CO129-246 - Acting Governor Fleming - 1890 [8-9] — Page 559

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed
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As it has already been under consideration in other papers, I think it will lead to a clearer understanding of the subject if I treat it here comprehensively instead of carrying it on in various papers.

2. Accountants Branch. In writing my report of 17th August 1889, it would appear that I have not made sufficiently clear the necessity which exists, and which has, I believe, long been known to exist, of an improved system of Public Works Accounts. I was then new to the Colony and was cautious in making any observations, as I had to be careful to cast no reflections on the officials charged with the departmental accounts, especially as I believed and still believe that they carried out their duties to the best of their ability.

When I stated that the accounts were models of neatness and accuracy and satisfied the requirements of a Government Audit, I ought perhaps to have said of the Government Audit as then constituted in the Colony. And I went on to explain that, in my opinion (and I venture to add that I am confident that all engineers who have had charge of the execution of large works would agree with me), they were deficient in classification and in other essentials necessary for efficiency.

Further experience has abundantly confirmed my early impressions. In my opinion, the system of departmental accounts, including the Stores branch, needs a complete revision. I have had to call attention to the fact that large sums have been wrongly charged to the wrong vote, and quite recently the Legislative Council has been asked...

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As it has already been under consideration in other papers, I think it will lead to a clearer understanding of the subject if I treat it here comprehensively instead of carrying it on in various papers. 2. Accountants Branch. In writing my report of 17th August 1889, it would appear that I have not made sufficiently clear the necessity which exists, and which has, I believe, long been known to exist, of an improved system of Public Works Accounts. I was then new to the Colony and was cautious in making any observations, as I had to be careful to cast no reflections on the officials charged with the departmental accounts, especially as I believed and still believe that they carried out their duties to the best of their ability. When I stated that the accounts were models of neatness and accuracy and satisfied the requirements of a Government Audit, I ought perhaps to have said of the Government Audit as then constituted in the Colony. And I went on to explain that, in my opinion (and I venture to add that I am confident that all engineers who have had charge of the execution of large works would agree with me), they were deficient in classification and in other essentials necessary for efficiency. Further experience has abundantly confirmed my early impressions. In my opinion, the system of departmental accounts, including the Stores branch, needs a complete revision. I have had to call attention to the fact that large sums have been wrongly charged to the wrong vote, and quite recently the Legislative Council has been asked... Page 558
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މ question, as it has already been. under consideration in other papers, I think it will land to a clearer – understanding of the subject if I treat it here comprehensively nikad of carrying on the on various papers. corresponden ee 2. Accountants Branch. In writing my report of 17th Strigust 1889, it would appear that I have not made. sufficiently clear the necessity which exists, and which has I believe long been known to exist, of an improved exster of Public Works Accounts. I was then new to the Colony, was aufions ai any aud observations. Ad I had to make to cast no reflexions on the officials charged with the L'epartmental accounts, especially I believed and still believe that they out their duties to the best of carry their ability. When I stated that the 558 accounts were models of neatness and accuracy and satisfied the requirements of a Government Audit, I ought perhaps to have said of the Government Audit as then constituted in the Colony, and I went on to explain that wi my opinion, (and I venture to add that I an confident that all Enquicers who have & had charge of the execution of large works would are ree with me) they agree. deficient un classification, and in other essentials necessary evvo ure Jenn efficiency. Further experience has abun abundantly confirmed my early impressions . In my opinion the system of departmental accounts, ncluding the Stores branch, needs A complete revision. I have had to call attention to the fact of large to the w sums having wrong having been charges vote, and quill recently the Legislative Council has been 1 accamb asked 1
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މ

question,

as it has

already

been.

under consideration in other papers,

I think it will land to a clearer –

understanding of the subject if I treat it here comprehensively nikad

of

carrying

on the

on various papers.

corresponden ee

2. Accountants Branch.

In writing my

report of 17th Strigust 1889, it would appear that I have not made. sufficiently clear the necessity which exists, and which has I believe long been known to exist, of an improved exster of Public Works Accounts. I was then new to the Colony,

was aufions ai

any

aud

observations.

Ad

I had to make to cast no reflexions on the officials charged with the L'epartmental accounts, especially I believed and still believe that they

out their duties to the best of carry their ability. When I stated that the

558

accounts were models of neatness

and accuracy and satisfied the requirements of a Government Audit, I ought perhaps to have said of the Government Audit as then constituted in the Colony,

and I went

on to explain that wi

my opinion, (and I venture to add that I

an

confident that all Enquicers who have & had charge of the execution of large

works would

are

ree with

me) they

agree.

deficient un classification, and in other essentials necessary

evvo ure

Jenn

efficiency. Further experience

has abun

abundantly confirmed

my

early impressions . In my opinion the system of departmental accounts, ncluding

the Stores branch, needs

A

complete revision. I have had to call attention to the fact of

large

to the w

sums having

wrong

having been charges

vote, and quill recently

the Legislative Council has been

1

accamb

asked

1

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