17
2
-
18
Encl. No.2.
Miscellaneous Receipts counterfoils had been
paid into the Bank and that receipts had
been obtained. I enclose a copy of the
instructions which were handed to Mr.
Witchell when he took over these duties.
When passports came to be issued by the
Police the same measure of independence
prevailed, Mr. Witchell being left with
entire responsibility on the financial
side.
I cannot defend this laxity of
control, but, reprehensible though it was,
I do not think that any individual officer
can be regarded so blame-worthy as to be
reprimanded on its account. The system
in use in the Passport Office was of old
standing and had come to be accepted
without question by all concerned.
accounting side was seriously defective
by reason of the absence of subsidiary
registers or permanent records designed
to prevent the suppression of documents,
etc., on which fees were payable.
The
This
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defect, however, also had continued for many years
without attention being drawn to it.
4.
I am satisfied that the system now in operation,
if rigidly adhered to, affords a reasonable safeguard
against suppression of documents and misappropriation of
moneys collected.
5.
despatch:
I deeply regret the delay in replying to your
it is principally attributable to the outbreak
of war and the additional heavy work entailed thereby.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
hot. Mothert
Governor.