 In 1881, he was in charge of the Land Office at Malacca for a few months and in July 1881, he held the same position at Singapore.In May 1882, he was posted as the Acting Second Assistant Colonial Secretary.In 1885, he made his first official visit to Cocos Islands and upon his return from furlough in 1887, he was confirmed to appoint as the Second Assistant Colonial Secretary and appointed a Commission to inquire regarding the murder of W.A.