A
7.
258
hoped, finally established.
When in 1908 Mr Brewin was about to go on
long leave, and I was due to return from leave, the follow-
ing correspondence was recorded on the subject of the acting
appointment.
Minute by Mr Fletcher, Assistant Colonial Secretary.
(24th February, 1908.)
Mr Brewin leaves on 25th March, and Mr Wolfe, who holds the substantive appointment of Assistant Registrar General, is available to act for him, as Mr Hallifax does not wish to do 30.
Mr Wolfe could also do the Inspector of Schools's work until Mr Irving's return on the 2nd April.
Minute by Mr F.H.May, Colonial Secretary.
24th February, 1908.)
Your Excellency,
Approve the above arrangements, except that Mr L.A.M. Johnston who is the senior Cadet Officer of those mentioned should have the option of going to the Registrar General's Department, which carries larger emoluments and probably a seat on the Council. In that case Mr Wolfe should take the Post Office.
Minute by Mr F.H.May, Colonial Secretary.
(25th March, 1908.)
Your Excellency,
Mr Brewin informs me that Mr L.A.M.Johnston does not know Chinese. He came from the Straits where his language was Malay. This I am sorry to say disqualifies him.
The next senior officer is Mr E.A.Irving. He is not a Cadet Officer but the Secretary of State has ruled that he must be regarded as such. Rough on the Cadet Service, but there is no remedy.
Apoint him Registrar meneral.
Minute by His Excellency the Governor, to the Colonial Secretar
25th March, 1908.)
I had heard of this and intended to speak to you about it. The post of Registrar General is one for which an officer requires very special qualifications. Mr Irving good with the Chinese and sympathetic towards them?
13
I
Has he any knowledge of them, and they of him? see he has twice acted for short periods as Registrar General, and is eight years senior to Mr Wolfe.