4. A considerable amount of correspondence ensued with the result that the present system was adopted and judging from the tenor of the Governor's despatch it is not found to work well.
543
5. As regards the objections to which reference is made in paragraph 3 I am still of opinion that the suspense account is the most business-like way of dealing with the question and I do not think that in respect of the second objection the present system gets over the difficulty as I much doubt whether, when large indents for stores are made on the Crown Agents, Legislative sanction is obtained. In this I am open to correction as I do not see the expenditure side of the accounts.
6. The Governor asks for a telegraphic reply to his despatch but without some further information I cannot see that there is any pressing hurry and I would suggest that if possible a meeting should be arranged to discuss the question and settle it.
7. I propose to leave here for London on the 17th inst. and shall report myself at the Colonial Office as early after that date as possible.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Hilgen
& Zuurthe
-2-