DRAFT.
494
its numbers is hardly likely to add to its efficiency to any appreciable extent. As Hong Kong is to remain a Crown Colony, no useful purpose would be served, but on the contrary a considerable amount of needless irritation would be caused, by balancing evenly the unofficial members and the officials. But having regard to the fact that, in the absence of the Governor, the Officer Commanding the Troops will in future administer the Government, I consider that it would be of advantage that he should be a member of the Legislative Council, and if he is added to it, I am willing to add one unofficial member on the other bench. Who the latter should be and what special interest, if any, he should represent, I leave to the Governor to determine. I may observe, however, that the Chinese community is