, 1908-01-04

out III the DfaIG IL auy ueoA0"o0 eho"Nu
show itself then so much less will have been
consumed and we may be glad OF that.
Next as regards the Committee's remarks
under the Postal Department, he would say,
that the Danish teamers have commenced
to take mails from Europe. 1t might hap
pen that q steamer Of any of the lines that
has left first, arrives after one that left later,
but that would be owing to unexpected
delays or longer routes; anyhow, Govern.
ment has its attention constantly directed
towards the matter, and there Is reason to
expect that things will develop themselves
favourable in future. AS regards the Com
mittee's Remark on the Prison Department,
he must confess, he did not like to see the
question raised at all. When hitherto the
Home Government has not charged the
colony. with the expenses for maintaining
convicts in the Prisons in Denmark, 1T Is no
doubt owing to complacency or courtesy;
but we have surely never had any right to
get gratis maintenance at home Tor conv.c s;
but because we have not been asked to pay,
that does not imply that we shall be COM
penSated for keeping certain convlcts that
would otherwise have been sent to a Peni-
Tertiary in Denmark. We must remember
that by such culprits remaining here, we
save a good deal Of money; the passage for
liz ~ oOlO4 w III OloI NV O0N ~ NV - @ONS
on board of vessels like other passengers,
arrangements of a special nature have to
be made on board, and that increases the
charge; the culprit must moreover be equip
ped and go under the charge OF a police
man; then comes his return after the eX-
piration Of his time; all these items can not
be had under 1000 FIR. besides passage oit,
anj by remaining here, the Police gets the
benefit of the culprit's work. Some tina
ago we sent home the murderer from
Magensbqy, st. Thomas; it cost about 1000
FIR; but for that amount, he might have
been kept here 4 years, besides his work.
lie would not recommend the Council to
NEEDLE With that matter. The Committee
next makes soma remarks on the absence Of
an amount from the Lottery Surplus; there
he must say, that as we know, a part of the
lottery surplus goes first of all to the State
to cover State expenses tor the Colonies;
this year there will be a deficit on the State
Accounts for the Colonies, owing to the
many different amounts betrayed by the
Statetreasury for grttuities to officials and
employees retiring On the LIST April owing
to administrative changes, On the State
Budget for the coming year, a surplus
of 1900 Kr. has been posted, which
amount has to be divided between the
State, the harbour of St. Thomas, aud the
Colonial Treasures, the Ministry of Finances
being authorized to fix the proportions, and
to see If any portion will be required in the
course OF the financial year for cove ing
additional grants orSeXcesses Of expenditure
on the calculatory budget items not till
then, can the Minister decide on the divi-
sion and the part falling to the Treasures.
As regards the Committees suggestion un-
der H. the Colonial Council, it has been
followed when framing this Budget. Tie
proposal for Boxes ut the PostoHioas will be
acted upon from 5he 1st April-With refer
euce to the remark under the School De-
partment about the So > of teachers sa-
laries, he must say, that the outlay is pre-
scribed by the School Ordinance, and it must
be allowed The remark under No. il does
not refer to the Budget, but it will be taken
note OF. With regard to the Building Ex-
penses, the Committees proposal had been
followed, and the amount estimated for nse
for repairs of buildings is carried out with
10, 900 FIR, instead of 10000, although that
sum is in itself too small TO allow of public
buildings being kept in proper repair. OF
course, he must admit, that in the bad year
before US, we have to try to avoid expenses
as much as possible, an therefore in prin-
ciple he must agree to these building expen-