I informed that I was dismissed I surrendered the medal in compliance with Police Regulation paragraph VIII page 77, which provides for the giving up of medals by those dismissed in the following words - "Should any subordinate officer or constable, the holder of a Good Conduct Medal, be dismissed the service such medal is at once to be returned to the Captain Superintendent's Office!"
Since my dismissal has been converted there can be no doubt that in accordance with the Police Regulations, which have all the force of law, I am legally entitled to have the medal returned to me.
5. With regard to the question of whether the salary I drew as Examiner of Weights was pensionable or not, my Memorial on the point was really an appeal from the Hongkong authorities, and the decision has been made to rest with them, but who have been so prejudiced against me by Captain Superintendent May that I never expected justice from them. I hoped the authorities in England would have settled the matter and granted what I still consider I have a right to. As you doubtless are aware, the appointment was under the Weights and Measures Ordinance, by the Governor, on the recommendation of a Magistrate under whose immediate supervision, without reference to the Captain Superintendent of Police, the duties were carried out. And while I am considered entitled to the pension, such salaries as those of the Police School masters, Harbour Master's clerk and others are deemed to be pensionable. Consequently, there is a distinction made where scarcely a difference exists.
6. I humbly request that you will be pleased to take into consideration the facts set out above and direct that a proper certificate be issued to me in accordance with the spirit of the decision of the Right Honourable Secretary of State for the Colonies, that fresh descriptive pension papers be supplied, containing the word "discharged (on pension)" instead of "dismissed"; that wherever in the Police Records and Orders I am described as having been dismissed the words "retired on a reduced pension" may be substituted; and that you will order the restoration to me of the First Class Good Conduct Medal to which in accordance with the Right Honourable the Secretary of State's decision, and by the law regulating the Hongkong Police Force I am clearly legally entitled.
I am,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Stanton
The Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office, London.
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