I.—7b.

drafts in hand were discounted on the 30th October, 1894, to make up the sum required for interest payable on that date. 4. I also enclose copy of the bank-sheets forwarded from London comprising the transactions of the New Zealand Public Account between the Ist April, 1894, and the 31st March, 1895, inclusive. Where it has appeared to me necessary to do so, and for the information of the Committee, I have added, within brackets, brief particulars of the nature of the transaction. I have also shown the balance at credit of the account at monthly periods.* I have, &c, Jas. B. Heywood, The Chairman, Public Accounts Committee, Secretary to the Treasury. House of Representatives, Parliamentary Buildings, Wellington.

Statement showing Increase or Decrease of (a) Interest and (b) Sinking-fund respectively, (a) charged* and (b) paid respectively in years 1890-91, 1891-92, 1892-93, 1893-94, 1894-95, and as estimated for 1895-96. 1. As if present system of dealing with drawing loan of 1867 had been in force during the years named: — Year. Interest. Sinking Fund. £ £ £ 1890-91 ... 1,621,697 39,709 1891-92 ... 1,651,518 34,638 Increase 29,821 Decrease 5,071 1892-93 ... 1,559,245 44,704 Decrease 92,273 Increase 10,066 1893-94 ... 1,606,726 50,872 Increase 47,481 Increase 6,168 1894-95 ... 1,618,882 39,771 Increase 12,156 Decrease 11,101 1895-96 ... *1,652,575 ' *42,030 Increase 33,693 Increase 2,259 2. As under the old system of dealing with drawing loan of 1867, and if same was continued for 1894-95 and 1895-96 :— Year. Interest. Sinking Fund. £ £ £ 1890-91 ... 1,745,713 112,540 1891-92 ... 1,785,460 107,469 Increase 39,747 Decrease 5,071 1892-93 ... 1,703,594 117,535. Decrease 81,866 Increase 10,066 1893-94 ... 1,761,994 123,703 Increase 58,400 Increase 6,168 1894-95 .. 1,784,679 112,602 Increase 22,685 Decrease 11,101 1895-96 ... *1,826,862 *114,861 Increase 42,183 Increase 2,259 * Estimated. R. J. Collins, Treasury, 16th August, 1895. Accountant to the Treasury.

Slip inserted in the Year-book, 1895, opposite page 150, produced by Mr. Heywood to the Public Accounts Committee, 24th October, 1895. The figures given in the last column of the table on page 151 are the annual charges on the amount of stock and debentures of the public debt (exclusive of Treasury bills) outstanding at the end of each year, and not the moneys actually paid for interest and sinking fund. The actual payments during each year are shown hereunder : —

* Not printed, being of a confidential nature.

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