35
36
- A (2) 8
requisite sanction for it. The explanation given was that the application for a supplementary vote had been postponed until the exact amount of the final excess could be more accurately ascertained, but that in future more prompt action would be taken to obtain sanction for an excess over any sum voted by the Legislature.
41. A Circular (No. 3 of 11th January, 1938) has recently been issued by Government, regarding the control of expendi- ture, which "inter alia" draws the attention of Heads of Departments to the necessity for obtaining prior approval for all expenditure, and also prohibits then, without first obtaining approval, from entering into any commitment which may be likely to cause an immediate or future excess on a vote having regard to the expenditure that would normally have to be met from it.
42. Awards of Pensions and Gratuities.
The calculations of awards of Civil and Police Pensions and Gratuities made under the laws of the Colony, and also Pensions payable under the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Ordinance (No. 15 of 1908) have been verified by Audit.
43. Losses of Public Money.
The following losses of Public Money were reported during the year:-
(1) Loss by robbery of a bag containing cash and cheques intended for the payment of salaries of the staff of the Victoria Hospital. The Secretary of State approved of the write off of the cash loss viz. $1,074.30.
(2) The sum of $358.74 was found missing from the safe of a Shroff employed in the Public Works Department. The amount of the shortage was transferred from the Shroff's deposit account, and Governinent agreed that the resulting de- ficiency in his security should be restored by means of contribu- tions from salary at the rate of $30.00 a month. Public funds was therefore necessary.
No charge to
(3) An office attendant absconded with $12.00 with which he was instructed to pay a bill for advertising. A warrant for his arrest was issued and the loss was written off under the authority of Government.
(4) Defalcations by a shroff employed in the Radio Branch of the Post Office, resulting in a loss to Government of $4,461.12, came to light during the year. The frauds were reported to the Secretary of State who gave his approval for the "write off" (vide C. O. Despatch No. 455 of 29.4.37). This fraud is also referred to in paragraph 36 of the 1936 Audit Report.
A (2) 9
44. Expenditure on Secret Service.
In accordance with instructions issued by the Governor, to which the Acting Auditor raised no objection, expenditure under Head 20. Sub-head 28-Secret Service" is now being accepted on the certificate of the Commissioner of Police.
45. Military Contribution.
The amount payable to the Military Authorities under Ordinances No. 1 of 1901 and 43 of 1935 has been verified by Audit, a statement showing how the amount is arrived at is attached (Enclosure N.). The assessment for the year 1937 is $5,062,767.81 as compared with $5,166,629.38 for the previous
year.
46. Public Debt.
H. LOAN ACCOUNTS.
The Public Debt of the Colony as at 31st December, 1937, amounted to $17,158,000.
47. The 4% Conversion Bonds (Ordinance No. 15 of 1933) amounted to $4,838,000 while the market value of the invest- ments of the accumulated Sinking Fund at the end of the year totalled £54,825-6-11d. The Sinking Fund accounts maintained locally have been checked with the accounts rendered by the Crown Agents.
48. The amount outstanding on account of the Hong Kong 8% Dollar Loan raised under Ordinance No. 11 of 1934 was reduced to $12,320,000; Bonds to the value of $560,000 having been redeemed during the year in accordance with Section 5 of the Ordinance.
49. The cancelled bonds and interest coupons due to the redemption were checked by the Audit Department, while the interest paid to Bond-holders was supported by the Surrendered Coupons which were forwarded for Audit.
50. Shing Mun Valley Water Scheme.
The $50,000 Imprest which had been issued to the Resident Engineer, and which was referred to in paragraph 26 of the Audit Report for 1936, was closed on the 1st April, 1937, and thereafter all payments that became necessary were made by the Treasurer.
one
51. The manner in which the Construction Plant and surplus stores, which had been purchased for the scheme, were
than being disposed of after its completion, has on more cccusion been the subject of adverse comment by Audit. It was contended by this departinent that, on the completion of the works, all the plant and stores should have been taken over
Dest
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.