[J. F. Finlay [James Fairbairn Finlay], Financial Secretary to the Government of India, and rugby player for Scotland in first-ever international.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Enthorne’, with regard to instructions from Sir James Westland.

See Westland's entry in the Oxford DNB. Finlay was, as the Marquis of Crewe told the House of Lords in 1912, ‘a distinguished Indian official’, responsible for, as the Statist stated in 1914, ‘the details of the financial administration of the Empire of India. The magnitude and complexity of the financial transactions of the Government of India need not be enlarged on.’ He entered the Indian Civil Service in 1875, was made a Companion of the Order of the Star of India in 1896, and a Member the Governor-General’s Council in 1902. He served as Secretary to Government of India (Finance and Commerce Department), 1891-1903. In addition he was a Member of Council of India, 1903-1906; and of the Governor-General’s Council, 1906-1908. 2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once for postage. Addressed to ‘My dear Enthorne’ and signed ‘J. F. Finlay’. He reports that ‘Sir J Westland wishes you to being drafting rules under the letter Duties Act, as it will be when amended as proposed, in communication with O’Conor’. Finlay told the latter, and he asks Enthorne to ‘come over the office to arrange’, thinking that ‘It would perhaps be convenient for you to have a table in O’Conor’s room’. He is enclosing a ‘copy of the Cotton Duties Act with Hill’s pencil alterations & memos’. He requests its prompt return as it is wanted by ‘Sir J.’