Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Barnes died on Saturday 28 October 1911, at age 46, of heart failure while playing polo in Happy Valley, Hong Kong. Arthur Winbolt Brewin, CMG, was appointed acting Colonial Secretary on 30 October 1911 and remained in this position until 28 November 1911. Cecil Clementi acted as Colonial Secretary from 22 January to 6 June and from 29 November 1911. Claud Severn of the Federated Malay States Service was appointed as the next Colonial Secretary and took office in 1912.