CO129-318 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [7-10] — Page 583

A

579

the time the Estimates for the year were framed, was calculated

J

in defe-

to produce $308,250. It falls short of the Estimate by $52,359, but owing to the increased fees on Spirit Licences

rence to the representations of some of the Un-official Members

of Council not coming into force till 1st. January, 1903,

(it was originally intended that they should operate before

the end of last year) a sum of $23,000 will not be realised

from the increased fees till 1904 because various licences

were renewed at the end of last year at the old rates.

Some reductions were made in the Stamp

Duties at the instance of Un-official Members at the time the

Bill to amend the Stamp Ordinance was before the Council which

have affected to some extent the revenue derived from that

source. Some of the Registration Fees were placed too high

and I am taking steps to reduce them.

5.

You will observe that the revised Estimate

of Expenditure for 1903 exceeds the original Estimate by

$119,421. The principal items of excess are Military Contribu- tion (arrears for 1902) $44,000. In the Estimates for 1904

the extra contribution due on the excess of revenue anticipated

over or above the Estimated Revenue for 1903 is allowed for

and $50,000 has been added to the contribution on the Estimated

Revenue for 1904. Pensions $17,000 due to low exchange during

1st. half of the year. Post Office $30,000 made up as follows.- Cost of Stamps 7,611; Share of Mail Subsidy $5,000; Transit

Charges $17,500. These excesses are principally due to fall

in exchange. Miscellaneous Services $34,000 due to the same

cause and to certain underestimated items, and Public Works

Recurrent