CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914 — Page 405

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connection with same, I was called upon to perform work, and the preparation of the districts for the purpose of collect- ing rate penalties which were then contemplated, but which later were not enforced. During the period the number of appeals against house valuations was exceptional.

I was

successful in having my valuations confirmed by the Court in

every case fought by the appellants, whilst others were with- drawn. Pive of the cases continued over several months, and

a vast amount of evidence had to be collected from many sources

to support the Goverment cases. Expert assistance was of- fered to me by Govemment as the appellants had expert wit-

nesses, but for various reasons I preferred collecting evid-

ence, and going through with the cases alone. On one occasion

I was four hours in the witness box. The successful ending

with costs of all these cases was brought about without loss

to Government either through having to pay for outside expert

assistance or otherwise. I recommended Government to institute

proceedings in two cases of false returns by European owner, and the evidence in both cases was prepared by myself, the

Government being given judgment in both with costs.

Such are a few instances of work outside of my substant-

ive post in the P.W.D., which I hope may have strengthened

the "personal" side of my position as a Government official

#ince 1911.

Your letter of 1st inst. states that H.. the Governor

had reported that he had "omised me to be informed that he

"could not support my application". What actually happened

was as follows: On 19.2.14 the following minute by H.3. the

Governor was sent to me to note: *This officer is in re-

"ceipt of £670 a year pensionable emoluments. The maximum

"salary of an Executive Engineer of the 1st Grade is £630

*pensionable salary and £60 non-pensionable duty pay. Vr

7.

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