§ SIR EDWARD SASSOON (Hythe)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can explain why the services of Mr. Potts, Registrar of the Court in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, were summarily dispensed with by the High Commissioner without giving to the said Mr. Potts any opportunity of being heard in his own defence.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINMr. Potts had been more than once reprimanded for insubordination, and at an interview with the High Commissioner, in June 1899, was informed that his conduct justified his dismissal, but that he would be allowed to return to his post on the assurance that he would comply with the orders of the Resident Commissioner and carry on his duties in a proper spirit of subordination. In May 1900, in consequence of repeated disregard of instructions, he was suspended by the Resident Commissioner and ordered to proceed to Suva to report himself to the High Commissioner. Mr. Potts had an interview with the High Commissioner at Suva in August 1900, at which he was informed that the High Commissioner was convinced that it was not in the public interests to retain his 41 services, which were accordingly dispensed with.