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hand Mr. Drayson had had long service in the Colonial Office while Mr. Crofton has only been a comparatively short time in Government employ.
6.
Should the Comptroller and Auditor General raise no objection and should you approve of this appointment on the terms stated I propose that Mr. Crofton should act as Chief Clerk on probation during the time subsequent to the 22nd February in which Mr. Drayson will be returning home and on leave.
7.
Mr. Drayson has applied for 6 weeks vacation and 3 months half-pay leave on the expiration of his service here. I am doubtful whether in the circumstances of the case he is entitled to vacation leave "for the purpose of relaxation from business" on the completion of his agreement with the Colony but in consideration of his good service here, which has already been reported to you by Mr. May, I am granting him the 6 weeks for which he has applied. With regard to the half-pay leave it seems to me reasonable that in the special case of a continuously employed officer reverting from Colonial to Imperial Service one-half the proportionate half-pay leave earned by the former service should be allowed and I accordingly recommend for your favourable consideration the grant to Mr. Drayson of 4/12 × 36 months, that is the 3 months he asks for, to commence from the date of the expiration of his vacation leave.
8.
I propose that if Mr. Crofton, after he has acted for a month as Chief Clerk, proves the success in that post that is anticipated, I should telegraph to you
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with reference to another clerk for the Audit Department being selected