-- 1 the authority of the Secretary of State is required for any general cancellation of claims prior to a given date. 257. In cases of arrears of revenue due by particu- lar individuals, in which the necessity or justification for writing them off depends upon local circum- stances, and when no question is involved either of large amount, of important or novel principle, or of the negligence of an accounting officer, the Colonial Secretary or other officer appointed by law to deal with such claims will from time to time furnish to the Treasurer for transmission to the Auditor a list of cases in which it has been decided to write off such arrears, with the reason for so doing entered against each case. Unless the Auditor sees cause to challenge the decision in any case, this list will be accepted as a valid discharge for the accounting officer in respect of the mnon-collection of any amount specified thereon. D. Payments. 258. All disbursements of public money in the Colony will be made by the Treasurer under authority from the Governor, either personally or by officers acting, by instruction, as his sub-accountants. The Treasurer and all accounting officers will be held per- sonally and pecuniarily responsible for inaccuracies in the rendering of accounts and for any payments made, except as prescribed by these regulations. Disburse- ments in England will be made by the Crown Agents, whose accounts will, as soon as received, be incor- porated by the Treasurer in his monthly accounts. 259. Where a bank account is kept, all payments of £2 or more (or the equivalent in local currency) will be made by cheques signed by the Treasurer or by the authorised sub-accountant, and countersigned by such other departmental officer as may be appointed