556
I therefore think that arrangements should be made possible for Mr Ford's having the direct management under the Governor or Committee as may be appointed of the Public Gardens and general Planting.
He should be responsible for all the receipts and payments made on behalf of his Department.
I wish to know what special arrangements are necessary to give effect to this Change, and whether any reasons occur to you for regarding it as undesirable.
(Signed) R. G. MacDonnell.
Minute by Mr Austin.
I see objection whatever to the Garden Department being removed from the charge of the Surveyor General and placed under the superintendence of the Government Gardener controlled by the Committee.
The monthly salary abstract must, as provided by the estimate, be charged to the Survey Department, but that is a matter which can be easily arranged at the Audit Office, and I shall be glad to give Mr Ford whatever information he may require in which his accounts should be kept and made out.
For the Estimate of 1873 it will be as well perhaps to strike out the Wardens altogether from the Treasury Department.
(Signed) J. Gardiner Austin, Colonial Secretary.
Jones Copy In.
8th January 1872.