1.—13

Session 11. 1921. NEW ZEALAND.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. JONES, Chairman.)

Presented to the House of Representatives, and ordered to be 'printed.

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Wednesday, the 26th Day of October, 1921. Ordered, " That Standing Order No. 219 be suspended, and that a Committee be appointed, consisting of eleven members, to examine into and report upon such questions relating to the public accounts as it may think desirable or that may be referred to it by the House or the Government, and also into all matters relating to the finances of the Dominion which the • Government may refer to it; to have power to call for persons and papers; three to be a quorum: the Committee to consist of Mr. Craigie, Mr. A. Hamilton, Mr. Hudson, Mr. Isitt, Mr. Jones, Mr. Lysnar, Mr. McCallum, Mr. McCombs, Dr. A. K. Newman, the Hon. Mr. Downie Stewart, and the mover." —(Right Hon." Mr. Massey.) Tuesday, the Bth Day of November, 1921. Ordered, " That the order of reference referring the Local Bodies' Finance Bill to a special Committee be discharged, and the Bill be referred to the Public Accounts Committee."—(Hon. Mr. Downie Stewart.) Friday, the 18th Day of November, 1921. Ordered, " That the estimates of expenditure for the year ending the 31st March, 1922, be referred to the Public Accounts Committee for consideration, advice, and report. The Committee to report within fourteen days."—(Right Hon. Mr. Massey.) Wednesday, the 7th Day of December, 1921. Ordered, " That the Public Accounts Committee be granted an extension of seven days in which to bring up its report on the estimates of expenditure for the year ending 31st March, 1922." —(Mr. Jones.) Thursday, the 9th Day of February, 1922. Ordered, "That the Finance Bill be referred to the Public Accounts Committee." —(Right Hon. Mr. Massey.)

REPORTS. Estimates of Expenditure for the Year ending 31st March, 1922. I am directed to report that the Public Accounts Committee, to which was referred the estimates of expenditure for the year ending 31st March, 1922, has gone through the same, and recommends that the reductions be made as shown on the schedule attached hereto. 9th December, 1921. Schedule. ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st MARCH, 1922.—REDUCTIONS Permanent Charges.—Special Acts. PAGE Miner's Phthisis Act, 1915, and Finance- Act, 1920 — ••■ • • £ £ 26 Pensions and allowances .. .. ... .. .. .. .. 2,500 Pensions Act, 1913, and Finance Act, 1920 — 28 Old-age pensions (off net amount) .. .. .. .. .. .. 30,744 33,244