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Witchell and E. D. C. Wolfe are Public Servants who were granted leave as follows in order to enable them to proceed with the Contingent to England.
4 months' vacation leave from 14th May.
Mr. A. Chapman
Mr J Witchell
3 months' vacation leave and 1 month's leave of absence from 14th May.
Mr. E. D. C. Wolfe
3 months' vacation leave and 27 days' leave of absence from 14th May.
It appears to me that it can hardly have been your intention that these Officers should receive the very liberal rates of pay quoted in your Despatch under acknowledgment in addition to the salaries which they are permitted to draw while on leave, and I have, therefore, telegraphed to you on the 11th instant to the following effect.
Telegram 33006
"Referring to your Despatch No. 195 of 4th July, express stipulation has been made Volunteers should not receive pay: consider it undesirable that Officials should be paid in addition to salary: suggest reconsideration. Despatch follows".
In the meantime I shall ask the Legislative Council to vote the sum of nearly £1,250 which under your Despatch will be payable to the Contingent.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
M.J. Gascoigne
Major-General,
Administering the Government.
C0053