Sessional_Paper_1893 — Page 596

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Q.--Whose duty was it to see that the book was balanced?

A.-The auditor's.

Q.-Or head of the department?

A.--The auditor.

Mr. Bird.-Alves had entire charge of the books?

A.-Entire charge of the Rent Roll, and the power to give a receipt.

Q.-He could take away the books?

A. Yes, I think so.

Mr. Thurburn.---Up to what year do you know of your own knowledge that the book was balanced?

A.-I do not know.

Q.

You only know that it ought to have been?

A. Yes.

Q.-Do you see any reason why it should not have been? Should it have taken six

or twelve months?

A.-It would take a little time, within three months it ought to be balanced.

Mr. Thurburn.-Who was auditor up to 1887?

A.-The local auditor.

The Chairman. The auditor generally was the Colonial Secretary?

A.--Yes.

Q.-The man who actually did the work was Freire ?

A. Yes, and Ribeiro.

and died shortly afterwards.

Ribeiro used to audit the Rent Roll. He retired in 1890

Q.-Do you know at all how he used to audit, what was his system?

A. He used to compare the counterfoil with the entry in the book, Lot No. so- and-so and look at the Rent Roll and make a tick.

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Q. He did not see whether everything in the book was paid into the Bank? A.-I don't know. I don't think so..

Mr. Bird. You are not certain whether the book was balanced in 1885 or any year to 1889 within three months?

A.-No, I am not certain.

Mr. Thurburn.-It was the Treasurer's duty to see that it was done?

A.-I suppose so.

The Chairman.-Why do you say it should be done within three months? Was there no Government order to that effect?

A.-I say three months because it would take about that time. There is a lot of work in connection with it.

Mr. Thurburn.-There is no reason why it should not be balanced twice a year?

A.-I don't think so.

The Chairman. You could have it balanced every six months?

A.-Yes, the totals received should correspond with the book.

Mr. Thurburn.--If it is properly balanced and compared with the amount paid into

the Bank that is a complete check?

A. Yes. Besides that there is what is called the Daily Crown Rent receipts. At the close of the day I will ask the shroff "What did you receive from Crown Rents?" He would say perhaps "$929.43" and then he will go to Alves and if the amount corresponded with Alves' I will enter it in my book.