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During the middle of May I was informed unofficially of the transfer of Mr. Brayn my 1st. Assistant Auditor to Nyassaland. I et once informed this Government verbally of my information, and
a cable was sent to London for confirmation. This
transfer was ultimately confirmed by your despatch No.110 of 20th. April, 1912 and cable of the 6th.
June last. In addition to Mr. Brayn's transfer my Chief Clerk Mr. Pagot Heathcote fell slok with
facial paralysis which has necessitated his
detention in the Goverment Civil Hospital for one
month, and has since been ordered to Japan on 2
monthe vacation leave. This reduced the staff from
4 Europeans to 2, and neither the Government nor
myself felt justified in my leaving the entire
work of the department to one European, I have
therefore been compelled to postpone my armual tour
of inspection and cancel my leave. These unforeseen
circumstances have frustrated all my plans and
have entailed great financial loss to me, from the
very fact that I have to keep an establishment in
Weihaiwei whilst at the samo time I have to live in
Hongkong. This extra expenditure coupled with the
present high rate of exchange, over which I am alone
losing nearly an eighth of my salary during the last
eight months, I can ill afford. The rent alone of
a furnished room in Hongkong costs me a hundred
dollara a month besides all other incidental expenses
which are absolutely indispensable. I would therefore
ask you to give your favourable consideration to
this matter and grant me a special allowance of