CO129-387 - Individuals - 1911 — Page 222

M

:

215

owners and agents) do not, as a rule, come.

$ir F. Lugard's Paragraph 2.

19. Mr Lenfestey, a young and, inexperienced lad, had just been placed in a post of, comparatively, considerable responsibility, and, under the circumstances, of much difficulty, seeing that he recei- -ved little or no assistance from the Chinese, who appear to have resented his appointment over their heads. As to the words in brackets, it was Mr Fan, himself, who repeatedly told me that the shroff was not collecting money outside the office.

Sir F. Lugard's Paragraph 3.

20. Shortly before I left Hongkong, these two officers appeared before a Committee, who enquired into the facts of this matter, so far as they were concerned. I have not yet learned what was the result of this enquiry, but presume that they have been dismissed.

Sir F. Lugard's Paragraph 4.

21.

Up to the date of my leaving the: Colony, in February, nothing was done, so far as I am aware, towards dealing with this officer, who, in my opinion, is very greatly to blame, if not primarily responsible, for the defalcations. He was placed in a position of trust, which he betrayed; he connived at direct disobedience of my orders; and he failed to report irregularities of which he was fully

This he followed, a few days after the dissapearance of the shroff, by writing an anonymous letter to the Colonial Secretary, in which he brought unfounded charges against another officer in the De- -partment.

aware.

I have the honour to be

sir.

your, most obedient, servant

Bunt Super

Commander R.N.

HARBOOR MASTER &C:

HONGKONG.