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2

No. 3. The Controller and Auditor-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sir,— Audit Office, 3rd June, 1891. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Cooper's letter of the 30th May informing me that the Government does not see its way to increase the staff of the Audit Department pending any inquiry which Parliament may direct to be made into the question of audit generally in the colony. As I am held responsible for the audit of the public accounts, and as it is clear to me that that audit cannot be carried on with the present staff, I respectfully request that Ministers will be pleased to move Parliament to direct such an inquiry to be made at its early convenience, as may determine what work the Audit Office shall be required to do, and what staff is necessary for the purpose. I have, &c, James Edward Fitzgerald, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Controller and Auditor-General. [Approximate Cost of Taper.— Preparation, nil; printing 11,300 copies), £1 Is.]

Authority: George Djdsbury, Government Printer, Wellington, 1891.

Price 3d.]