No. 56

Your despatch No. 23 of the 30th April directs me to
reduce the expenditure of the present year to such an amount
as may be covered by a Revenue calculated on the actual average
Receipts of the last two years. I have in my despatch No. 50
explained the causes of the heavy expenditure of the past, I
have also informed you that the outlay on public works during
the present Year has been reduced to the lowest limit. The only
manner in which I could carry out the instructions I have received
would be in the reduction of the Civil List.

2. During the past nine months I have made reductions under
this head amounting to nearly £8,000 and I am of opinion that
considerable reductions may still be made without impairing the
efficiency of the Public Service, but before doing so I should
wish to receive instructions as the Chief Appointments I propose
to abolish are held by Gentlemen appointed by the Secretary of
State. I mean the Treasurer, the Post Master General and the
Harbour Master.

3. I propose to abolish the Treasury Department, increasing
the Staff of the Collector of Customs by one Clerk and entailing
upon the Head of that Department the light duties now performed
by the Treasurer.

The Postal Service of the Colony in no way justifies the
appointment of a Post Master General. The Registrar General is
perfectly capable of undertaking the supervision of the Postal
Department without any extra assistance or remuneration. The
appointment of a Harbour Master for British Columbia is one that
could hardly have been suggested by any one conversant with the
Colony. The duties—if any—should be performed by the Chief
Revenue Officer.

4. I may add that should you direct me to make these reductions
there is no possible opening for the employment of these gentlemen
in this Colony.