16. Officers not to incur Liability on behalf of the Government, or to alter General Conditions &c., of Contracts.

No officer shall be authorised to incur, or shall attempt to incur, any liability, or shall have authority to make, or shall attempt to make, any contract on behalf of the Crown, or of the Government or of any department of the public service without the authority, in writing, of the Minister of hi department. The general conditions and forms of specifications of contracts which may from time to time be prescribed to any department shall be strictly adhered to by the professional and other officers of such department, unless in any specs circumstances an alteration therein may be mad and be approved, in writing, by the Responsible Minister.