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Committee is to be allowed to count as time for my retirement.
I cannot imagine upon what principle this decision has been arrived at. With reference to the Iron Plate Committee, which sat en permanence for four years and nine months, I can only say that greater labour was not undergone by any person in the public employment.
The record of attendances is at the Admiralty, and I see by a record in my possession that during the last year alone I attended 267 times. I need say nothing of the character of the duties or the result of the inquiry. The Controller of the Navy is a member of the present Board, and as well aware as I am of the responsible and laborious nature of the duties I carried out for nearly five years. I shall be much surprised if, on reconsideration, the time thus constantly employed is not allowed to reckon at my discharge from the Navy.
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) J. C. D. HAY, Bart., M.P.,
Rear-Admiral.
The Admiralty to Sir John Hay.
My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty not having received any reply to their communication respecting the scheme of Naval Retirement, I am directed to refer you to the 3rd paragraph of the notice in the 'London Gazette,' and I am to request you will inform me if My Lords are right in interpreting your intentions as accepting the new regulations.
I am Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
108, St. George's Square, Pimlico.
