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afloat, his examinations of applicants for Nautical Certifi-
-cates, his advice regarding legislation connected with marine
affairs, his knowledge of matters concerning Lighthouses, his
examinations into questions concerning wrecks as a member of a
Marine Court and the numerous other technical duties he has to
perform I have always believed him to be fully efficient and
competent. That he was not popular either with the European or
the Chinese Shipping Community I had ample grounds for knowing,
but of the depth of that unpopularity, and of the desire of the
Merchant and Shipping Firms to endeavour to procure his removal
I was unaware until the enclosed letter reached me this morn-
-ing.
A.
In the circumstances I have the honour
to request your instructions as to what course you desire I
should adopt in the matter. There appear to me to be two
alternatives. First that Commander Taylor should return to the
Colony and be given an opportunity of defending himself from
such charges as his accusers may prefer against him before a
properly constituted Commission of Enquiry. The second that if
possible an appointment elsewhere may be found for this
Officer. He is I know an applicant for appointment to some
position in connection with the organization of the new
Canadian