For the year 1902 my estimates were cut down by £321.
In some respects, of which I am unaware, in preparing the draft estimates the Public Works Department was treated exceptionally. The proposed increases in the Police Department, the Harbour Master's Department, the Sanitary Department and other departments, though not approved by the Secretary of State, were printed in the draft estimates submitted to the Legislative Council, while the estimate for the Public Works Department was not that submitted by me, but a copy of that omitting one important appointment.
I pointed this out when the estimates were under the consideration of the Finance Committee, and was informed that the proposed re-organization of the Public Works Department, providing for certain increases of salaries, was before the Secretary of State and would probably be approved; also that the estimates as printed were only tentative.
A subsequent memorandum from the unofficial members of Council clearly proved that an increase in the votes for the Public Works Establishment would have received their ready assent.
I cannot but think that this...