136
Not. Fiddler.
3 Mr Antrobus
This has been delayed owing to the lack of absence of candidates of experience. I learnt from W. Stubbs that this was essential.
I now put forward W. T. P. Jordan (33), who has had wide general experience in New Zealand (including town work). He was in the Gold Coast Survey dept from 1902-1906, and was retained for employment if he had desired it. We went out to East Africa on our own account and has since put in an application for Col. employment.
This has not reached the CO. He has been recommended for employment as District Surveyor (£360 by £20 to £400) in the EAP but the recommendation has been withdrawn in favour of Mr Stiles of Uganda, who was his senior on the Gold Coast.
I annex the report received on his work on the Gold Coast. Major Close, to whom I have spoken, has put forward his name for being put forward for this Hongkong appt, which might be offered to him through the Foreign Office subject to medical examination.
1572
H. J. R.
17/2
Wat. Deb-17
W. Machaghten.
I have made careful research through my candidates but can find none who is suitable for this vacancy now. I see that Mr Jordan (12523) has failed.
How about Mr Sutton, whose abilities I think are great. We went over Clove the other day & if Major Cowper's report is favourable, viz. it has spoken favourably, I should think he would do very well in Hong Kong.
The appt is a very technical one and I don't feel competent to offer an opinion, nor do I see any object in referring him to the Public Works Committee.
I gather no other candidate is available, though if Major Close, who seems to think well of Mr Sutton, considers him suitable, the Dept will presumably agree to his being offered the appt.
Harris & I would be only too glad, as Mr Sutton is a nice young fellow personally, and one of those relieved from the burdens that weigh so heavily at present. I also personally