CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11] — Page 165

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by means of a special assessment of Light Dues. By the end of the current year it is expected that £1,960,000 will have been expended on this work, and if the estimate of $212,000 for next year is realised the total expenditure will on the completion of the work have reached a sun of $2,172,000. The amount payable out of the Special Assessment should therefore be $1,086.000, but it is estimated that by the end of 1915 only 8702,047 will have been so charged, leaving therefore a balance of $383,953 to be paid in subsequent years.

The sum to be appropriated from surplus balances is large, but until the large public works in progress and in contem- plation have been completed, it will be difficult to effect a substantial reduction in such appropriation. There is, however, the possibility that the course of public events during the next few months may render it desirable to curtail expenditure and there are some items in the Estimates which could be postponed or reduced, whereby a large saving could be effected, at least for the year under review, if you so desire.

17.

You will observe from the debate the unofficial members opposed the vote for the acquisition of private moorings in the harbour, and moved a reduction of the vote for the Harbour Haster's Department by the amount involved, and on these grounds they opposed the third reading of the Bill. It is satisfactory, however, to note that the member representing the Chamber of Commerce went so far as to say that he approved of the relaying of the moorings. He only opposed the depriving of the lessees of the existing buoys sites. Relaying on such system is impracticable.

18.

I shall be glad if you will be so good as to communicate your decision on these Estimates by telegraph.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

Governor,&c.