No. 11
30th January 1869
My Lord,
Referring to the despatches noted in the margin
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No 56 of 14 July '66/8290
No 75 of 1st July '67/8550
stating that Mr James Cooper's services as Harbor Master werescarcelyManuscript image scarcely required by the Colony, I have now the honor to mention that that Gentleman has resigned his office and receives eighteen months full salary as compensation.
2. I have always been satisfied with Mr Coopers' services asaManuscript image a public officer, and I have given him a letter to that effect. He has however no claims upon Your Lordship's patronage.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke
Your Grace's most obedient
humble Servant
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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Sir F. Sandford
The date of Mr Cooper's appt, by the Blue Book, March 1859. His Salary £400.
Mr Birch in his despatch of the 14 July 1866 said that the appt was one that could hardly have been suggested by anyone conversant with the Colony—& that the duties, if any, should be performed byManuscript image the Chief Revenue Officer. And with reference to that Governor Seymour was authorized to make any necessary reductions.
Govr Seymour now states that Mr Cooper has resigned his appt as Harbour Master; of course, tho' he does not say so, the Office being abolished.
If Mr Cooper's office had been abolished he still being the holder of it, he would have been entitled to a months PayManuscript image for each year he had held it, or if he had completed 10 years to a Pension fee during unemployment.
Mr Seymour has given him 18 months Pay in the place of 9—or one might say 10.
Shall the Ty be recommended under the circumstances to sanction the gratuity of £600?
To Mr Meade to see with reference to any personal application Mr Cooper may make.
CC 31/3
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As Mr Cooper was within 2 months of completing 10 years of Service (wh. wd. have given him a claimManuscript image to a pension) I dare say the grant of £600 is an economical one for this Embarrassed Colony.
It will also serve to stop his claim to re-appointment in some other Colony, if he wd like one.
FRS 2/4
WM 2/4
G 5/4
Other documents included in the file
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Sandford to Secretary to the Treasury, 9 April 1869, forwarding copy of the despatch, and recommending the settlement of £600 on Cooper be approved.