8.—7 [PT. I],

YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH, 1943.

CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT— continued.

REMARKS. (a) Reduced expenditure on account of war. £75 estimated to be recovered as credits-in-aid. (b) Certain expenditure on office fittings and furniture not charged to this item during 1941-42 as expected. (o) Reduction in volume of import-control correspondence. (d) Legal expenses incurred during the year less than anticipated. (e) Additional rental payable this year owing to occupation of new premises at Greymouth. (/) Drop in Customs and sales-tax revenue collected at Tauranga and Hokitika and on imports per parcels-post. It is estimated, however, that £800 will be required for this item during 1942-43 owing to the recent increases in rates of Customs duties and sales tax. (g) Staff changes less than anticipated owing to the retention of officers who would have retired but for the war. (h) Number of officers, 42. Travelling-allowances, £449 ; travelling-expenses, £314 ; taxi and motor hire, £12. (i) Payment of medical expenses of officers injured on duty, £2 2s. (j) Alterations required to accommodate female office-assistants engaged to release male clerks for military duties.

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