Encl: 2. Incl: 3.
30th Sept 1899. 1237 Nov: 1899.
5
27373
438
4. Paragraphs 3 (a) and 3 (c) Paper No.40; containing the Estimates of Assets and Liabilities, is attached, as is also the explanation of those statements given by the Colonial Treasurer in Finance Committee. All the Members of the Legislative Council except Mr. Whitehead were satisfied with the explanation. I may mention that a query was raised by you in your despatch No.24 of January 29th, 1898 regarding the statement of Assets and Liabilities, and that a similar explanation to that now offered was given in my predecessor's despatch No.63 of the 11th March.
There can, however, be no doubt that the publication of two balances is misleading, and steps will be taken to avoid this in future.
5. Paragraph 5 (b). As regards Deposits not available, it would not assist the Council in any way, in considering the Estimates, to state the principal items, and Mr. Whitehead is not correct in his supposition that monies have been applied in aid of General Revenue.
6. Paragraph 5 (d). On reference to Paper No.40, it will be found that a sum of $138,292.04 actual+