6.
It is false economy to attempt to carry on works in this Country by means of Chinese Contractors without the most constant and vigilant supervision. I have therefore carefully looked into the representations made to me by Mr. Cleverly and have satisfied myself that the following arrangements, which I have sanctioned, subject to Your Grace's confirmation, are necessary.
Mr. Cleverly proposes, in a few weeks availing himself of the lengthened leave of absence to which he is entitled after nearly 7 years continuous service, and I have intimated to Mr. Wilson, the New Assistant Surveyor General, that I propose to entrust him, as an experimental measure, with the charge of the Department. He will receive half his own salary, and half that of the Surveyor General.
8. It has therefore become necessary to find a qualified person temporarily to succeed Mr. Wilson, and the Surveyor General has reported that it would not be possible to do so on Mr. Wilson's half salary of £350 a year. I have accordingly, on Mr. Cleverly's recommendation, sanctioned the temporary employment of Major Bird, formerly of the Royal Engineers, as Acting Assistant Surveyor General, on a salary of £525 a year, and the difference between Mr. Wilson's half salary and that sum