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taken in relief part and because of the consequence I am very reluctantly compelled to reduce by about one third my present staff of assistants.
I state that on giving Mr. Chatham notice, my recommendation to him, after careful consideration of the matter, was that he should seek some municipal or county council appointment, my belief being that he was well qualified to hold such an appointment.
Mr. Chatham's experience whilst with me has been very varied. He has been at all times most attentive to his work, his character is excellent and owing to his habits of strict sobriety and steadiness I entertain no doubt respecting his ability to stand the climate of Wong Nai Chung.
Personally and socially I consider that Mr. Chatham is fully qualified to hold the appointment with moderation and I know of no disqualifications.
May I add that should I hereafter have occasion to fill up the vacancy in my office owing to Mr. Chatham's departure, I expect to be able to do so only with difficulty.
Should you wish to see Mr. Chatham, I will make arrangements for his calling upon you in town on the day you may name.
Yours faithfully,
J. Hardinge-Taylor
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