8.—16.

3

£ s. d. Balance from year ended 31st March, 1898 .. .. .. .. .. £23,474 7 4

£ s. d. Balance .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £23,474 7 4

We hereby certify that, having carefully examined the foregoing balance-sheet and statements, we are satisfied that they have been correctly compiled from the books and accounts of the bank, and that the balance-sheet is a full and fair balance-sheet, properly drawn up, and exhibits a true and correct view of the state of the bank's affairs at the date thereof. Dated this 29th day of June, 1898. C. G. TEGETMEIER, General Manager. RICHARD W. GIBBS, Accountant.

I, Alexander Macintosh, the Chief Auditor of the Bank of New Zealand, do hereby certify,— 1. That, having carefully examined the foregoing balance-sheet marked " A " and statements, I am satisfied that they have been correctly compiled from the books and accounts of the bank. 2. That I am also satisfied that the said balance-sheet is a full and fair balance-sheet, properly drawn up, and exhibits a true and correct view of the state of the bank's affairs at the date thereof. 3. That I have verified so much of the cash, investments, securities, and assets of the bank as at the date of the said balance-sheet were held at the Head Office in Wellington, and have had access to certified returns of so much thereof as were then held at the various branches and agencies of the bank, or were then in transit. Dated this 29th day of June, 1899. A. MACINTOSH, Chief Auditor.

Approximate Oo«t of Paper.— Preparation, not given printing (1,410 oopies), J52 18«.

By Authority: John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB99. Price 3d.

Reserve Fund.