calling for further information on certain proposed items of expenditure during the current
year.
In the first place I have to report to the arrears of Crown Rent ($90,000) put down in the Return of Assets and Liabilities forwarded to Your Lordship with the Estimates.
Crown Rents are payable on the 24th June and 20th December in each year, and hence in all accounts furnished half-yearly there must be a considerable sum outstanding, because as a matter of fact though the rents are due on the dates given, they are never wholly recovered before the expiration of January and July respectively in each year. Here however, were arrears in each referred to, "good debts", and have been all paid up except $250, which will doubtless be recovered in a short time.
Regarding the Special Fund Account, I have to explain that the usual Return did not accompany the Estimates, because it had been already transmitted to Your Lordship during the month previous (Vide Dispatch No.78 of 18th August). That Return was made up to the 30th June.