No. 9

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
165 of the 26th of December forwarding a letter addressed to me by Chief
Justice Begbie in which he renews his application for the Appointment
of Chief Justice of the Straits Settlements.

I request that you will inform Mr. Begbie that when the Office of
 Chief Justice of the Straits Settlements becomes vacant I will consider
 his claims with those of other candidates.