A
579
the time the Estimates for the year were framed, was calculated
J
in defe-
to produce $308,250. It falls short of the Estimate by $52,359, but owing to the increased fees on Spirit Licences
rence to the representations of some of the Un-official Members
of Council not coming into force till 1st. January, 1903,
(it was originally intended that they should operate before
the end of last year) a sum of $23,000 will not be realised
from the increased fees till 1904 because various licences
were renewed at the end of last year at the old rates.
Some reductions were made in the Stamp
Duties at the instance of Un-official Members at the time the
Bill to amend the Stamp Ordinance was before the Council which
have affected to some extent the revenue derived from that
source. Some of the Registration Fees were placed too high
and I am taking steps to reduce them.
5.
You will observe that the revised Estimate
of Expenditure for 1903 exceeds the original Estimate by
$119,421. The principal items of excess are Military Contribu- tion (arrears for 1902) $44,000. In the Estimates for 1904
the extra contribution due on the excess of revenue anticipated
over or above the Estimated Revenue for 1903 is allowed for
and $50,000 has been added to the contribution on the Estimated
Revenue for 1904. Pensions $17,000 due to low exchange during
1st. half of the year. Post Office $30,000 made up as follows.- Cost of Stamps 7,611; Share of Mail Subsidy $5,000; Transit
Charges $17,500. These excesses are principally due to fall
in exchange. Miscellaneous Services $34,000 due to the same
cause and to certain underestimated items, and Public Works
Recurrent