No. 11

I learn that no final decision has ever been signified whether or
not Mr. Trutch would be disqualified for retaining his Office of
 Surveyor General in British Columbia on account of the interest which he
possesses directly or indirectly in a public bridge and road.

On the one hand it is no doubt desirable that a Surveyor General
and Engineer should not be supposed to be liable to be biassed in his
judgment in the discharge of his duties by any particular work in which
he has a private interest. On the other hand I understand that Mr. Trutch has always been represented to this Department to possess
especially good qualifications for his Office and he has now held it
since the early part of 1864. It would seem undesirable therefore to
remove him, both as regards himself and as respects the Public which he
is said to be so well qualified to serve, except on some public ground
which cannot be questioned.

With these remarks I must leave it to you to report officially your
opinion upon the subject before I adopt the final decision.