2.
The irregularities and discrepancies which have been discovered in the Colonial Accounts are, I am convinced traceable to a period anterior to Mr Forth's arrival in the Colony. I have already reported as to the condition in which the books were found after Mr Riemsdorfer, the former Colonial Treasurer, quitted the Colony whether any of the books were removed by him we know not, but certainly no Journals or Ledgers were found kept in the form required by the Colonial instructions. It must be said however that for some months before Mr Riemsdorfer quitted the Colony his health was dreadfully shattered, - but at the same time I am bound to add that all the information I required as to the finances of the Colony was given with a promptitude and lucidity which satisfied me as to Mr Riemsdorfer's efficiency, and whether on the strength of a powerful memory or a thorough practical acquaintance with Book Keeping - or the Entries in the Cash Book,- I had never any reason to doubt the accuracy of the Statements which from time to time were laid before me.