(& I think also at Lages) has also respect to this proposal, to look into anything that the point entails: but he refused to have anything to do with pension cases, alleging that he was acting under instructions from Mr. Ryan.
Superintendent Round's view that under the new system the local auditor is an expensive & not very useful luxury, I very much agree with.
I am not at all sure that Mr. Ryan has given much thought to the subject. Hence the idea that he has realised. What Mr. Ryan does in this matter will bring to bear on another matter.
I find that the Colonial Auditor has not signed certain pension papers that in the Chief Clerk's office had been passed. The Col. Sec. was distinctly quiet as to who was responsible.
It is said that the old Auditor paid more attention to a Governor in many small matters, and that it is these new Auditors who have laid upon themselves in an odd way to define their own duties towards the Governor.
I think Mr. W. Hutchinson reported that he had deliberately acted in accordance with his duty to Col: Sec; not because Mr. Bertram had refused, but because he saw no necessity for these actions.
Page 731
6025
No 336.
Road 2: OCT 90
Government House,
Hong Kong, 17 September 1896.
My Lord,
I have the honour to report that on the recommendation of the Acting Captain Superintendent of Victoria Gaol, and with the approval of the Right Honourable Lord Knutsford, G.C.M.G.,