The Comptroller and Auditor General to the Local Auditor, Hong Kong.
No 4/36.
Sir,
Exchequer and Audit Department,
10th February, 1896
In the course of the examination of the Treasurer's Accounts for the month of June last, the attention of the Comptroller and Auditor General has been drawn to a payment out of the "Sikh Passage Fund" of $437 to the Acting Captain Superintendent of Police, for the establishment of what is described as an "Indian Mess Fund".
2. From an extract from C.S.O. 961, which is appended to the voucher relating to the payment in question, it is seen that this sum is an accrued surplus balance, and that the Governor's sanction has been obtained for the course pursued.
3. It is not, however, explained how this surplus balance has arisen, or how the Fund to which it has been applied, will be conducted.
4. I am accordingly to request that, at your early convenience, you will verify the figures contained in the C.S.O. referred to, and forward such information respecting the "Indian Mess Fund" as may be obtainable.
I have, &c.,
(signed) J.W.Gullick.