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report of 17th August 1892 as to the necessity for a thorough audit, on behalf both of the Hong Kong Government and of the Creditors of the Official Receiver's Accounts when this latter Officer acts as a Trustee in Bankruptcy. He cannot however, in view of Mr Nicolle's report, accept the Chief Justice's opinion that the audit "will not involve any increase of work on the Auditor's part".
On the contrary, he is clearly of opinion that if the duty is performed as it ought to be, it will necessarily involve an increase both of work and of responsibility of a substantial as well as of a difficult and delicate nature, and as such should, he thinks, be compensated by at least some addition to Mr Nicolle's emoluments.
It will also be necessary, if the Audit is to be continued, to provide some extra Clerical assistance and on this point Mr Nicolle has been requested to report fully as to his requirements.
To sum up, the Secretary of State will understand that there is no desire on Sir Charles Ryan's part to put any obstacle in the way of carrying out the work. He only feels it his duty to place clearly before His Lordship what it involves as well as to call his attention to the fact that the present Ordinance to some extent throws upon the Funds of this Colony charges which, in the Bankruptcy Administration in England, fall on the Creditors on whose behalf they are conducted.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
5. Phillips