No. 68

I have to acknowledge your Despatch No. 91 of the 15th of July,
informing me that you have given Mr. Birch leave on half salary with
the object chiefly of giving him the opportunity of resuming his
duties in British Columbia should he think fit.

Mr. Birch when in British Columbia had the option of
relinquishing his connexion with this Department, or of relinquishing
his appointment in British Columbia, and he elected to relinquish his
appointment in British Columbia. No option was offered to him of
deferring his decision until after his return to this Country, nor
did his length of service entitle him to any leave of absence. Under
these circumstances, I am somewhat surprised that you should have
thought yourself at liberty to give this leave of absence on half
salary which I am unable to confirm. The office of Colonial
Secretary must be considered vacant from the time at which Mr. Birch
ceased to receive full salary, i.e. as I understand, the 15th July. I
await a Report from you respecting his successor. If after
receiving that Report I should confirm Mr. Young in the acting
appointment which he now holds, he will be entitled to full salary
from the date up to which Mr. Birch received it.