No 28
Sir,
C.O.
280
5617
RECE
Rent 17 FEB 13
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONGKONG, 23rd. January, 1913.
With reference to the correspondence noted in
the margin, I have the honour to transmit 204
Governor's Despatch No. 174 of
21st. May, 1910. Secretary of State's Despatch No. 211 of 28th July, 1910. Governor's Despatch No.318 of
28th.September, 1910. Secretary of State's Despatch
No. 332 of 18th.November, 1910).
You
2.
the enclosed copy of a minute by the
Attorney-General in which he advances
33240
reasons for a desire on his part to be
allowed to act as Chief Justice.
I have seen r. Buckmill on this subject and
I have informed him that while I appreciate the reasons he has
advanced I regret that I cannot alter the views expressed in the first of my Despatches referred to. lir. Buckmill appeared to fear that the fact of his not acting as Chief Justice might prejudice
hereafter his claims of promotion to that high office in this or in some other Colony. I took the liberty of re-assuring lir. Bucknill on that point. I said that I did not think that the fact of the Puisne Judge having acted as Chief Justice would give him a superior claim to the Attorney-General who had not, owing to the ruling contained in Lord Crewe's Despatch of the 28th. of July, To 1910; and I added that as far as I was concerned I should always
regard the Attorney-General, if as well qualified and as competent, as having a superior claim to the Puisne Judge to such advancement
in the Colony.
19204
I.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
LEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.,
&c.,
&c...