200
475
the
were
epard in clause 31.
Upon such payment in advance "as provided in the local examination of the Revenue it was ascertained that in many instances refunds were made although the rates were not paid in advance.
The attention of the Colonial Treasurer was directed to the irregularity and in reply he states that the practice of allowing rates to be paid throughout the quarter, though not strictly in accordance with the provisions of Ordinance 15 of 1888, has been found necessary to follow in view of the large number of payments to be made, and the limited number of the staff in connection therewith.
"The question of altering the wording of the Ordinance so as to bring it into harmony with this practice has already been under consideration, but as it was deemed probable that such alteration would lead to the postponement of payment till the end of each quarter, it has been thought desirable to leave the Ordinance as it stands."
The expenditure amounted to $1,915,350 as compared with $1,833,718 in 1869.
The Estimated Expenditure for 1891 was