A (2) 5
28. The revenue for the year 1939 exceeded that of the previous year by $4,742,198.
29. Payments.
1939 (1938)
The expenditure, including the Military Contribution, was ... $37,949,116 ($37,175,898)
while the Estimates provided for $37,757,223 ($33,379,549)
Thereby exceeding the Estimates by $191,893 ($3,796,349)
30. Savings, as compared with the Estimates, occurred under 22 Heads, while the estimated provision was exceeded under 15 Heads, the more important of the latter being:-
Head More than estimated Charitable Services $725,278 A.-Volunteer Defence Corps 312,111 B.-Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Force. 148,711 C.-Air Raid Precautions. 508,291 Stores Department 383,97231. Reasons for the variations between the actual and estimated figures of both revenue and expenditure are given in the detailed statements prepared by the Accountant-General (Enclosures 7 and 8 of this report refer).
32. The actual expenditure for 1939 exceeded that of the previous year by $773,218, but it should be noted that 1938 expenditure was swollen by the inclusion of the balances of the Building Loan and Unallocated Store Accounts, amounting to $1,203,614.
D. AUTHORITIES FOR EXPENDITURE, 1939.
33. Details of the various authorities obtained to cover the expenditure for the year 1939 are given below:-
Estimates. ($37,757,223).
(a) The expenditure of $29,327,294, representing the probable requirements of the Colony for the year 1939, but excluding $7,097,898 on account of Military Contribution, and the estimated charges on account of Public Debt ($1,332,031) was approved by the Legislature on the 10th November, 1938. (Hansard p. 175).
(b) The General Warrant was signed by the Governor on the 9th of January, 1939.
(c) The Secretary of State's approval was conveyed to the Governor vide his telegram No. 2 of 6th January, 1939 confirmed by Colonial Office Despatch No. 23 of 17th January, 1939.
34. Appropriation Ordinance (No. 22 of 1938).
Legalised the expenditure of $29,327,294 on the Public Services of the Colony for the year 1939. This, as usual, excluded the estimated expenditure on account of Military Contribution and Public Debt charges. Details of the authorities obtained for this Ordinance are as follows:
(a) Passed by Legislative Council-24th November, 1938 (Hansard p. 187).
(b) Notice of Non-disallowance published as Government Notice No. 30 in Official Gazette dated 22nd September, 1939.