That I am going through the Estimates with Sir William Des Voeux, Mr Lister pressed for an advance on the grounds that I was married and had a family, that $2,500 was not sufficient to live on out here, and at his (Mr. Lister's) earnest request His Excellency took a pen, and with his own hand altered the figure to what appears in the Estimates.
I may add that in approving the Estimates Lord Knutsford must have known the contemplated advance was for me, as His Lordship was aware of my candidature, and himself informed a friend of mine personally of my appointment as Assessor.
I therefore have the honour to ask that you will kindly have the matter put right as soon as you conveniently can.
Page 539
I have the honour to be, Sir Arthur Chapman, Assessor.