CO129-441 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [1-3] — Page 189

No: 43

N°

186

16961

Sir,

[ 31 MAR 17

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONGKONG. 8th. February, 1917.

$1 $3795716 Page.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of

Mr. Bonar Law's Despatch No. 292 of the 15th. November in which you ask for my observations on an application by Mr. A. C. Roberts for

Hongkong, appointment as Director of Public Works, or for a simier appoint-

-ment.

2.

The Director of Public Works to whom I referred

the application reports that he knows very little about Mr. Roberts, who was one of the Assistants employed by Messrs. Punchord, Lowther & Co. on the Naval Yard Extension Works, and consequently did not come in contact with the Public Works Department profession -ally. Mr. Chatham states that socially Mr. Roberts appeared to be a gentlemanly well educated young man. He suggests that reference might be made to Mr. A. J. Williams of Messrs. Punchard & Co., London, as to Kir. Roberts' professional qualifications and ability.

I shall address you separately by next mail on the subject of filling the next vacancy in the appointment of Director of Public Works.

3.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your most obeuient humble servant,

Governor,&o..

RIGHT HONOURABLE

WALTER LONG, M.P.,

80...

&c..