183
7th March, on 11440, (Sanctioning the Government) we called attention to the expenditure on Police and Public Gardens
That statement had not yet been answered,
but
a further vote for $14,974 appears in the Supplementary Estimates for the former and $4,938 for the latter.
I think that in the latter case, some notice must be taken. The original estimate was $3,000, and we now find nearly $5,000, cited in the supplementary estimates. I would not sanction the Act until we have further explanations as to the expenditure on police and gardens, referring to the above-mentioned despatch from the Secretary of State.
Hongkong has much to do with its revenue. The War Office have consented to allow "Crosby's Store" to revert to the Colonial Government on lease. But on the other hand, waterworks and Lighthouses will cost much.
Do not think it necessary to remind Sir A. Kennedy again in favour of economy as our last despatch did that - but I fear he is not economical.
26/6/73.
exploration of the harbour has been taken from Robinson for M. Crozier.
As Sir A. Kennedy's mistake has not been rectified, I make out that it ought to be estimated at $4,400.
Actual expenditure being $835,697
$5705 and 45/48.
42,916
M.
11440/72
I think the net Saving is only $5,703.
R.S. 3/7/73.
M. Macdonald suggests that there being a considerable error, we should proceed at once.
Where Sir A. K. gets his $601,410.70 I cannot make out.
Sumner again refers to the question of economy, referring to Kimberley's last despatch, and saying that he does not think it fair to compare more than that Sir A. H. should give his