CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914 — Page 148

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certified that a further stay in the Colony would be

absolutely dangerous and I then communicated with the

Colonial Secretary and on the 21st August and not till

then a Medical Board was appointed. On the 25th August

I was examined by the Medical Board who informed me that

the state of my health rendered it imperative for me to

leave the Colony without delay and I obtained my leave

and left the Colony immediately. Had I been granted

leave earlier in the year as I desired I have no doubt

that I should have recovered but as it is my health has

been completely broken down.

2. As Mr. Secretary Harcourt desires me to do so,

I have now no alternative but to retire from the service

of Hongkong, but I must respectfully reserve my rights

in respect of the matters upon which I have already

communicated with him and all others connected directly

or indirectly with my Colonial service.

I observe that you state that the exact date of my

retirement will be a matter for the decision of the

Governor, but I do not quite understand this. I was

appointed to my present position by the Secretary of

State who has now asked me to resign owing to ill-health.

My term of leave will not expire till the 29th May

and I am willing to retire as from that date upon the

conditions previously mentioned, but I do not think I

should be required to retire earlier.

As regarde the award of the pension for which I am

eligible, I await further particulare upon this matter

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