4
absence from
the Colony
between
April 1870, and December 1871
and
which have been considered and disposed of by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor during my Administration.
18. As I have already pointed out in my letter of the 23rd ultimo, paragraph 28, I was never called during that period to furnish the monthly Return referred to in charge two. I considered it to be of little or no practical value.
19. A return of a special nature was furnished solely for the personal information of His Excellency Sir Richard MacDonnell. It was not one of the regular Departmental returns.
20. On His Excellency's departure for England in April 1870, it ceased to be required or called for. I certainly ought not to be called to account for not doing that which, for twenty months, the Administrators administering the Government tacitly sanctioned my not doing.
The preparation of it involved much loss of valuable time in the Office. I respectfully protest against any proceedings being taken against me...