No. 91

I have the honor to forward a certificate shewing that I
have granted six months leave of absence to Mr Birch Colonial
Secretary of British Columbia. Mr Birch being on the Staff
of Your Grace's department I need make no statement as to the
circumstances under which he accepted Office in this Colony and
now returns to Downing Street. My object in giving Mr Birch
leave of absence was not so much to provide him with a Salary
as to enable him should he think fit, to resume the duties of
his Office here which he has filled greatly to my satisfaction.
It will therefore be desirable that should Mr Birch re-enter
the Colonial Office on full pay that his British Columbia Salary
should cease.