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22. The next subject to which I have to refer is the Staff of the Survey Department: The various Officers have been under enquiry and examined, and much information has been obtained into their work. In the first place there is a lamentable want of harmony in the Department, which must manifestly affect its proper working. Mr Morsom most unfortunately does not manifest such administrative ability as would enable him to control a Department through which so large a sum of the Public money is expended. The various Subordinates do not seem to know what are their particular duties, and sufficient work is not apparently obtained from those holding important posts. This is plainest perhaps in the case of the Chief Clerk (Mr Pantin) than in that of any other Officer. Mr. Morsom has not yet satisfied himself that Mr Pantin should perform duties properly within his sphere, and which he declines to do. He evidently misunderstands his position in the Service, and seems ill-adapted for carrying out the duties devolving on the person holding his post.
23. The Staff is adequate in point of numbers, and if method were not wanting in the Department, there would be order and efficiency.