CO129-575-5 Passport Office- authorisation for writing off deficiencies 31-3-1939 - 19-3-1940 — Page 17

17

2

-

18

Encl. No.2.

Miscellaneous Receipts counterfoils had been

paid into the Bank and that receipts had

been obtained. I enclose a copy of the

instructions which were handed to Mr.

Witchell when he took over these duties.

When passports came to be issued by the

Police the same measure of independence

prevailed, Mr. Witchell being left with

entire responsibility on the financial

side.

I cannot defend this laxity of

control, but, reprehensible though it was,

I do not think that any individual officer

can be regarded so blame-worthy as to be

reprimanded on its account. The system

in use in the Passport Office was of old

standing and had come to be accepted

without question by all concerned.

accounting side was seriously defective

by reason of the absence of subsidiary

registers or permanent records designed

to prevent the suppression of documents,

etc., on which fees were payable.

The

This

- 3-

defect, however, also had continued for many years

without attention being drawn to it.

4.

I am satisfied that the system now in operation,

if rigidly adhered to, affords a reasonable safeguard

against suppression of documents and misappropriation of

moneys collected.

5.

despatch:

I deeply regret the delay in replying to your

it is principally attributable to the outbreak

of war and the additional heavy work entailed thereby.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

hot. Mothert

Governor.