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3.
22
A
and shaft to Messrs. Mollers' at a profit
of $1,000, and Messrs. Mollers' reported
the matter to this Government stating that
these parts appeared to be ex S.T. "Kau
Sing". Messrs. Mollers' claimed that,
under the terms of sale, these articles
should have been included in the
comprehensive purchase price.
was found to be correct, and since
this Government was open to legal
action as a result of the mistake
which had been made, there appeared
to be no alternative but to reimburse
Messrs. Mollers' for the amount paid
This
by them for these articles less the cost
of removal etc.
5.
The amount payable by this
Government was eventually agreed upon as
$859.50 and authority is now sought, in
accordance with Colonial Regulation No.
345, for the writing off of this sum.
6.
I have carefully considered the
question of the responsibility for this unfortunate mistake and my consideration
has been somewhat delayed pending the
return of a certain officer from leave.
It appears that the articles in question were a spare propeller and shaft which had been stored for several years and had
been overlooked since the sale of the ship in June, 1938,
until they were condemned as scrap a year later.
7.
It appears that there has been a certain degree of negligence in this matter in more than one quarter, but, in view of all the circumstances, I am prepared,
with your approval, to take a lenient view of the case.
I have, however, instructed that Mr. Robert Hall,
Assistant Surveyor of Ships, should be reprimanded
for his failure to include the articles in question in
the original inventory of the "Kau Sing".
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
1. Cent. Workert
Governor.