I considered my position for a couple of minutes, and then informed the Hon. Dr. Atkinson that I would resign; "Sit down here, and write it now," was that Hon. Gentleman's prompt rejoinder; however, I declined to do so, but I sent in my resignation five days later.
My Lord, I should here like to state, that in deciding to resign, I was not actuated by any fear of being dismissed by the Legislature itself, or by anyone else; in fact I should have welcomed an inquiry, as unbiassed—I have complained times out of number about the insufficiency of the staff.
My sole reason for resigning, was, under the circumstances, pride forbade me to try and remain in a place whence it was intended to drive me out by any means possible, whether fair or otherwise; secondly, I should like to know if it is possible for me to remain in the Department after acquittal of Goodness knows what charges, by the Legislative Council; it is quite clear that my position is a miserable situation (18) 14.