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[Private.]
MY DEAR HASTINGS,---I suppose you will accept the office. I congratulate you and shall be very sorry to lose you.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
ST. LUCIA, 1st November, 1889.
Yours truly
(Signed), R. B. LLENELYN,
so much
In recording my opinion of the qualifications of Commander Hastings, I cannot do better than refer to the fact than when Acting Governor of Hong Kong last year I was impressed by the very efficient way in which he conducted the duties of Harbour Master, the great force of character which he displayed, the honest manliness with which he dealt with many difficult questious, that I selected him to be a Member of the Legislative Council, where he gave me most effective support in every way-especially in connection with the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, which was fiercely opposed by many whose interests were affected by it, but which, mainly owing to Commander Hastings, firmness and effective support, I was able to carry through.
I have a very strong appreciation of the earnestness and ability of Commander Hastings; and I am sorry for the sake of this Colony that his services are likely to be so soon lost to it.
(Sigued),
G. DIGBY BARKER, Major-General, Commanding Troops in China and Hong Kong; and late Acting Governor of Hong Kong,
Ilead Quarter House, Hong Kong,
8th December, 1892.
I have pleasure in saying that since I have been in this Colony-13th May, 1896-Captain Hastings' work as Acting Polico Magistrate has come a good deal under my observation, and I legal have been much impressed with its excellence. He has not had the advantage of a training, but bis energy, industry, and sound judgment have enabled him to overcome this Since I have disadvantage, and to discharge the duties of the office in a most efficient manner, sat in the Supreme Court there has been only one appeal from his decisions.
Captain Hastings is held in high respect by the people of this Colony, both as a man and as a public servant.
(Signed), J. W. CARRINGTON,
Hong Kong.
C. J. of Hong Kong,
16th March, 1897.
PERMANENT COMMITTEE,
SANITARY BOARD, 1st September, 1894.
MY DEAR CAPTAIN HASTINGS,-Will you let the Permanent Committee have a report of the work done by you, and any suggestions as to the best method of organizing and arranging for the coffining of the dead, their transport to the cemetery, and burial, in the event of a return of the epidemic next year; who to employ for the work; how they should be supervised; what arrange- ments should be made for dead-houses, coffin depois, and line stores; what transport, land and sea, and how and by whom to be worked; what organisation and staff in the cemeteries to ensure quick burial and thorough. You made such an enormous change for the better in the management of the burials from the first moment you took charge that we should be glad to have your ideas on the subject.
(Signed),
I have, etc.,
JOHN J. FRANCIS,
Chairman.
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