A great portion of my leisure has past my life in literary work; and one, at least, of my books on the Chinese language is in use in the Hong Kong Civil Service Examinations.
I may point out that I am conversant with three of the Chinese languages, or dialects, and these three are those which are used in the Chinese schools in the Colony.
I have the honour to be,
Sir, Your most obedient servant,
J. Ayer Ball
Chief Interpreter, Supreme Court and Commissioner to take oaths, &c. in and for the Supreme Court of Hong Kong, and A Justice of the Peace for the Colony.
Page 6
DRAFT.
J. D. Ball rep
MINUTE.
B
33669/96
Hong Kong
438
Mr. Macnaghten 18/11/
Mr. Lucas 18/11/
Mr. Wingfield.
Mr. Bramston.
Sir R. Meade.
Earl Selborne.
Mr. Chamberlain.
2 drafts
Mr. Chamberlain has received no intimation in the subject of this letter, but if Mr. Eitel retires, your application for appointment to the post when it becomes vacant will be considered.
20 November 96
I am directed by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th inst., stating that the Inspector of Schools in Hong Kong intends to retire in April next, and applying for the appointment to the post when it occurs.
I am to inform you that the post is at present vacant, but the question of your application will be considered.