315
(6.)
Minute by the Governor.
I fully concur in the views expressed by the Secretary of State on two points(1) as to the expediency of having a Local Auditor, apart from the Colonial Secretary, the proper duties of the latter Officer being now quite sufficient to fully occupy his time; and (2) as to the advantage of providing for another audit of accounts which is entirely independent of the local Government.
But as regards (1) the Local Auditor, I agree with Mr. LISTER that a salary of $3,000 to $3,500 is not nearly sufficient, as such an officer should in my opinion be one of the highest in the Government. And on the subject of (2) the independent audit, I much regret that I am unable to modify the view expressed by me in my despatch No. 114 of the 30th of March, that the return to the system of forwarding all accounts for Audit in England would be a costly mistake, and that the object desired might be obtained by other means, not only more cheaply but much more expeditiously and with more effective results.
While for this reason I trust that the Secretary of State may yet be inclined to alter his views, I do not feel justified in further postponing compliance with his instructions; and I therefore desire that there be placed on the Estimates a lump sum of $10,000 for Audit..
22nd November, 1889.
G. WILLIAM DES VOUX.