9.
3
116
The question raised in my despatch No 686 of amalgamating the Auditor General's and Treasurer's appointments with that of Colonial Secretary, and I readily admit that your Lordship's arguments against the expediency of changes which weaken the Legislative and Executive branches, and thereby tend to inconvenience in the administration of the Colony during the absence of the Governor are unanswerable, if it be imperative to provide a permanent Staff of such strength as to completely suffice for the current business under ordinary circumstances, as well as for the extreme pressure.
17-April 1869.
Such completeness of arrangements would be very costly here - hardly the Staff can manage with temporary strains, and now and then more or less severe, contrives to get through the Public work, though each Officer is entitled to 16 weeks' vacation on full pay every seventh year, as well as to leave of absence on 1/2 pay every 3 years.
3. Practically in the case of the present Treasurer his services are not likely to be sought for any responsible position, except his permanent office of Treasurer. Therefore he will probably confer more advantage on the Government hereafter during the Interregnum than heretofore, and although your Lordship points out with much force
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