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leave in the dead season in August when there might at most, one session of the Legislative Council in his absence, and when no major policy measures or decisions are called for.
There would be a practical dividend from doubling up the two posts in that work on Government House and leave for Government House staff could be managed more conveniently in the Governor's absence. This aspect has been under- lined because during my leave this summer, the Acting Governor will be unable to use the Govern or 's office, because workmen will be in it and it would therefore be a convenience for Roberts to carry on in his own office. Even if there is nothing quite so extreme as this, there are nearly always workmen and painters in the house making it uncomfortable for a resident, and it is also inconvenient for the Governor to have to find time for leave for staff while he is there and Government House is fully operative, in order to ensure the place continues to function for an Acting Governor during his own absence. It would be much more convenient to adhere to the diplomatic custom of the Charge being able to use the facilities of the residence to the extent that they are available, but otherwise carrying on in his own house. again, the fact that the Governor takes leave during the dead social season and when visits are at a minimum is relevant. As you will realise no one in their right mind would prefer Government House to Victoria House as a home.
Here
Roberts and I would like to try this out during my short absence in London in June, and if it works to do the same thing during my longer absence on regular leave in August provided Unofficials are agreeable, and provided you see no constitutional objection.
On the constitutional issue the
Attorney General sees no fundamental objection but has raised two points:-
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