A (2) 10
STORE ACCOUNTS.
(Para. 59. 1981 Report).
45. The printed copy of the New Store Regulations has not been received by this Department. The various store accounts have generally been well kept, and have been examined to the 31st December.
Eleven Surprise Surveys of Stores were made by this Department during the year.
MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS.
46. In the detailed Statement of Revenue under Head 9. Miscellaneous Receipts, there appear abnormal increases over the Estimates on account of:-
(1) Overpayments in Previous Years
(2) Appreciation of Sterling Securities
(3) Exchange Account
$222,873.00
$238,794.00
$179,551.00
47. The increase of $226,444.91 in (1) includes a sum of $222,873.13, which is shown as being a reimbursement from Suspense Account on account of a future Loan, in respect of salaries etc. of officers employed on loan works.
Under the Pension Minute operative prior to the passing of the Pension Ordinance of the 24th June, 1932, it was considered that the officers' pension rights were vulnerable, and it was by the above method proposed to protect them.
48. This reimbursement formed the subject of Audit Query No. 161/E of 1932 which is enclosed. Of the sum of $222,873.13, $67,282.51 was on account of the officers' salaries etc. for the period 1st January, 1932 to 23rd June, 1932, and was incorrectly credited to "Overpayments in Previous Years".
49. With regard to the increase of $238,794.40 appreciation of Sterling Securities, this was the result of the revaluation of Sterling Securities in accordance with the Secretary of State's instructions contained in Colonial Office Despatch of the 8th of October, 1930, the appreciation being carried to Revenue.
THE EXCHANGE ACCOUNT.
50. The figure of $179,551.00 has been verified with the Treasury accounts. The correctness of this sum, which represents the balance of the Exchange Account at the close of the year, and which has been carried to the general revenue of the Colony, must be accepted with reservations in view of the transactions which have passed through the Adjustment of Exchange Account, and of the question as to how the loss on the Sterling Contract has been accounted for.