CO129-251 - Acting Governor Barker - 1891 [9-11] — Page 305

(1390). Wt.20,024-26, 6900, 11/08. A.&E. W. (15,613). 18,012-27. 6000. 10/09.

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whilst at any time they may again be separated.

There Lust

in any case, be a certain mumber of subordinates, more or less

specially employed in the supervision of the Water and Drainage

Works. If separation becomes desirable, then the direction of

this staff may be handed over to the newly appointed, independent

head of the Water and Drainage Department. Even if separation

has to take place, it might be possible to arrange matters so

that one accountant could keep the books of bot. Aupartments

from the returns furnished to him by the respootive heads thereof.

The arrangement which I have suggested will obvinte

any alteration in the existing relations between Me Cooper and

myself, as Consulting Engincer. When I ndertook tie design

of the Water and brainage works, 1 địa so on the understanding

that they were to be carried out by an Engineer, approved by mo,

and responsible to the Government and to myself for the due exo-

cution of the work.

As long as Mr Cooper holds the npoint ent of Surveyor

General, I feel confident that, whatever may be our relations,

the Works which we jointly designed will be efficiently executed

and maintained. But if Mr Cooper were to leave, someone migt

be appointed to fill his place, in whom I have not equal confi-

dence; and who might not possess the necessary qualifications.

I think therefore that it is desirable to retain the meons of

again separating the departments, the union of which is so desi-

rable from every point of view, in consideration of the charac-

ter and attainments of the present applicant for the post of

Surveyor General.

B