654
8.
Owing to the recent increase in the
area of the Colony, the gradual expansion of business in
the original Colony, and some most important public
works being under construction, the stock of Stores
and Materials must necessarily increase. Ivery effort is
made to keep the amount of Stores and Materials down
to as low a limit as is compatible with the meeting of
all necessary requirements, and without causing any
delay.
The Military Contribution having
by a recent Ordinance been raised from 17% to 20%, in
any year it may happen that a large sum has to be paid
to the Military Authorities on this Stores Account, not
really on any actual revenue, but merely through a sys-
tem of accounting.
10.
In spite of the evils of a suspense
Account, I think that the case of this Colony may be
peculiar, and that the present time is an opportune
one for opening the question of reverting to a suspense
Account.
11.
The Treasurer,Mr. A. M. Thomson, and
the Local Auditor, Mr. H. C. Nicolle, are now on leave
in England and should, I suggest, be consulted in this
matter.
12.
I shall be glad to have a telegraphic
reply to this Despatch,with a view to the Estimates
for 1902 being drawn up in accordance with your decision.
I
Page 660Page 661