8.—17.

I may explain that when the Post Office advises me that it has received money on account of this office I forthwith make the requisite entries, crediting the payors according to the Post Office advice-note, and there the matter ends so far as this office is concerned. The Post Office pays into the Public Account in round sums comprising receipts on account of this as well as other offices, and, though the bank receipts are sent to me for transmission to the Treasury, they do not disclose at the time how they are made up, or of what they consist. The Audit Office seems to be confusing moneys received with moneys paid into the Public Account, whereas the two things are entirely different. The dictum of the Audit Office means that balances in hand are not to be accounted for at all; and I think it is much more prudent to keep to the business rule of accounting for the total receipts, no matter in what position they may be at the close of the period. 18th July, 1902. John McGowan, Valuer-General. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,475 copies), £2 os. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o2. Price 3d 1

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