I am directed to point out that Pensioner Laughton's having been only 1/1 as stated in the minute is not necessarily a proof of unsatisfactory conduct, for the amount of his pension would depend on how long he was a Sergeant and there are other causes than misconduct for men not getting promotion, the want of vacancies for instance.
Since his discharge Pensioner Laughton had got good characters from situations of trust which he had held. If we had not thought he would have turned out well we should not have submitted him to you for approval for the post. We can only do our best.
I take this opportunity of expressing the Council's great regret that Pensioner Michael Ryan should have drunk so hard and have committed suicide. In your letter of 9th August 1892 asking for a man to succeed him you merely said "that you regretted to inform me that he had since died" probably you did not know the particulars. Since then his widow came and told me. Sincerely regretting how badly these two men have turned out,
I am,
E.P. Newman.
Lt Col.
Sec.