605
owing to the fact that I assumed the Government only on the 6th October, and the consideration of the Estimates having been postponed until after my arrival in the Colony.
My acquaintance with its financial condition and prospects is too recent to justify me in disclosing at present its financial condition and prospects. This subject is, however, engaging my earnest attention, and I hope to be in a position to address you on it at no distant date.
For the purposes of these Estimates it will perhaps be sufficient to refer to the Colonial Secretary and Auditor-General's Report and Notes which accompany them. These, together with the other schedules which are usually transmitted with the Annual Estimates, afford all the explanation which appears to me to be necessary.
In addition to the usual documents I enclose the Report of the Finance Committee, to whom the Estimates were referred.
Enclosure 2. $15 of 19.5 160 7/87.
Consideria