The Duke of Newcastle on the arrival
Mid Wilson and Drestage; this Clerk was employed for a short period as I was in hopes of being able, with his assistance, to close up a variety of arrears of Leases and other work also; but the arrears, in consequence of the extended work of the office, increased rather than abated, and it is only owing to the accidental circumstance that I had no more land to bring forward for sale that I have been able to keep the service of the Department in train. I have before alluded to the mass of writing to be executed in the office, of works, alone, and have shown to His Excellency a month's work as ordinarily executed. Mr Chagas, who has charge of this branch of my Department, has often complained to me of his arduous duties, not only those of a mere clerical nature, but embracing calculations also, and failing to obtain assistance from the other clerks, already overworked, I have been obliged lately to employ a Clerk and pay him myself at the rate of $75 per month out of my own resources.
It is necessary for me to carry on the non-execution of public duties so that I might be able to carry out the duties with more satisfactory results, and give charge of the Department without ...