Audit Office,
Hongkong, May 14th, 1907.
JUL 07,
Sir,
With reference to His Excellency's minute of 13th May, 1907, I beg to state that the clerk working at present in this office is an absolute necessity as a permanent measure, as the Audit in connection with the Accounts of this Colony has increased very much, new accounts have been opened, and a more detailed Audit is now conducted than in my predecessor's time, which, on my arrival here in 1904 I considered most necessary, and results have since fully justified my action. In addition to this the Comptroller and Auditor General has recently requested me to examine all the Advance Deposit and Imprest Accounts locally, instead of in London, which entails extra work. I would further add that the Comptroller and Auditor General has instructed me to report at the end of 6 months on the Audit of the Accounts in question, and should the new system prove satisfactory, I am to be called upon to examine more Accounts of a similar nature. The result of this is that the work of Local Audit is being increased and that of the Audit in London diminished.
2.
I would also ask for a clerk to assist the New Assistant Auditor on his arrival, with the Railway Audit, for the following reasons. The clerical work in connection with the Audit of the Railway Accounts is very heavy which requires to be checked in every detail, in addition to which the examination of the Store Accounts will occupy much time. Constant test stock takings will be undertaken, all the store ledger entries will be checked in detail with the Crown Agents invoices, Bills for local purchase, and issue notes.
3.
In conclusion I would add that I trust my requests
Honourable
The Colonial Secretary.