472
section 4 of the preceding paragraph should be carried out, no redemption of the debt of the Colony in 1918 will be possible, but if the arrangement contemplated in section 3 should be adopted and remain in operation, then we anticipate that there may be a sum of about £700,000 in the Fund in April 1918 which could be applied towards liquidating the Stock created to provide the £1,100,000, and this amount together with the Sinking Fund already existing in respect of the first issue of Stock should enable the debt of the Colony to be reduced in 1918 from about £1,500,000 to about £700,000 either by a conversion operation or by the issue of a new Loan as the circumstances of the case might prove to be desirable when the time arrives.
13. If the Secretary of State should approve of the proposals which we have submitted I have to request that we may be furnished with authority at an early date to proceed in the matter. I have also to request that we may be informed whether the Ordinance No.11 of 1905 conveys to us authority to sell sufficient Stock to produce £1,100,000 as well as the expenses of the issue.
48
I have the honour to be,
-5-
Your Obedient Servant,
28 May 06