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advisedly-nearly the Club! On the whole of his time at my departure for England after Hongking in December 3 years service in 1898, the then Officer administering the Government, Major-General Black, forwarded a Despatch as to the manner in which I had performed my duties, the previous Governor, Sir William Robinson, having previously expressed appreciation of me for a Judge shift in this Strait Settlements. The Chinese Community through their leaders were appreciative of my services that they presented me with an exceptional addition, similarly followed by the staff of the Land Office and Registry of which I then had charge. I forward both letters bearing testimonial vidents from influential residents for your inspection.
3. After I had been given to understand that my service were well-known at the Colonial Office, I returned to Hong Kong in January 1901, and things went on in the same manner, but I was much puzzled that (after all the good work and hard work I had been able to effect in my limited sphere in the Settlement) every proposal for improvement I tried to introduce was strenuously opposed and cold water thrown on it by those whose interest it was to do so, notably by the then Attorney-General, Mr. Fordman, who was prominent in this. I was repeatedly passed over for acting appointments, Mr. Wise each time recommending his friend Mr. T. F. Veitch, with an ulterior object in view, in which Mr. Fordman concurred. Mr. Fordman eventually succeeded, and in his frequent absences, I was given a voice from office or some other appointment in which he had a hand, putting aside Mr. Dennys, or Mr. Botham, or Mr. Sharp, when he was hard appointed King's Counsel, the latter all being junior to me.
4. In April last, Mr. Fordman took vacation leave for Japan. The three local papers criticised the arrangement he had made, especially the appointment of his friend Mr. Sharp, the acting Attorney-General, and stating in their inference...