CO129-379 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1911 [8-9] — Page 120

!

F:

116

his Memorandum. As regards the action taken by the Government

for which I am responsible, I would desire to correct a mis-

-apprehension which as it seems to me is present to Commander

Taylor's mind. He complains that he has been "condemned un-

-heard and apparently regards his liability as in the nature

of a fine for neglect. Apart from the fact (as shewn by the

Memorandum enclosed) that Commander Taylor was notified of and

himself recognised his liability and that no record can be

found of the repeated enquiries which he states that he made

the fact appears to have escaped his notice that under

Financial Regulations the Head of a Department is charged with

responsibility for the safety of Public monies in his care,

the loss of which has to be made good by him unless the

Governor can certify that his responsibility has been fully

discharged. In the face of the evidence I found myself unable

to conscientiously give such a certificate, and the Executive

Council were unanimous that as Head of the Department he could

not be wholly exonerated. I was however able to recommend to

you that only a portion of the loss should fall upon Commander

Taylor. His opportunity for exculpating himself arises when

your decision is made known to him, and though it happens that

he is on leave and has not therefore access to official records

I

Page 120Page 121