CO129-379 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1911 [8-9] — Page 126

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himself to make.

Sir H.May and Mr A.M.Thomson, who were Officer Administering the Government and Colonial Secretary respectively, the latter states that there is no foundation for the idea that any deci- sion or advice given by them in any matter was not given with- out the fullest enquiry (often with the assistance of others both official and unofficial) and the best consideration for the interests of the public service, and that the allegation of personal animus is absolutely contrary to truth. Mr Thomson both on his own behalf and on the behalf of Sir Henry day with whom he has been all along on the fobting of personal intimacy, not only repudiates the idea of personal animus but also is wholly unable to conceive the slightest reason for such suggested animus. If the existence of the animus was deduced from the decisions of

As regards the personal accusation against 122

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the government,

at, then, in Commander Taylor's opinion,it must have in-

fluenced these decisions, and Mr Thomson inquires whether Commander Taylor le able to suggest anything that has ever occurred in his past intercourse or association with either of these Officers, or otherwise, that might reasonably be taken to be the cause of such individual feeling on their part.

So far from having "inefficient, incapable and disloyal sub- ordinates forced upon * him, I hope to prove that it has been the constant effort of the Secretariat to rid the Harbour Department of dishonest clerke and to strengthen that department by the ap- pointment of reliable mon.

4. Commander Taylor suggests that the constant strain resulting from opposition in the Secretariat broke down his health, which had been failing for two years (paragraph 4 of letter of 14.5.11): that he health gave way under the montal strain of personal supervision of his department, constant worries and potty annoy- ances from, and lack of encouragement and support by, the Colonial Secretary (paragraph 14 of letter 1.6.11): that in the face of ill-health he puts his whole heart and energy into his work (para. 18 of letter of 1.6.11): and that the state of his health prevent-

ed him from taking any more energetic action with regard to the case against himself (para 4 of letter 1. 6.11). I have, therefore,