Sessional_Paper_1891 — Page 279

HONGKONG.

No. 89.

275

No. 31

21

91.

HONGKONG.

DESPATCH RESPECTING ESTIMATES FOR 1891.

Laid before the Legislative Council, by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government,

on the 5th June, 1891.

DOWNING STREET,

27 February, 1891.

Governor

SIR,

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. FLEMING'S despatch No. 449 of 22nd December last, submitting the Estimates for 1891.

2. I am glad to observe that these Estimates have been drawn up in general accordance with the model form, which accompanied my Circular despatch of 4th February, 1890, with one exception, namely, that "temporary offices and offices "filled by persons...............ineligible for the ordinary superannuation allowance" are not distinguished as such, but on this point I will address you hereafter.

3. The proposed Estimates of Expenditure would, if the Extraordinary Works were carried out in full, almost exhaust the existing Balances, and it seems desir- able that the state of the finances of the Colony should be carefully reviewed at an early date, so as to ascertain whether the necessity of resorting to a loan is within measurable distance. If, in the course of the year, such necessity should become apparent, you should report fully to me at some period before the usual period for drawing up next year's Estimates.

4. As regards the details of the general scheme of increased salaries on the present Estimates, I will address you separately in reply to Mr. FLEMING's despatch No. 438 of 15th December last. I approve the proposed increases of emolument to Chinese members of the Fire Brigade referred to in the 3rd paragraph of the despatch under acknowledgment, but I would observe that it would perhaps have been better, in view of audit requirements, if the distribution of this additional sum had been shewn, instead of being voted as a lump sum under the designation of "Extra pay to Chinese......... $1,170."

ery

5. I notice, with regret, that the vote for the Audit Department was objected to by the Un-official Members of the Council, but I consider that the recent discov- of serious defalcations in the Post Office showed the need for efficient audit, and that the system lately introduced affords the best security against losses and irregularities, and I do not doubt that when it has had a fair trial, this will be recognised in Hongkong.

6. Before sanctioni ng the vote of $19,200 for Electric Lighting of the Streets referred to in paragraph 4 of the despatch under acknowledgment, I shall be glad to be informed how far it is proposed to substitute electricity for gas in lighting the Streets, in what parts of the town, and what will be the total increase in the annual expenditure, if any, ultimately involved.

SIR G. W. DES VEUX, K.C.M.G.,

Sc.,

&c.,

&c.