estimates of revenue and expenditure less accurate in future. I cannot for instance estimate with any degree of certainty the amount of Commissions which the Government Auctioneer will receive in the course of the year, nor can I estimate the number of taxes which will be refunded. Hitherto allowance has been made for them in estimating the revenue but they have appeared as items of expenditure.
With regard to the increased circumlocution it may be shown in this way. Just be mentioned by the Local Auditor the auctioneer at present sends in the sale accounts, stating the gross receipts and the deduction due for commission, but in making payment he only pays what is due after deducting his commission. The proposed improvement will be to pay in the gross amount of the sale. Head of the Department concerned will then write in for authority to pay the commission. This will be granted, a warrant will issue and will be sent up to the Governor for signature, and then a cheque will be made out and signed by the Colonial Secretary and Treasurer and forwarded to the Auctioneer.
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