The question is a general one. There is a good deal of force in For Remine's memorandum - and though no immediate action is absolutely necessary (if For Rennia is going back to Hongkong) I think it would be well to refer the papers to the Treasury for their opinion, and for the best manner of reconstituting the 3 Departments.
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Observations on proposed reform of the Financial Department in Hongkong
There is no doubt that the decision of H.M. Govt to dispense with the Imperial system of keeping the Colonial accounts - avoiding as it does the necessity of duplicating work in home office and of duplicate books - will save much clerical labour in keeping and auditing accounts.
And a reduction of staff may easily be effected. The question is in what way more especially as regards the Heads of Depts - that reduction can be best accomplished.
Sir Richard Macdonnell apparently concurs that the junction of the Offices of Treasurer and Accountant...