83
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Department
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My attention had been drawn to very extravagant prices paid here for materials used by the Survey Department, and I am therefore desirous of seeing how much saving can be effected by a timely order for such articles from England.
It is almost too late even now to obtain the supplies in the enclosed requisition of the commencement of 1868, but I propose to transmit it at once waiting to pass the Estimates for 1868 next July, by which the cost will be covered.
The experiment is on a small scale only, the total first cost of the articles not exceeding probably £450; but it will certainly be useful to ascertain whether there be not room for considerable saving hereafter in this direction, and I therefore trust that Your Grace will give the necessary directions to forward the above.
I have the honour to be, My Lord Duke, Your Grace's most obedient humble Servant,
Charles Francis MacDonnell
A Governor.