No.
843.
In any further correspondence on this subject, the above number should be quoted,
and
the communication should be addressed to
"The Comptroller and Auditor General,”
Gov
73441
Sir,
EXCHEQUER AND AUDIT DEPARTMENT,
SOMERSET HOUSE,
LONDON, W.C. 2
15th September 1893
[Received 12 SEP 93]
I am directed by the Comptroller and Auditor General to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th ultimo, transmitting for consideration a despatch from the Governor of Hong Kong, dated 1st July 1893, with reference to the revised system of accounting for Works Expenditure in that Colony.
and
The Director of Public Works, in his minute of 26th June 1893, a copy of which was forwarded by Sir Wm Robinson, takes exception to the adoption of the Sub Head "Wages" in addition to the two Sub Heads "Materials" and "Contract Work" as proposed in Paragraph 3 of the letter from this Department to the Local Auditor of 19th May last.
I am however to point out that the paragraph in question, whilst explaining what is considered to be the more correct course to follow, expressly stated that the adoption of three Sub Heads, instead of two only as proposed, was "not a sine quâ non".
In view of this reservation, and also of the objections raised by the Director of Public Works, which are supported by the Governor, Sir Charles Ryan is not disposed to press for the adoption of what would, in the case of greater departmental expenditure on labour than at present exists at Hong Kong, be, in his opinion, not merely more correct, but an essential method of accounting.
The Hon. R.H.Meade C.B.,
Colonial Office.
The Governor's despatch is herewith returned.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Arthur L. Vesey