# 339
and the reduction is really larger than it appears as care has been taken to include in the estimates a number of small items e.g., repair of damage by storms, and language bonuses which have previously been voted as occasion arose.
I have gone through the estimates and find nothing of sufficient importance to require special comment beyond what is given in the despatch.
The reduction is spread over almost every department. The large apparent addition under 'Ecclesiastical and Charitable services' is due to re-arrangement, various items having been gathered in from other parts of the estimates. There is, if anything, a slight reduction on the whole.
Under Audit Office there will be an increase of something like £2500, if the scheme submitted by the Comptroller and Auditor General is accepted - I hope it will not be in its present form.
On the other hand there will be a reduction in the Harbour Master's Department, which will amount to £860 if a man is appointed from outside and to £120 if Commander Taylor is promoted.
The programme of Public Works Extraordinary has been cut down to comparatively small limits. No important new works are begun except the second section of the Tai Tam Tuk Waterworks for which £200,000 is provided, the total of over £3,300,000 will be spread over a good many years. (The Statement that this work was to be commenced was received with applause by the Council.)