I have the honour to report that, notwithstanding the strict economy exercised on several occasions, the Revenue is steadily increasing fast. Although the arrangement recently made by the Commissioners appointed under the Convention will, in future years, result in a significant increase in revenue, it yielded only $1,251,890 in the past year. On the other hand, there are considerable expenditures. The highest revenue hitherto received was $1,850,890 dollars (if the exceptionally large amount of opium duty received in 1883 is left out of consideration). This year, the revenue will probably be sufficient to cover some of the public works urgently required, which have been deferred for want of funds.
The Tytam Water Works, Sanitary Works, and the Military Defences will exhaust the reserve of previous years and also exceed $1,300,000. A Loan of $200,000 (two hundred thousand dollars) has been arranged. A new Gaol is also required.
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9.