BARCLAYS (D. C. AND 0.).
The operations of Barclays Bank (Dominion, Colonial and Overseas) extend over a very wide area, for it must be remem- bered that the Institution represents the bank once known as the Colonial Bank, with which were subsequently amalga- mated The National Bank of South Africa and The Anglo- Egyptian Bank. In South Africa, as elsewhere, trade depres- sion has been very pronounced during the past year, and especially during the past six months, and having regard to that fact the half-yearly balance sheet just published by Barclays (D. C. and 0.) is a decidedly satisfactory one. Deposits, which amount to £62,474,000, show a merely trifling decline of £400,000, but slacker trade is reflected m some shrinkage in the total of Bills Discounted and Advances to customers. On the other hand,- the Bank's Investments have increased from £10,069,000 to £14,059,000, this' increase being eatirely in securities of the British and of the Dominion and Colonial Governments. The Reserve Fund stands at £1,850,000, as compared with £1,550,000 a year ago. The directors are able to maintain the interim dividend on the " A " and " B " shares at the rate of 4} per cent. per annum, less tax, which, after making allowance for relief in respect of Dominion Income Tax, represents 8s. 80. in the 2-as compared - with 3s. 9d. a year ago.
* * * *
Previous page
