CO129-304 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [1-4] — Page 660

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8.

Owing to the recent increase in the

area of the Colony, the gradual expansion of business in

the original Colony, and some most important public

works being under construction, the stock of Stores

and Materials must necessarily increase. Ivery effort is

made to keep the amount of Stores and Materials down

to as low a limit as is compatible with the meeting of

all necessary requirements, and without causing any

delay.

The Military Contribution having

by a recent Ordinance been raised from 17% to 20%, in

any year it may happen that a large sum has to be paid

to the Military Authorities on this Stores Account, not

really on any actual revenue, but merely through a sys-

tem of accounting.

10.

In spite of the evils of a suspense

Account, I think that the case of this Colony may be

peculiar, and that the present time is an opportune

one for opening the question of reverting to a suspense

Account.

11.

The Treasurer,Mr. A. M. Thomson, and

the Local Auditor, Mr. H. C. Nicolle, are now on leave

in England and should, I suggest, be consulted in this

matter.

12.

I shall be glad to have a telegraphic

reply to this Despatch,with a view to the Estimates

for 1902 being drawn up in accordance with your decision.

I

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