H.—33

9

the Canadian Government were also dealt with. Subsequently, endeavours were made to dispose of some of the wheat to the, British. Government and others in this country, the assistance of the Produce Commissioner being enlisted in this connection. The whole entailed much correspondence, cabling, &c. The wheat was ultimately taken over by the War Office. 22. Meat Tonnage (Provision for). —This important matter was for some time dealt with by the Accounts Branch, and involved heavy cabling and correspondence. Eventually the pressure of work became so great that, this subject was taken over and has since been dealt with by the Government Veterinarian and included hereinafter in the particulars of that branch. 23. Meat, Cheese, Wool, Scheelile, and Milk Supplies. —The receipt of-and disposal of moneys in connection with the above has caused a great deal of detail work in accounts, cables, and correspondence. Up to the 31st December, 1916, we received in many varying amounts a total of £16,746,315 10s. 2d., whilst arrangements for transfers to the Public Account, Wellington, from London in 1915 totalled £4,990,000, and in 1916 £6,338,750. 24. War Distress (Civil) Funds. —The carrying-out of the arrangements as to disposal of these funds is dealt with by the Relief Commissioner. The actual payments are considerable in number, and are made by the Accounts Branch in accordance with the authorities received, whilst moneys authorized for payment and not immediately dealt with are passed to the War Distress Account, a considerable portion being on monthly deposit at 4 per cent, or over. Up to the 31st December last £761,467 had been received from Government and other sources for this purpose. 25. War Risk Insurances. —This has developed into almost daily cables to and from New Zealand for effecting covers with the Imperial War Risks Office and Lloyd's on shipments of all kinds to this country. In addition, insurances on outward shipments are also arranged for. The receipt and checking of policies, cabling, and correspondenee, has added considerably to the general work. 26. Many other war matters have received attention, either independently or in conjunction with other branches. Amongst others might be mentioned— War enlistment of officers of Department. Provision for prisoners of war. Pay, allowances, &c, of New Zealand officers in training. Pay, allowances, and other accounts in connection with New Zealand ships of war Pensions, &c, of Imperial Reservists and others. Disposal of Samoan coin, &c. 27. The following brief details of the many financial transactions during 1916 will no doubt prove interesting, and show not only the large number but also the magnitude of the sums dealt with : — (a.) During 1916 we received on account of purchases of New Zealand produce for the Imperial Government—From the Board of Trade : Meat, £7,660,000. From the War Office : Wool, £1,700,000 ; cheese, £661,104 6s. Id. From the Ministry of Munitions : Scheelite, £50,893. From the War Office : Condensed milk, £13,018 4s. Id. ; oats, £40,199 13s. 9d. (b.) The net advances made by the Imperial Government in 1916 for war purposes amounted to £3,710,000. (c.) The sum of £245,287 13s. 7d. was received from the War Office for purchase of Canadian wheat hold by the New Zealand Government in Canada. (d.) For shipments of silver and bronze coin to the Dominion £213,300 was collected from the banks and paid over to the Royal Mint, (e.) To enable the profitable and temporary investments of Public Account balances, Imperial Treasury bills amounting to £8,400,000 have been purchased during 1916. This involved thirty-three transactions. The discount rates commenced at 5 per cent., dropped to 4| per cent, for a short period, but rose again to 5 per cent., whilst for the last half of the year 5J per cent, was received. The total, discount amounted to £172,117. (/.) £2,500,000 was transferred from the Public Account, Wellington, during 1916 for temporary investment. (g.) £215,000 was transferred from the Public Account, Wellington, to meet debentures maturing in London on the Ist December, 1916 —viz., £205,000 under State-guaranteed Advances Acts, 1.909 and 1910 (Settlers), £10,000 under Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1901. (h.) The War Office refunded £19,603 10s. Id. value of stores taken over by Imperial Government and for which advances had been made by Now Zealand. (i.) Sums amounting to £47,628 were received in 1916 on account of oats shipped ex transports and sold in market. (j.) Various debentures matured and were paid off in 1916, viz. : — ,c 8,100 under Land for Settlements Act, 1908 : Ist January. 1,300 under Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1901 : Ist January. 499,700 under Wellington and Manawatu Railway Purchase Act, 1908 : Ist March. 100,000 under Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1908 : Ist March. 500 under Canterbury Loan Ordnance Act, 1862 : 30th June. 205,000 under State-guaranteed Advances Acts, 1909 and 1910 (Settlers) : Ist December. 10,000 under Aid to Public Works and Lands Settlement Act, 1901; Ist December. £824,600

2—H. 33.