CO129-456 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1919 [10-12] — Page 296

Enclosure

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5.

Mr. Reed is on leave. He is not a secured

officer. He has the reputation of being a particularly trust- -worthy and reliable man, which fact perhaps induced Mr. Ross to give him the custody of his key in the first instance. But it is obvious that lir. Ross could not thereby transfer any part of his personal responsibility in respect of a safe which contained as much as 139,271 in stampa on the 31st August; and he ought to have been particularly careful when the post of Accountant was in commission, in the circumstances explained by

him in the attached report.

6.

Ng Pak-sin is secured in the sum of $5,000,

as to 83,000 by the Government Guarantee Fund and as to 82,000 by a charge upon real estate. I am advised that this security covers only cash which should legitimately be in the Compra- -dore's hands, and that it cannot be set off against the

deficit in the Postmaster-General's safe,

7.

I regret that in the circumstances I must regard Mr. Ross as being personally responsible for that deficit, which is in the sum of $1,920; and I would ask Your Lordship's instructions as to the action which should be taken in the matter. I would suggest that a refund by Mr. Boss of half the amount would meet the case.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient,

humble servant,

7.2. Stutts

Governor,&c..

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