I recommend, and had no intention of casting any reflection on his services in the Observatory and he has further been reminded that the selection of officers for acting appointments rests entirely in the discretion of the Governor.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Most Obedient Humble Servant, Willaim Robin
Enclosure to the Right Honorable REC 191 17625 Red 16 UC 17 Hong Kong Observatory. June 26th the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
I have the honor to bring to your notice the following:
That in 1891-1897 I was appointed Chief Assistant of the Hong Kong Observatory, an office which did not previously exist.
That one of the reasons for creating this office was, that an officer should be "available to take charge of the Observatory whenever the Director was absent on leave or otherwise."
That in 1894 the Director (de Doherck) was absent on leave, and I discharged the duties of acting Director for a period of seven months to the entire satisfaction of His Excellency the Governor.
The Right Honorable J. Chamberlain Esq. to Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies