With reference to the third paragraph of your despatch under acknowledgement, I desire to give careful attention to the position.
The Colonial Engineer has drawn my attention to the large expenditure on Winkingtund Public Works. I am glad I have therefore been able to give careful consideration to the matter.
As regards the various increases under Establishments, I should have been glad to have received detailed explanations than are contained in this Auditor General's report. I presume that much of the increase in the expenditure is due to the Public Health Department, which has since been confirmed.
The Surveyor General's Department is in anticipation of the action to be taken under the Report of the Land Commission, to which I drew your attention in my despatch No. 22. There is a large increase under this head.
I take this opportunity of approving the temporary appointment of H.G. Land Surveyor, as reported in despatch No. 67 of 12th March.
As the special receipts under the C.D. Ordinance have been discontinued, it will be unnecessary for the future to show them.
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It will be better to give the details of the expenditure on Lock Hospital in the body of the Estimates under the heading "Medical", at the same time removing the item "Lock Hospital" from "Miscellaneous".
I have the honour to convey...
[GR3003]