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large number of new minor appointments scattered through various Departments. Those appointments are necessitated

by the normal expansion of the Colony and I do not think

I need refer specifically to any of them,

5.

As regards the general financial position

I think I need add nothing to what I said in my address to

the Council and that it can be considered as satisfactory

in every way. I have referred to the method adopted this

year in framing our programme of Public Works Extraordinary.

With the additional accommodation and increased establish-

ment provided for the Public Works Department I trust that

greater progress will be made in the many urgent works now

in progress or foreshadowed. It is possible that the total

aum, just abort of seven millions, provided for Public

Works may be spent in 1924 but it is somewhat improbable

while it is certain that the revenue will be higher than our

estimate so that the deficit appearing between revenue and

expenditure will not amount to the estimated total of three

and half million dollars. Even if our balances are reduced

to the full extent suggested I consider that the expenditure is amply justified as many of the large works foreshadowed, apart from the general benefits which they will confer on the community, will actually prove remunerative in the near

future.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord Duke,

Your Grace's most obedient

humble servant,

B.C. Statts

Governor, &c.

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