CO129-583-7 Authority to write off arrears of expenditure 6-2-1940 - 22-6-1940 — Page 19

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3.

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A

and shaft to Messrs. Mollers' at a profit

of $1,000, and Messrs. Mollers' reported

the matter to this Government stating that

these parts appeared to be ex S.T. "Kau

Sing". Messrs. Mollers' claimed that,

under the terms of sale, these articles

should have been included in the

comprehensive purchase price.

was found to be correct, and since

this Government was open to legal

action as a result of the mistake

which had been made, there appeared

to be no alternative but to reimburse

Messrs. Mollers' for the amount paid

This

by them for these articles less the cost

of removal etc.

5.

The amount payable by this

Government was eventually agreed upon as

$859.50 and authority is now sought, in

accordance with Colonial Regulation No.

345, for the writing off of this sum.

6.

I have carefully considered the

question of the responsibility for this unfortunate mistake and my consideration

has been somewhat delayed pending the

return of a certain officer from leave.

It appears that the articles in question were a spare propeller and shaft which had been stored for several years and had

been overlooked since the sale of the ship in June, 1938,

until they were condemned as scrap a year later.

7.

It appears that there has been a certain degree of negligence in this matter in more than one quarter, but, in view of all the circumstances, I am prepared,

with your approval, to take a lenient view of the case.

I have, however, instructed that Mr. Robert Hall,

Assistant Surveyor of Ships, should be reprimanded

for his failure to include the articles in question in

the original inventory of the "Kau Sing".

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

1. Cent. Workert

Governor.