 In January 1876, he was graciously permitted by Her Majesty's Government to enter the Colonial Office at Downing Street and worked until 1878, when he was appointed as cadet in the Straits Settlements Civil Service.Upon his arrival in Singapore, he was given a position in the Secretariat under Sir Cecil Clementi Smith who has been a staunch friend to Sir Ernest.Sir Ernest previous experience in the Colonial Office enabled him to be of special assistance of all important Commission on the Police Force held about 1880.