CO129-379 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1911 [8-9] — Page 160

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afloat, his examinations of applicants for Nautical Certifi-

-cates, his advice regarding legislation connected with marine

affairs, his knowledge of matters concerning Lighthouses, his

examinations into questions concerning wrecks as a member of a

Marine Court and the numerous other technical duties he has to

perform I have always believed him to be fully efficient and

competent. That he was not popular either with the European or

the Chinese Shipping Community I had ample grounds for knowing,

but of the depth of that unpopularity, and of the desire of the

Merchant and Shipping Firms to endeavour to procure his removal

I was unaware until the enclosed letter reached me this morn-

-ing.

A.

In the circumstances I have the honour

to request your instructions as to what course you desire I

should adopt in the matter. There appear to me to be two

alternatives. First that Commander Taylor should return to the

Colony and be given an opportunity of defending himself from

such charges as his accusers may prefer against him before a

properly constituted Commission of Enquiry. The second that if

possible an appointment elsewhere may be found for this

Officer. He is I know an applicant for appointment to some

position in connection with the organization of the new

Canadian