I am glad to request that you will inform me how many Overseers are at present on the Fixed Establishment of the Colony as I observe that on p. 18 of the 1898 Estimates, the number of all the Overseers are apparently owing to a printer's error, given in italics as (non-pensionable) or it also the temporary establishment; & what is though they were that it will also report whether Mr Warren's proposed transfer to the Fixed Establishment was agreed with the highest authority.
[The number of overseers permanently engaged beyond the unit which it is considered necessary to engage permanently, is not likely suggested to be contrary to the identity undertaken.]
You will remember that it was some years ago decided not to engage all the officers of the Public Works Dept in a permanent capacity, so as to be able to staff the Department easily when there may be fewer works for the Department to undertake.
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