CO129-313 - Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [10-12] — Page 445

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of Police ho hao himself nover held a police appointment and apparently not even acted in one. The suggestion that

the Police Forces of all the Crown Colonies should be re-

garded as one for purposes of promotion is outside the

range of practical politics; even Mr May has to modify

it very materially. The Governor's proposed Inspector!

ask as to

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a General would be heaven-sent officer indeed if he were

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capable of controlling the police forces of Ceylon, the

Straits, the Federated Malay States and Hong Kong, with

their six different races and probably more than six lan-

guages, and the very diverse conditions which they have

to meet.

Eg sen

Why should it be a "serious matter" for Messrs

Brewin, etc., that Mr Johnston comes into the service

"next after Mr Thomson?" Appointments to Class i of

the Hong Kong service should be, and presumably are,

But I don't regulated by merit, not bqseniority. understand how Mr Johnston comes in 'next after Mr

Thomson". His post is in Class 11, Messrs Badeley and

Brewin are in Class 1, and therefore senior to him. Mr Thomson's post fell vacant the fittest man would no

doubt be recommended for it; but if the appointment went by seniority, it certainly would not go to Mr

Johnston.

It

I agree with Mr May's argument in paragraph 7

but that is a question of high as against the Governor:

politics.

confidentially (privatoss)

I don't know how far we can asent to the last

but i almost think we might paragraph of the despatch;

suggest to Sir F. Swettenham that Mr Messer who

has

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