Downing Street,
18th February 1887.
423
Sir,
I have the honour to inform you, with reference to your despatch No. 297 of the 30th of December last, that the leave of absence granted to M.C.V. Ladds has been extended, with salary, half salary, for 7½ months from the 17th of March next, on the conditions specified in the enclosed copy of letter to him.
You will observe that I have not thought it necessary to require M.Ladds to bind himself to serve for a further period than two years, which is sufficient to cover the leave now granted him.
Your most obedient humble servant,
RH MEADE,
for the Secretary of State.
The Officer Administering the Government of Hongkong.
Drafts 27.7.