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[Page 193]
BRITISH ADMINISTRATION - GERMAN NEW GUINEA:
Rabaul,
New Britain,
3rd January 1915.
The Honorable,
The Minister of State for Defence,
Melbourne:
Financial Statement, British Administration of German New Guinea to 31st December 1914:
Herewith I beg to forward for your information a full and complete record of all the financial transactions in connection with the Colony of German New Guinea during the year 1914, under both the British and German Administration.
The statement attached to the treasurer's report are clear and concise, and need no explanation by me.
I should be glad if the question raised some time ago by me, as to the negotiation of Drafts between Sydney and Rabaul, could be settled without further delay, and also an answer given to my request for instructions as to whether the use of German money is to be abolished. Personally my own view, as already explained in my despatches, is, that as I am only in Military occupation, and the German Laws and Customs remain in force so long as they do not conflict with the Military situation, I am justified in continuing German currency. However, the question was raised in Melbourne, and I have asked for instructions. Until I receive directions to the contrary I shall place no embargo on German money, except in respect of money paid into the Treasury here for payment in Australia. In these cases, as instructed by Wireless Telegraphy, I am refusing German paper money.
The work of Treasury here in reducing chaos and disorder into system, has been very heavy and difficult, and I wish here to specially mention the services rendered by Captain W.A. Fry, who has not spared himself, but has worked night and day to speedily bring about a satisfactory result, in which he has succeeded beyond my expectations.
(Sgd.) William Holmes, Colonel.
Administrator.