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27th April, and he fully appreciates the point raised by him as to the Colony becoming liable to increased Military Contribution on what is practically a fictitious addition to Revenue. He understands, however, from semi-official communication with your Department, that this particular difficulty can be removed by the Colony being allowed to deduct from the total Revenue of the year the amount of any adjustments rendered necessary under the system of accounts by reason of the value of the issues of any year exceeding the purchases of the year. With this exception there appear to be no reasons to justify a reversion to a Suspense Account, and I am accordingly to recommend that the system as sanctioned, which is in operation in Colonies where the circumstances are not dissimilar to those of Hong Kong, may be continued.
6. In conclusion I am to suggest that under proper precautions such excessive balances as those referred to in paragraph 7 of the Governor's despatch, might be prevented, due care being exercised in ordering Stores from England towards the end of a year.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant
Ambwen
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