Which item is referred to above has been given, but it is difficult to understand without a detailed explanation. A bulk of the increase is noted under various heads.
Extending is under:
(a) Surveyor General's Dept. $9,152
(b) do. Sanitary Sub. Dept. $11,437
(c) Harbour Master $4,542
(d) Education $11,856
(e) Medical $3,424
(f) Roads $11,000
(g) Mise. $22,804
(h) Loan $40,192
I think we might say that it would have been satisfactory to have had some detailed explanation of the large increase under (a) and other heads. It is presumed that much of it is due to anticipation of action under this head, as witnessed under the Report of the Land Commission, and that (b) is mainly in anticipation of the passing of the Health Ordinance. (This is still with the Local Good Board but it will soon be confirmed).
As to (c), most of it is due to an appointment of a Supt. of Export & Imports $4,086 in anticipation of the passage of the Opium Ordinance.
(d) is chiefly due to the needs of the new school, but there are two scholarships ($1460) of which we have never heard before, amounting to $3000, which has been approved by the Sec. of State.
(f) requires no observation.
Of (g), the principal items are Scavenging $3000, Govt House furniture $10,000, and the Lock Hospital $6,474. We have written separately about the prostitute issue when the Requisition was sent home.