79

that officers who have recently been retrenched from the Royal Navy may have an opportunity of being considered for

whichever post needs to be filled.

4.

It is most desirable that the officer

selected for either post should have had experience both

in the Royal Navy and in the Mercantile Marine. These are not easy posts to hold successfully and the officer appointed should be a man of proved administrative ability

and considerable strength of character. It is also

essential, if he is to perform his duties with success, that

he should be a man of an agreeable personality. There are

no appointments in which the iron hand in the velvet glove

is more necessary than in these Harbour appointments the

holder of which must be able to enforce his requiremente

without causing unnecessary offence. Ships' officers are frequently rather difficult people to handle and a lack of

tact or a domineering manner may result in considerable

friction. Commander Beckwith and Lieutenant-Commander Hako

have both combined tact with firmness and the Colony has

been fortunate in being able to command their services in

recent years.

I have the honour to be,

sir,

Your most obedient humble servant,

E. Stutts.

7.2.

Governor, &c.

* 12:11 – 18621:27 63,000 11/23—36C −1 203

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