Confidential
24th February 1867
My Lord,
In my despatch No. 35 of this date I had to report upon my having, with the advice of the Executive Council, removed Mr Franks from the Office of Treasurer of this Colony to whichheManuscript image he was appointed by the Duke of Newcastle.
2. Not deficient either in education or ability Mr Franks has proved himself during his residence in this Colony anything but an assistance to the Government. Continually engaged in disputes with Public Officers (which might however have been kept within official knowledge) he has been often under the eyes of the people as a party in street fights which took away all the influence he mighthaveManuscript image have possessed as a Public Officer.
3. I have no wish to frame a regular indictment against Mr Franks, but simply to show that his conduct has been such in this Colony as to make it a matter of general rejoicing with the Government Officials and the people when I availed myself of the powers granted by Your Lordship's letter of the 14th of September, and gave notice to Mr Franks that his tenure of Office must cease.ThereManuscript image There is amply sufficient evidence to prove my case against him, but I leave the more serious charges aside and send papers enough merely to show that his conduct has been inconsistent with the position of a Public Officer and a Gentleman.
4. It is not my intention to fill up the Office of Treasurer at present. The duties can I think be performed by the Collector of Customs, an excellent Officer, without an increase of Salary.
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5. I would wish your Lordship to understand that individually I have never been engaged in any unpleasant discussion with Mr Franks and that his removal is only one of the many disagreeable acts which the temporary depression of the Colony makes it incumbent on me to perform.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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FR 16/4
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See separate Minute.
TFE 16 April
CBA 17/4
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The facts disclosed by this Report will be found highly discreditable to Mr Franks and appear to show that he is not a fit person for the public service.
He is, I believe, very pertinaciously soliciting Mr Hunt at the Treasury for employment, and I have heard it said that he is trying for an appointment in connection with some pending enquiry about Operatives, for which a man of such a temper would be singularly unfit.
Would it not be well to send the despatch over privately to Mr Hunt for his perusal?
TFE 16 April
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I think so, I am also pressed by him.
CBA 17/4
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Yes. See my note on the public despatch yesterday.
B&C 18/4
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Charles Good, Acting Colonial Secretary, report on Franks' conduct while treasurer of Vancouver Island.
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Memorandum, Robert Ker, 21 January 1867, statement on Franks' conduct.
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Memorandum, John Graham and C.B. Reilly, Treasury, 22 January 1867, describing an incident in which Franks lost his temper in the performance of his duties.
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Memorandum, Alex Calder, Clerk in Treasury, 21 January 1867, describing a separate incident in which Franks lost his temper in the performance of his duties.
Other documents included in the file
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Elliot to G.A. Hamilton, Treasury, Confidential, 23 April 1867, forwarding copy of the despatch for information.