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are all of a minor nature. The administrative services had
already been reduced to the minimum compatible with
efficiency.
The increase in the number of the European contingent of the Police Force is necessary in order to keep pace with the growing population. The staff of the Public Works Department, which depends to a large extent on the
programme of public works extraordinary, has again been
reduced, and further reductions may be possible during 1928.
It is anticipated that by the end of 1928,
10.
On
the liquid balances will have been almost all used up. the other hand commitments on public works extraordinary will be negligible. It will therefore be my endeavour to
meet expenditure, apart from loan works, out of current
revenue, and to mark time as regards public works until the
Colony can afford to go on with them. It is possible that
there may in course of time be a widespread demand for the
construction of additional public works from further loan
funds; and, should it become necessary to consider this course, the Colony's past record and its comparative freedom
from public indebtedness should enable it to enter the money
market on favourable terms as soon as the Chinese situation
clears sufficiently to remove the investors' present fear of
any loan even remotely connected with anything Chinese.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Governor, &c.