2224/1A,
Enclosure No.3 of H. E. the Governor's Despatch No.327
of the 23rd August, 1901.
C.O.
33335
178 RECE
27 SEP 1901
From H. E. Major General F.J.Gascoigne, the General Officer Commanding.
To His Excellency Sir Henry A. Blake, Governor.
Sir,
Head Quarters,
Hongkong, 20th June, 1901.
With reference to Your Excellency's letter of the
14th instant, No.118/6, on the subject of engagement of Armourer
Sergeant Blair with the Hongkong Police Force, to effect the constant
repairs which are required to the large stand of Carbines and revol-
vers now under the Honourable the Captain Superintendent of Police,
and to keep clean and in good order the spare arms. I have the honour
to acquaint Your Excellency that I referred the case to my Chief Ord-
nance Officer, who informs me that the Departmental duties of this
Armourer are quite sufficient to absorb his energies in this climate,
and that he cannot consider it is advisable that the Armourer should
be allowed to undertake any more extraneous work, which would have to
be done out of office hours. Armourer Sergeant Blair already acts as
Armourer to the Hongkong Volunteer Corps.
In these circumstances I much regret that I cannot
permit Armourer Sergeant Blair to be employed as Armourer to the Hong-
Kong Police Force.
I have etc.,
(sd) F.J.Gascoigne.
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