to P Y.
Hon. Colonial Secretary,
C.O.
23272
JREEP
349
In compliance with His Excellency's request of 3rd May, 1907, I beg to offer the following reasons why another Assistant Auditor was asked for.
Within a very short space of time the Railway Accounts have increased in size beyond all expectation, so much so, that the audit is in arrears, and I find it impossible to examine the accounts in sufficient detail, in addition to which the main stores, and the accounts and stores of the sub-divisions should be frequently inspected, which owing to the want of time at my disposal I have so far failed to carry out.
The Assistant Auditor asked for would have his office over in Kowloon in close proximity to that of the Chief Accountant, would give his whole attention to Railway Audit, both of Accounts and Stores at Railway Headquarters, in addition to which he would pay frequent visits to examine the accounts of the various sub-divisions. He would be under my supervision, and his presence would in no way relieve me of my duty and responsibility of making independent visits to all sections, to see that a proper check is being conducted. My request has not been made without much consideration, and my views and action in the matter have recently formed the subject matter of 2 letters to the Comptroller and Auditor-General.
(sd.) H. R. Phelips.
6th May, 1907.