B. WEDLAKE,
SOLICITOR
ASSIGNEE FOR OATHS &c.
Telegrams
BLAKE FINERY PARK.
Telephone 37770 NORTH.
London & South Western Bank Chambers,
Finsbury Park,
London, N.
30th June 1903
However on the 1st May following the Head Department called upon him to refund the amount on the ground that he being under temporary agreement was not entitled to the money and on the 21st June he repaid that amount under protest.
He also informs me that in February 1902 he prepared a petition with the object of laying before you as Secretary of State for the Colonies a statement of facts concerning the matter and submitting under the circumstances he being unjustly compelled to repay the money as the rule in question draws no distinction between temporary and permanent appointments you would direct the money to be repaid by the Crown Agent or by the Local Government to cover the costs of passages of his wife and child together with interest from the 21st June to payment but though he admits he has had a communication from the Director of Public Works Office Hong Kong to the effect that you were unable to accede to his request he nevertheless instructs me to say he has grounds to believe the petition has not been drawn to your personal attention.
My object therefore in applying to you is to ascertain whether he is correct in his surmise and if so to say he will at once send you a copy of his petition and supply you with any materials you...
The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain,
Secretary of State for the Colonies