СОРУ.
165
The circumstances which led to Mr. Robinson's leaving the Service of Hongkong were as follows:-
On the 19th March last I received information from the Honourable Colonial Secretary that on the previous Wednesday (March 16th) His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government when embarking on board the Government Tender "Stanley" had found her Master Mr. Robinson in a state of intoxication.
His Excellency had doubts under these circumstances as to the wisdom of proceeding but as any delay would have caused considerable inconvenience he decided to do so having due regard to the safety of the vessel by personal observation.
Some hours later on the vessel being anchored for the night, Mr. Robinson used grossly disrespectful and insubordinate language to His Excellency for which the following morning he expressed contrition.
I investigated the matter and finding that Mr. Robinson could furnish me with no justifiable excuse for his conduct I reported him as being unfit in my opinion to retain his command.
Mr. Robinson by order of His Excellency was then interdicted and charges were framed with a view of the case being tried by the Executive Council.
On Mr. Robinson becoming acquainted that his offences would be made the subject of an official enquiry he tendered me his resignation of office which was accepted by His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government as a matter of clemency.
With regard to Mr. Robinson's qualifications my experience of him was too short to form an opinion. My predecessor in Office and the Assistant Harbour Master both appear to have regarded him as efficient in his duties.
22nd June, 1904.
(Sgd.) L. Barnes Lawrence,
Harbour Master.