Up to the end of February, he would complete another full year for pension, and also hoping to receive from the Governor in the meantime fuller particulars as to the reorganization of the medical department.
His leave expires on 30th April. He was therefore written to three months before the end. It will also be seen from the minutes on 10985 that I tried to sound him about retirement in October last.
In my interview with him on Monday, I gave him to understand that he was invited to retire on ground of age & not from any dissatisfaction with his services which have been useful and meritorious.
I also, when he said he had left everything behind him in Hongkong, sounded him as my own suggestion, whether if he was allowed to go back for a limited time, say a year to wind up his public & private matters, it would meet his views, & I told him to write a letter setting out his views.
He has been a meritorious officer, & if Sir Chamberlain could see him, as I think it would be a great advantage. But I fear this is not a time when interviews can be given.
Short of that, I would ask that he be offered the option of whatever pension can be granted at once, or of going back for not longer than one year to complete his pension.
I think there would be no loss in this one year's delay, for the Medical & Sanitary affairs move so very slowly. He might put things in train for his successor; but I would insist on his not staying longer than a year.
As to pension, judging from the Minutes on 10985, we may be treated with moderate liberality. I should give him 22/32ths for actual service, and some addition for climate and professional qualifications, which I would not specify but which...