103

E.—l

The Commissioners regret to report that great difficulty has been experienced in collecting arrears of rent during the year just closed. They have, however, succeeded in getting in most of the long standing amounts not absolutely irrecoverable. As explained in report for year ended 31st December, 1879, a great number of the rents are payable towards the close of the year, and though due, are seldom paid till the commencement of the following year. £519 2s. sd. of arrears has been paid since the close of the year 1880, and it is expected that a great portion of the remainder will be paid in May next. In the majority of cases where the rent has been in arrear, the tenants have paid up the arrears and let the current half-year's rent, and in some cases the year's rent, run on. The Commissioners are endeavouring to keep the arrears as low as possible, and, where advisable, are taking extreme measures for recovery. Annexed hereto is the balance-sheet, duly audited, showing the receipts and expenditure of the School Commissioners during the year. J. P. Maitland, The Hon. the Minister for Education. Chairman.

General Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ended 31st December, 1880.

J. P. Maitland, Chairman. Auditoe's Ceetificate. —I certify the foregoing statement to be correct, and that the rents due and uncollected amount, by the Treasurer's books, to £1,836 7s. 4d, —H. Livingston, Auditor.

Receipts. Primary Education Reserves. Secondary Education Reserves. Total. To Balance on 1st January, 1880 ... Arrears due on 1st January, 1880, collected in 1880... Moneys payable and collected within 1880 — (1.) Rents, &c, of reserves ... (2.) Interest from Bank on credit balances £ S. d. 3,445 18 4 1,146 4 9 £ s. d. 194 3 2 224 4 2 £ s. d. 3.640 1 6 1,370 8 11 6,605 5 5 59 13 9 332 19 1 23 19 0 6,938 4 6 83 12 9 11,257 2 8 775 5 5 12,032 7 8 Expenditure, By OfficeSalaries and allowances to officers, including Secretary's salary, £300; commission to Southland agent, £87 9s. 3d.; Secretary's travelling expenses, £10 16s. 2d. Allowances to Commissioners (travelling) Printing, stationery, advertising, &c. Office rent and expenses Expenses of Leasing — Auctioneers' commission Advertising and other expenses Expenditure on Eeserves — Surveying ... Fencing and other expenditure Legal expenses Otago Education Board Southland Education Board Otago Boys' and Girls' High Schools Southland High School Balance in hand or in bank 696 19 £ s. d. 0 £ 44 s. 9 d. 0 £ s. d. f 398 5 5 39 6 8 36 17 9 95 17 6 12 9 5 79 2 2 5,393 15 11 1,390 0 11 12 10 0 42 0 0 24 19 1 5,393 15 11 1,390 0 11 203 7 9 52 8 4 4,251 6 9 203 7 52 8 555 14 9 4 8 3,695 12 1 11,176 7 11 855 19 0 12,032 7 8 Arrears. Arrears due on 31st December, 1880 — £ s. d. ... 1,579 17 10 1,579 17 10 £ s. d. 256 9 6 £ 1,836 s. d. 7 4 256 9 6 1,836 7 4