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estimates and already paid.
It is proposed to pay this
in two instalments, i.e. $99,000 before the 31st December,
1939, and $100,000 before Chinese New Year 1940.
Reimbursement of the special expenditure up to
the maximum of $80,000 will be made as claims are submitted
by the hospitals.
In order to relieve the immediate financial
difficulties of the hospital I have in anticipation of
your approval authorised immediate payment of $100,000. If you approve, a supplementary vote for the whole sum
expected to be required this year will be submitted to
Legislative Council for their approval.
6.
In future years it is proposed that the estimates
drawn up by the hospital authorities should be examined and
an agreement reached as to the amount of the Government
grant to be made in the light of the hospitals' expenditure
and revenue. The amount of the grant may therefore vary
somewhat. It is hoped that in future it will be possible
to draw up estimates some time before the commencement of
the hospital financial year on 1st January and in view of
the change in the Colony's year it should be possible to
reach an agreement on the amount of the grant before the
Colonial Government estimates are finally settled. This
procedure cannot, however, be followed this year and a
provisional figure of $350,000 is being included in the
draft estimates for 1940-1941.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
1.GA.
Governor.
kathert