474
years
I have served the Colony for thirteen and a half, and, as I devote my whole time and energies to it, my only prospect of reward is in the service, in the shape of promotion or increased emolument.
Your approaching absence, for the first time in eleven years, will make possible a temporary promotion with some trifling emolument attached, and if this is to be bestowed upon the first outsider, a youthful stranger without knowledge or experience, what hope is left to old and tried Servants of the Crown and what incentive to diligent faithful service?
The Dating Governor doubtless took it for granted that your proposition was only put forward after careful consideration, and, as the best provision for the efficiency of the Public Service, I have pointed out the cruel injustice of it and I now declare that it is not necessary.
In 1875, when you last took leave, I carried on the whole work of the Dept: (exclusive of the Harbour duties) for four months single-handed, and now with the help of Dr. Muirhead I am prepared to undertake it again for five months.
The effort I made in 1875 was, I have always understood, successful, and with eleven years' additional experience I should not now be less competent or efficient.
I am at a loss to understand your action in this matter but with the additional light which I have thrown upon its consequences, I trust you will be able to urge upon the Acting Governor the desirability of altering your proposed arrangement.
Justice and the efficiency of the Service must be two main objects of the Executive, and as the appointment inadvertently sanctioned involves a disregard of both, I beg you will place the foregoing remarks before His Excellency, when I feel assured the oversight will be at once rectified.
I have the honour to be,
Your Most Obedient Servant,
sd. J. Wharryde,
Superintendent