution of which respecting I await your Lordship's instructions, has been appointed and has completed its enquiries etc.
I have the