CO129-450 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [10-12] — Page 233

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RE: 23 JAN 19

GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

HONGKONG. 15th, November, 1918,

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With reference to Mr. Bonar Law's Confidential

Despatch of the 5th. November, 1915, I have the honour to state that Commander C. W. Beckwith has again asked that his name may be put forward for promotion, pointing out that be has been Assistant Harbour Master at Hongkong for over twelve years without any advancement. Commander Beckwith is forty- -eight years of age.

2. Commander B. R. H. Taylour, the Harbour Master, has been seconded for service with the Admiralty, as recorded Admy in correspondence begiming with Viscount Harcourt's telegram "15245.

of the 3rd. April, 1915. He will reach the age of 55 years in April, 1920, and it is probable that he will then be asked to

retire on pension. I may refer in this connection to Sir F. Lugard's Confidential Despatch of the 26th. August, 1911.

If it should be possible to make arrangements for Commander Taylour to retain his connection with the

Admiralty until he is due for retirement, it would then be possible to recommend Commander Beckwith for the post of Harbour Master forthwith. Such promotion would be thoroughly deserved, and the Colony would retain the services of an officer having an intimate knowledge of the requirements of

3.

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

WALTER LONG, M.P.

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