A rough stamp, patent, is hardly sufficient to enable me to form an opinion as to Chapman's fitness for the class of appointment for which he applies. I should be glad if furnished with a report dealing explicitly with this special question.
3. I take this opportunity of pointing out that when reporting on officers in the Colonial service, barring claims to promotion, you inform me in particulars whether the officer who is the subject of the report has reached the highest rank in the service which his qualifications may reasonably be held to entitle him, and whether his services can with advantage be utilised in a higher responsible position.
It will also be a useful comment if you would state whether the officer in question has special qualifications or a preference for a particular employment.