 In 1883 was transferred to Ceylon as a Queen's Advocate, later becoming Attorney-General and acting Chief Justice.It was December 1886, as he was to be awarded the Order of St Michael and St George, he returned to Mauritius to take up the roles as colonial secretary and administrator (acting governor) from 24 February 1887 to December 1888.For over a year he was Colonial Secretary of Hong Kong between 1890 and 1892 (years later Fleming Road in Wan Chai, Hong Kong was named after him).