Sessional_Paper_1907 — Page 301

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winding up with a demand, which we understand was subsequently submitted to Your Excellency, through a solicitor, that in the event of an Inspector being called before the Commission, he should be allowed to be represented by Counsel.

We think it necessary to refer to this matter, as shewing, among other things, the spirit of insubordination which exists, and as strengthening our contention that the Department requires reorganisation, and the subordinate officers placing under proper control.

370. The one remaining point to which we feel we must specially draw Your Excellency's attention is the management of the Secretary's office.

That this has been far from satisfactory for some time past has we consider been clearly demonstrated in the course of our enquiry.

371. It is true that after the passing of Ordinance No. 23 of 1903, the Secretary was placed in a most invidious position, and was in point of fact rele- gated to the position of a senior clerk, with practically no authority except over the native clerks actually under him.

Notwithstanding that we consider the present Secretary a hard working and conscientious officer, the work of the Secretary's office was not organised as well as it should and might have been.

372. We have had to make enquiries and have thus directed attention to the manner in which correspondence with the public, the inter-departimental corre- spondence, and the accounts have been dealt with by the Sanitary and Building Departments.

In all these directions, we found much existed which was remiss, demanding improvement.

373. We gather that as a result of our enquiries certain reforms have already been effected, but it appears that a thorough reorganisation is necessary, in order to remove these abuses and to put an end to the very reasonable complaints which have been received.

374. If our proposal be adopted, we consider that the post of Secretary should be filled by a regular member of the cadet service, one who has had considerable experience in Government work, in organisation, and in the general conduct of business, as carried out in the Colonial service. The Secretary should have all the necessary authority to carry out the work of his important office without undue interference.

375. As part of the new Scheme we venture to lay before your Excellency, Financial. it appears to us desirable that the finances of the Sanitary and Building Depart- ment be placed in the hands of the Sanitary Board.

376. It may perhaps be objected that this practically amounts to the creation of a Municipality.

We would however remind Your Excellency that we have not suggested any change in the constitution of the Board, which should remain as at present, but while we do propose that the administration of the Department be transferred from the President, as Administrative Head, to the Board as a Body, the actual con- trol of the finances remains as at present in the hands of the Governor.

377. Our suggestion is that the Sanitary Board should prepare the yearly -estimates for the Department.

These will as hitherto be submitted to the Governor who will accept or modify the estimates as may appear expedient and incorporate them in his Annual Budget.

378. The Budget having been passed by the Legislative Council, the money voted for the Department will then be at the disposal of the Sanitary Board, who will be responsible for its proper expenditure in accordance with the terms of the