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business when necessary. Neither Mr Austin nor myself can devise new improvements, and I believe that with the present competent and willing staff a very moderate strictness of supervision will keep in efficient order the Machinery of the Department notwithstanding the complex character of its work.
At the same time the position of Colonial Secretary here is very peculiar, as he has and can have generally so little work to get through. This appears to be more the case during my Administration than usual, but supposing the Governor to attend to business himself, and by the constitution of the Colony he cannot divest himself of countless direct responsibilities on all sides. The portion of duty left to the Colonial Secretary, as such merely, is necessarily much smaller than consists with the experience and habits of an Officer of Mr Austin's standing.
5. The latter has therefore thrown out the suggestion of the possible amalgamation of the offices of Colonial Secretary and Treasurer, if the moment were opportune for considering such a suggestion. I think there are objections to an officer of the Colonial Secretary's position being subordinated in the details of his duty to the Auditor General, who is virtually the controller of the Treasurer's actions.
6. I would prefer economical reform as a more useful and practicable measure than amalgamation of offices.
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