71
3.
the Commission's work. I consider, however, that the panel system might be used with great advantage in connection with interviewing candidates and conducting examinations. In such work suitable persons could be drawn from a panel who would sit with the Chairman, one member and the head of the department concerned, as an appointments board. In this way an onerous part of the Commission's work may be spread over more people and the benefit of technical and professional advice and experience from outside as well as inside the Government service may be obtained.
11.
While the Commission will be primarily an advisory body it is considered most desirable, in order that it may command the respect both of the civil service and of the public, that it should have a statutory and independent character. The provision in the draft bill regarding the oath to be taken (Section 8), the punishment of any person who wilfully attempts to mislead the Commission (Section 9), the privileges and protection to be accorded to the functions of the Commission and the Chairman and Members (Sections 10 and 11), will, I consider, enhance the Commission's prestige besides being advisable on grounds of expediency. Apart from these special provisions, I wish to avoid laying down too rigidly the details of the Commission's functions and mode of procedure, and I have therefore had provision made for the making of regulations to govern such details. It will undoubtedly be necessary to learn by practical experience the best ways for the Commission to operate and to modify the details as a result of such experience. It is not therefore proposed to make at first more than the minimum regulations to enable the Commission to commence work.
12.
The finding of suitable persons to serve as Chairman and Members of the Commission presents considerable difficulty. Urgent attention will be
While given to this problem and I will address you further in due course. I would greatly prefer to obtain the services as Chairman of an officer with considerable Hong Kong experience, I would not rule out the possibility of looking for a suitable candidate from the service of another Colony or even of
retired officer from the Indian Civil Service.
13.
Copies of this despatch and its enclosures are being sent to the Governor of Singapore who has requested me to send him any literature available. I shall be grateful for an early indication of your agreement to the course of action proposed and to the introduction of the bill as drafted into Legislative Council.
Kaw
1 Enclosure.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
bkhautan
Governor.