Sessional_Paper_1895 — Page 541

HONGKONG.

No. 216.

537

No. 39

95

HONGKONG.

DESPATCH RESPECTING MR. JUSTICE ACKROYD'S RATE OF PENSION.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of

His Excellency the Governor.

DOWNING STREET,

29th August, 1895.

SIR,

With reference to previous correspondence on the subject of the rate at which

Mr. Justice ACKROYD should be allowed to draw his pension, I transmit to you

Mr. Justice ACKROYD.__the enclosed copies of correspondence from which you will perceive that I have

7th August, 1895.

C.O., 16th August.

Mr. Justice ACKROYD. 17th August.

C.O., 29th August.

thought it better to concede the point which he contended for.

I was aware that my Predecessor had only arrived at a contrary conclusion

after much doubt and deliberation; but whilst I recognise the force of the argu-

ments which found most weight with him, I have thought that as there was a

doubt and as the matter, through some oversight, was not made clear to Mr. Justice

ACKROYD at the time of his appointment it was preferable on grounds of public

policy to lean to the more generous view.

The pension will amount to two-thirds of $8,400, or, in other words, to $5,600,

which, at the exchange rate of 4/2d. to the dollar, will be equal to £1,166.13.4 a

year.

The Crown Agents have been instructed to pay Mr. ACKROYD at this rate

from Hongkong funds pending a reference to the Mauritius Government and the

verification of the sum which that Colony should contribute towards his total

pension. The payments will then be adjusted between the two Colonies.

I have the honour to be,

Sir.

Your most obedient,

humble Servant,

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

Governor,

Sir WILLIAM ROBINSON, K.C.M.G.,

&Cr

&c.,

&c.