An actual surplus on the accounts of 1875 of nearly $29,000, which has caused my utmost anticipation.
And the Colony will then have begun 1876 with a balance really available for appropriation of some $1,200,000 (after allowing for the $850,000 margin).
As to the expenditure here appropriated $149,000 is certainly a large excess. Expenditure in one year has rarely all been previously sanctioned.
You will remember that the erection of lighthouses (actually accounting for $35,000) was sanctioned on condition that light dues were levied; that $16,000 was sanctioned for a new ... boot-office at Shanghai; I have a heavy charge for Rent: Various other petty improvements make up the greater part of the excess. There is also included $24,800 for damages caused by the great typhoon.
I do not observe any item requiring further comment. Useful savings were made under previous files also.
I shall sanction the Ordinance without remark.
XPAR15/876 No. 85
Government House, Hongkong, 18th July, 1875:
My Lord,
I have the honor to transmit to Your Lordship an Ordinance "to provide for the Supplementary Estimates, 1874 being No. 3 of 1875". I enclose also, the usual ...
The Right Honorable
The Earl of Carnarvon,
Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State