Enclosure. 2.
3.0.
1908181
100 931
A Petition presented by Wong Shing, Leung Pui-chi, Lau Wai-chun, Chan Shiu-ki and by members of all classes of the community in Hong Kong stating that owing to the feelings of respect and honour which all entertain towards the Colonial Treasurer, Mr. Mitchell-Innes, his retention in Government employment in Hong Kong would meet with general approval and praying that this may be permitted.
Your petitioners have learnt from the Government Gazette that Mr. Mitchell-Innes has been found to blame for the embezzlement of Government money by the clerk Alves and is therefore to be transferred to a lower post and fined.
They have a very great regard for Mr. Mitchell-Innes and cannot endure the thought of his removal. They have therefore united in humbly presenting this petition in which they pray that a light sentence may be awarded and give a brief account of the kindnesses which they have received at his hands. Whether this is right or not, they ask for pardon on his behalf. Petitioners recall the facts that in 1884 Mr. Mitchell-Innes passed with great credit his final examination in Chinese, and was appointed forthwith to the post of Registrar General, whence he was transferred to the Magistracy and afterwards was appointed Acting Superintendent of the Gaol. After again acting as Registrar General he was promoted to be Colonial Treasurer. They remember that when he was Acting Superintendent of the Gaol he suppressed successfully a mutiny among the prisoners, and that in his capacity