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The Local Auditer submitted that all cheques signed by the Chief Resident Engineer should be countersigned by the Railway Accountant. The Hon. Treasurer considered this quite unnecessary and that ample check existed. The cheques number only about 50 per month and as the Chief Resident Engineer had no objection I directed countersignature in deference to the Hon-Treasurer Auditor's view.
The Chief Resident Engineer brought forward the question of Mr. Logan's resignation and his replacement. I was informed that he had modified his unconditional resignation which had been accepted, and now notified his resignation in 3 months' time. The Hon. Colonial Secretary and the Chief Resident Engineer thought that his resignation should take place at once. I concurred. The promotion of Mr. Baker to the vacant post had already been approved by me subject to the concurrence of the Consulting Engineers. Mr. Xvos expressed a fear lest many of the skilled Indians when Mr. Logan had brought would leave when he did, also lest Mr. Stein whose agreement expires next May would not renew it, and lest a very valuable and highly paid Indian named Richers should go. If they did not he did not see any need to replace Mr. Baker. He was instructed to submit the proposals he desired to make to Mr. Stein for increase of pay if he renewed his engagement, and when these had been approved to ascertain whether Mr. Stein was prepared to accept them. He stated that there was no necessity to replace Mr. Baker till Mr. Stein's time was up, and meantime he would report fully the points raised.
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The question of a Workshop site and consequent resumptions and of the nature of the workshops required and whether any form of contract with local Firms may be feasible &c., will inter alia form the subject of discussion at the next meeting, at which the Treasurer's presence will not be necessary, but the Hon. Director of Public Works will please attend.
(sd.) F.D.Lugard.
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