CO129-375 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1911 [1-2] — Page 28

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quinistering the Government. Probably he may attain

higher promotion in the long run by remaining on the Bench. I asked Mr Brewin his opinion regarding the Chinese objection. He said that they did not exaggerate, Mr Sercombe Smith was not me sympathetic to Chinese Mazaraticopee, and he himself would find difficulty as Registrar General were Mr Smith appointed Colonial Secretary. At the present time

when there is much unrest in China, and new ideas are

finding their reflection here I could not regard with

unconcern any step which would tend to weaken the ties between the Government and the Chinese community, or

which would lessen the co-operation which it has been

my aim to foster. In these circumstances I earnestly

trust he may not be selected.

5

There remains Mr Clementi of whose

ability thore can be no two opinions. His appointment

would be welcomed alike by the British and the Chinese

Un-official Members of Council. He has ten years

service since passing his final examination and is

35 years of age and unmarried. He is young but has

a good marner, and if he were selected I should

recommend that for some few years the General Officer

Commanding should act as Officer administering the

Government in the absence of the Governor. His

promotion would supersede Mr Thomson, Colonial

Treasurer; Mr Badeley, Captain Superintendent of

Police; and Mr Irving, Director of Education, but

neither of these in my opinion is suited for the

appointment.

I should have preferred to see Mr

Clementi as Registrar General, but since Mr Brewin

cannot be promoted Colonial Secretary there is no

probability