535
but, as I have said above, one could probably be obtained
for less.
54.
I consider that the post and title of Secretary to Government should be revived but on a different basis from that of the past. I advise that it should be a purely secretariat appointment, the holder of which should perform also the duties now assigned to the Financial Assistant. He should be the channel of communication with the Commissioner but I do not suggest that he should exercise any control over the Departments of Government, such as a Colonial Secretary does. In this small Government the control usually exercised by a Colonial Secretary will naturally be exercised by the Commissioner himself and the functions of the Secretary to Government should be more of
Such a post can be the nature of those of a Chief Clerk. well filled, as I understand it is now proposed to fill the post of Financial Assistant, by the appointment of an officer of the Paymaster's Branch of the Navy.
55.
The administration of the Government in the absence of the Commissioner should devolve upon the Senior District Officer, who should rank next to the Commissioner. The Secretary to Government should rank with the Junior District Officer, precedence being determined by date of appointment.
56.
DISTRICT OFFICERS.
At present there are two District Officers, a Senior and a Junior. Both have recently been stationed in Port Edward and the magisterial and administrative duties have been divided between them, all civil cases being dealt with by the Senior District Officer and all criminal cases by the Junior. This is not a satisfactory arrangement, as it means that there is no European officer resident in the territory outside Port Edward. I recommend that the Junior District Officer should be stationed at Wenchuantang, where the former District
Officer
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