520
would have been a handsome
surplus at the end of 1894.
I am unable to account absolutely for the statements
contained in Sir G. O'Brien's telegram of the 17th April last.
probably based
4 They were
on an anticipated loss in Opium Revenue and a serious loss
owing
to the rapid depreciation in silver; the estimates having been calculated at 2/6 to the
dollar.
In any case, however,
the $64,939*
the loss in letting the Opium Farm has been considerably less
than was expected, viz. $50,000 instead of $100,000, and the
receipts under many heads of Revenue have been far larger
than was anticipated.
Your Lordship will see from the Estimates that it has been necessary to levy additional taxation and this has been
done with great facility and general concurrence. The Unofficial members at the sug-