CO129-505-12 Estimates of expenditure 1928 1-9-1927 - 12-1-1928 — Page 23

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Enclosure No.6.

completion many works which were commenced in the days of

plenty, and which it would be uneconomical to abandon. Next

year, however, will see the end of practically all these

inherited works, so that in 1929 the Colony will start with

scarcely any commitments. A glance at Public Works Extraordinary on pages 81 to 84 of the printed Estimates is

instructive, for it will be seen that with only six

exceptions every item, other than works of a recurrent

nature, has against it a footnote either "Retention money;

work to be completed in 1927" or "Completes" (i.e. will be

completed in 1928).

Copies of a memorandum by the Director of

Public Works explaining briefly each of the items of Public

Works Extraordinary are enclosed.

7.

The most important of the increases in

expenditure is that concerning the Government Marine

Surveyor's staff, and I am addressing a separate despatch to

you on this matter.

8.

The only other increases of note for which your previous sanction had not been obtained, and to which I wish particularly to draw your attention, are the Ilalarial Research Officer, with his small staff and equipment, and

one additional Assistant Medical Officer of Health under the

Medical Department. The malarial problem in the rural

districts has too long been neglected, and I do not feel that this Colony even in these difficult times can continue to disregard the seriousness of the problem. The 3rd Assistant Medical Officer of Health will supplement the

work of the alarial Research Officer by introducing the

elements of sanitation and hygiene in the villages.

9.

The remainder of the increases and decreases

are