He was Governor of Hong Kong (1907–1912), the last Governor of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate (1912–1914), the first High Commissioner (1900–1906) and last Governor (1912–1914) of the Northern Nigeria Protectorate and the first Governor-General of Nigeria (1914–1919).
Alikuwa Gavana wa Hong Kong (1907-1912), Gavana wa mwisho wa Mlinzi wa Kusini mwa Nigeria (1912-1914), Kamishna Mkuu wa kwanza (1900-1906) na Gavana wa mwisho (1912-1914) wa Kinga ya Kaskazini mwa Nigeria na Gavana Mkuu wa kwanza wa Nigeria (1914–1919).