ABSTRACT
Grey's relations with the colonial Governments were also most creditable to him. Despite the unfair criticisms of his opponents he seems to have been guided in his appointment of colonial Governors by a single-minded regard for the public interests, and the last relics of the old monopoly of the Horse Guards in these matters disappeared. Where possible, he tried to give promotion to men who had done good service in the lower ranks of colonial administration. And while no personal considerations deterred him from censure or recall where he thought it was deserved, he extended the fullest confidence to Governors of outstanding ability such as Henry Barkly, Sir Edmund Head, Sir George Grey, and, most notably of all, Lord Elgin. The general rule as to subordinate offices should, he thought, be that they should be given to colonists, particularly in coldnies with temperate climates and considerable European populations, and that the recommendations of the Governors should be
accepted. I From time to time he expressed to Governors of colonies not enjoying responsible government the wish that an appointment should if possible be offered to a gentleman who had been privately recommended to him, or promotion to an official who seemed to show particular ability: but he invariably left a real discretion to the Governor. A regular Colonial Civil Service was not yet in being, but Grey's term of office brought its advent.a stage nearer.
