CO129-532-1 Basis of assessment for military contributions 9-12-1930 - 29-3-1932 — Page 125

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All

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revised methods of accounting be adopted until 1st January 1931, and it is yet too early to give precise figures. As the aim is

to provide this service at cost it is submitted that the revenue

item $142,615 or so much of it as represents the actual

di sbursements be deducted before assessing revenue for military

contribution. A reference to Appendix III of the 1931 Estimates

will shew that this sum has been excluded from the calculation.

E.

1 HOUSE SERVICE ACCOUNT.

The

In the Assets and Liabilities Statement of the 31st

December, 1929, a sum of $18,447 is shewn as an Asset. This

represents money laid out for the installation of water to buildings (labour, material, etc.) the amount being recovered

from the property owners later, sometimes several months later,

dependent upon the development of the district. It is more

practical and economical to lay the pipes for a greater length

than is immediately required but which the Water Authority know

will ultimately be required. When building takes place

connections are made and the owner pays. Some of the work under-

taken by the Water Authority on payment is work which in other

countries would ordinarily be done by private Water Engineers but

owing to local circumstances has to be done by the Water Authority.

The account which was as high as $30,000 in July 1930, has been

reduced and by 31st December should be down to $5,000 whilst next

year a profit is anticipated although the scheme is not being run

as a money making concern. This method of accounting is not in

accord with C.R. 289 and it would be preferable if the disbursements

for any year were estimated and the amount inserted under an

J

appropriate subhead of the Public Works Recurrent expenditure

schedule. The money would then be properly controlled by the

Legislature and included in the Appropriation Law. Similarly all

receipts would appear under a suitable subhead of revenue.

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