Mr. Bat. I have made a few notes in the matter whilst considering this despatch.
Maybe you will afford assistance to you Mr Blackwood. I think that perusal of this despatch will show that it is difficult to deal with the subjects which are here presented in an extremely pragmatic & incomplete way. We should have the report of the Commission and some account of the evidence on which the Governor grounds his 10th Paragraph.
1. (Par 4.) Mr. Bowring seems to me to have some questions which he ought rather to be able to answer himself, without calling for our assistance. Still, following the Surveyor General, I think he ought certainly to abandon the ad interim practice of private practice, unless and until some public inconvenience is seen to result from it.
2. (Par 5.) As to the Harbour Master, I do not see what question is asked. If it is meant to ask whether he also might be allowed private practice, I think he might.
3. (Par. 6.) I do not see what it can be but a question of improved remuneration. It must rest with his own discretion. I suppose what he wants is an increase in his remuneration.
4 (same par:) I see no reason why there should be any exception to the rule laid down in Apportionment of fees. All fees should be paid into the Treasury and all attempts at private fees should be clearly discouraged by all the friends of good government.
5. (Ibid.:) The "work" referred to some extent is his own work. I cannot imagine why the question is asked.
6. (Ibid.) The question as to what should be done with Mr. Cannon's salary is really one which cannot be answered here. Prima facie, it should go to the Treasury.
Page 180
12 May 1854
M Ball