month. Mr. Freire never accredited the Postal Notes Book. I never saw the item about an advance. I believe that instructions were given by Stewart about Imperial and local payments being kept separate. I gave instructions to Freire. I also gave Barradas instructions on the subject. I know of no rule about when Collector's Accounts are to be sent in. Mr. Freire never reported to me that the book was not written up. I handed over the Post Office to Mr. Lister on the 15th of January. Mr. Freire reported to me on the 17th or about that time, and on the 8th of March to Mr. Lister that the accounts were not written up. I had no instructions about when money was to be paid in. I had no written instructions. The large balance at the end of the month I thought was with the knowledge of the head of the Department. The orders of Sir William Marsh were that I should check only the revenue received. I thought that the word "Postal note" was a new word for "Money Order". In the Treasury Order there is no item of Postal Notes. (Shown notification in Gazette). I must have seen this notification. I do not remember the instructions referred to in charge (G). When the balance sheet was audited by me, I checked it with certain vouchers. I never examined to see whether the amount from the Australian Colonies had been paid. I never suspected Barradas. I spoke to Stewart that I could not myself do all the work. This was about a year ago. If I had had more time, I could have examined the vouchers more carefully. I believe Barradas to be honest. I never read the Treasury instructions.
Mr. J. M. Silva said, I only told Mr. Freire...