The following procedure was proposed: the Auditor, if he thinks fit, may disallow payment or refer the question of the mode of procedure to the Controller-General, who would communicate with the Secretary of State on the subject.
A draft was privately referred by Mr. Webb to Sir C. Ryan, who wrote an accompanying note suggesting the adoption of certain alterations pencilled in the proposed alteration.
The Accounts are not audited in England. In that case, the procedure is defined by the Secretary of State's directive.
The Auditor cannot make a change. If he objects to any item, the officer whose account is adjusted should refer it to the Controller-General with a view to altering what, in the opinion of the Auditor, is considered wrong. If the Controller-General concurs with the Auditor, he will report to the Governor.
I prefer Mr. Webb's language, as it would prevent the Auditor from making any suggestions to the Governor, except in urgent cases.
It is implied that the Controller-General and Auditor-General has authority to give instructions to the Colonial Auditor, which, as pointed out, is beyond his province.
I have made my suggestions in pencil.
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