14
15.1.
2.
༢.༥
14:
The late Mr Lister in his letter of the 28th May 1883 to the Honourable W.H. Marsh, Colonial Secretary recommending an increase of my personal allowance, says
"Mr Carvalho is an officer of 28 years good service. As Cashier of the Treasury he virtually manages the whole routine of the office; he keeps the keys and has for some years represented what may be called the permanent head of the department, the Treasurer himself having been changed so frequently as to be more like a parliamentary official at home, under any circumstances it is impossible for the Treasurer to give more than a general superintendence or to go very extensively into matters of detail."
I may mention further that in 1878 I was actually appointed Acting Treasurer but was found to be disqualified for the post as it then carried with it a seat in Council and I was a Portuguese subject.
I submit therefore with all respect that the services rendered by me to the Government during the years from 1858 to 1891 may not unfairly be described in the words of paragraph 2 of the Pension Minute as in excess of and beyond the usual scope of those which I was paid to perform. From 1860 to 1871 I was simply first Clerk and Cashier to the Department under the Colonial Treasurer; always present in the office and with no other duties to perform, I had no responsibility. I had simply to obey orders. From 16th May 1871 I have had nearly all the duties and much of the responsibility of a Head of a Department, without the salary.
I have performed those duties diligently and faithfully and to the perfect satisfaction of successive Treasurers.