Fitzgerald's report on Karachi harbour works, and question whether Manna breakwater should be completed; intends to appoint Sir Charles Jackson (former judge of Calcutta Supreme Court) as Chairman of Bombay Bank Commission.
Would have preferred Income tax to Licence tax but pleased a direct impost retained which could in future be apportioned among Local Govts; disagrees with Durand's view but disinclined to compel Members of Governor-General's Executive Council to vote for Govt in Legislative Council – would prefer...
Encloses letter from Fitzgerald and his reply outlining views on whether Govt should hold shares in Bank, whether there should be Govt Directors (to which he remains opposed) or an Inspector, and scope of Commission of Enquiry into Presidency Banks.
His own Council divided on question of Durand and his vote in Legislative Council; Northcote intends to write privately to Durand; is against suggestion by Sir Erskine Perry (member, Council of India) to give Governor-General in Council power to make ordinances to give effect to existing legislat...
Motion by Henry Fawcett (radical MP), and suggestion to establish scholarships for Indians to study in England to enable them to enter the [ICS] competition; completion of reform bill will probably prevent him proceeding with India Bill; suggestion that four Council of India members be allowed to...
Has recommended Col Wilson as aide-de-camp to Queen; has no personal interest in Col Herbert; furlough rules and proposal to treat Europeans and Indians similarly; Orissa Irrigation is seeking to raise £1 million for Orissa works and £1 million for Bihar, and they should be given chance to succee...
Position of officers now on leave (in particular Mr Mark Thornhill) in respect of new furlough rules; Duleep Singh's application for more money; question of upbringing of King Theodore's young son - Queen would like him brought to England but Northcote thinks it would be easier to fit him for fut...