CO129-290 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [1-4] — Page 237

8773

&

233

Rect 10 APR S

No.55.

Government House.

Hong-Kong, 10th.March, 1899.

sir,

With reference to the 23rd.paragraph of Sir

William Robinson's Despatch No.201 of the 4th. September, 1894,

I have the honour to inform you that I have given my careful

consideration to the question of the abolition of the post of

Assistant Harbour Master, which is about to become vacant by

the promotion of Commander Hastings. I feel certain that in

view of the extension of the boundaries of the Colony the abo-

lition of the office would be inexpedient and the efficiency

of the Harbour Master's Department would be seriously impaired.

I have the honour to request therefore that a

candidate may be selected for the office at an early date on

the terms mentioned in the enclosed paper of particulars.

He should be a Naval Officer not under 30 or

over 35 years of age.

I may add that owing to the services of Com- mander Hastings not being available at present, Commander Rum- sey has been obliged to postpone his leave, which is due to

him, until a new Assistant Harbour Master arrives should you

approve of the continuance of the office. I trust therefore

The Right Honourable

there

JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN,M.P.

&C.,

800.1

&C.,