.8
15. END
of making this post, which needs very special qualifications
and a special knowledge of the Chinese community, attractive to senior members of the Hong Kong Cadet Service. It will be, if my recommendation is adopted, the best paid appointment
open to cadet officers; and the existence of such a prize
appointment will, I hope, be an encouragement to Hong Kong
cadets to maintain close touch with the Chinese community and
to increase their proficiency in the Chinese language
throughout their service. Appointments to this post should,
of course, always be made by careful selection with regard
to the special qualifications of officers and irrespective of
seniority.
6.
I have not overlooked the fact that in this
Colony the post of Colonial Treasurer is always held by a
cadet officer and that under the Colony's constitution the
Colonial Treasurer is ex officio a member of both the Executive
and the Legislative Councils, whereas the Secretary for
Chinese Affairs must be specially appointed to be a member of
these Councils. But it is my considered opinion that in Hong
Kong the post of Secretary for Chinese Affairs is more
responsible and more onerous than that of Colonial Treasurer
and that, when there is next an occasion to amend the Colony's
constitution, the Secretary for Chinese Affairs should be made
an ex officio member of both Councils.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
Cement
Governor, &c.