147
lessness of a Chinese servant,
3.
In these circumstances I have sanction-
ed the writing off of the Government property destroyed. In
the case of Mr. Last the circumstances were as follows.
Owing to the destruction of the Land Office in the typhoon
of last year one living room had been provided for the Land
Bailiff in the Police Station, but this room was used to
store cadastral, railway and forestry maps, office station-
ery &c., as well as a dining and sleeping room and office.
He therefore at his own expense erected a wooden hut close
by in which to store his camp outfit. This was completely
destroyed, and in the circumstances I have sanctioned the
payment to him of two-thirds the estimated value, viz:
$72.10.
4.
With regard to Mr. Hallifax. This
officer was compelled to live in this matshed, which was
at the time extremely inflammable, since there were no
Government quarters or other more permanent house avail-
able.
When previously living in this Matshed with two
other officers he had endeavoured to effect an insurance of
his property, but the Insurance Companies would not under-
take the risks except at prohibitive rate (5% or more).
They then appealed to Government to insure on their behalf
but their request was refused.
I
as
Page 150Page 151