2
341
few days later Mr. Forrest walked into my office and said
abruptly: "Todd, if you send me any more financial minutes
I shall tear them up", after which he went on to explain
that he hoped I would report what he had just said to a
higher authority in order that things might be brought to
a head. As he was obviously in a state of great mental
agitation I merely remarked that I appreciated that he was
a very busy but that I too had my Estimates to prepare. I
mentioned this incident on that same day to Mr. Butters and
also I think to Mr. Burgess, but I made no written report
as I felt rather sorry for Mr. Forrest.
4.
Another curious incident arose out of Mr. Forrest's
request for raincoats for his outdoor staff. A meeting of
the Tender Board was called to consider the tenders and
samples of cloth which the Controller of Stores had received.
Mr. Forrest was invited to attend the meeting, which was
held in Financial Secretary's office; he came up to the
Colonial Secretary's Office but refused to join the meeting
and sat in the Chief Clerk's office.
Consequently no
decision was reached by the Tender Board and it was not
until some weeks later that the raincoats were eventually
ordered. I believe the reason why Mr. Forrest refused to
attend the meeting was that he had taken exception to a
minute which Mr. Butters had written a few days previously.
(Signed) R.R. TODD.
Financial Secretary
2. 5. 41.
Page 340Page 341