APPOINTMENTS AND RETIREMENTS IN LANDS DEPARTMENT, SOUTHLAND.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1891 Session II, C-10

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Sess. 11.—1891. NEW ZEALAND.

APPOINTMENTS AND RETIREMENTS IN LANDS DEPARTMENT, SOUTHLAND.

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated 17th June, 1891. Ordered, " That there be laid before this House all correspondence, letters, papers, &c, in connection with the appointment of Ranger Campbell for Southland; the retirement of Mr. Spence, the Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Lands for Southland ; and, also, Mr. Royds, the Receiver of Land Revenue for the same district."—(Mr. Valentine.)

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC., RELATING TO APPOINTMENT OP RANGER CAMPBELL. The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Invercargill. Mr. Duncan Campbell has been appointed Ranger, vice Mussen transferred, and has been asked to report himself to you on Monday. A. Barron.

Duncan Campbell, Invercargill. You have been appointed Ranger of Crown Lands. Please report yourself to the Commissioner of Crown Lands on Monday. 16th May, 1891. A. Barron.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Invercargill. I forward herewith the warrant appointing Mr. Duncan Campbell to be a Ranger of Crown Lands for the Southland District. I also enclose an official ticket for the use of Mr. Campbell over the Southland railways. The appointment dates from to-day, if Mr. Campbell reports himself to you as directed by telegraph on the 16th instant. The salary will be £250 per annum. 18th May, 1891. A. Barron.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO RETIREMENT OP MR. SPENCE. Sir,— 14th April, 1891. The Hon. the Minister of Lands has decided that in the best interests of the colony certain changes in the Lands and Survey Departments are to take place. As a consequence of this it will become necessary for you to remove from Southland and take up the duties of Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands of Westland. The Minister directs that this change is to take place as soon as possible. You will therefore be good enough to make arrangements to leave everything in such a condition that your successor can take it up readily. Please report to me as soon as possible the date at which you will be able to leave. The reasonable expense of moving yourself and family will be defrayed by the Government. I have, &c, S. Percy Smith, 14th April, 1891. Surveyor-General and Secretary of Crown Lands.

S. Percy Smith, Esq., Surveyor-General, Wellington. Woodlands. Re your letter of the 14th: Kindly inform the Hon. the Minister of Lands that I would like to retire on compensation instead of removing to Westland. For years back my salary has been heavily reduced, until, owing to my large family and other claims on me, I am unable to make ends meet. Removal to Westland would ruin me. As I have been twenty-five years in the service, and have done faithful and responsible work—-having had no holiday meanwhile—l trust that the Minister will allow me at least a six months' holiday on retiring. J. Spence, Chief Surveyor.

The Hon. the Minister of Lands. Mr. Spence asks that he may retire on compensation rather than be removed to Westland, and that he may have six months' leave. Mr. Spence would be entitled to compensation for his services since abolition. This would amount to about £540—that is, for his General Government service; but he seems to me to ask that his provincial service be included. This would mean about £955 for

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both services. '-'The Civil Service Act, 1886," limits leave of absence on retirement to three months. I would ask your favourable consideration in allowing Mr. Spence to be compensated, and to have three months' leave. This would necessitate appointing the senior District Surveyor to Westland as Chief Surveyor, Mr. John Strauchon is well fitted for the office. A saving might then be effected in the salary of Chief Surveyor at Westland. It is at present £450. It might be fixed at £400 for the future, and be more in keeping with the importance of the district. Mr. Strauchon now receives £370 a year. Ist May, 1891. S. Percy Smith. Mr. Spence will be allowed to retire with compensation, viz., £540. Provincial service cannot be allowed, nor can leave of absence be granted.—J. McK. Ist May, 1891.

J. Spence, Esq., Survey Office, Invercargill. Minister allows you retire. Compensation for General Government service, but not provincial. Leave cannot be granted. Will you remain up to the 15th, so that your successor can be with you for a few days. Wellington, Ist May, 1891. S. Percy Smith.

Chief Surveyor, Invercargill. Please reply to my telegram of the Ist re your remaining until 15th, as arrangements must be made at once. 4th May, 1891. S. Percy Smith.

The Surveyor-General, Wellington. Invercargill. Telegram of Ist received. I thank the Hon. the Minister of Lands for permission to retire on compensation, and will remain to 15th instant, as desired by you. I deeply regret the Minister's decision re holiday, and would ask him kindly to reconsider this part of the question. Having been in the Government service for twenty-five years, and having had not a single month's holiday during that time, I trust he will see his way to sanction a three months' holiday. Kindly wire decision. J. Spence, Chief Surveyor.

Chief Surveyor, Invercargill. I had already asked Minister to grant you three months, but he has refused in all cases. He is away jusc now, and lam sure it is no use asking him again. I expect Mr. Williams to reach you on the 14th. Will have vouchers made out at once. sth May, 1891. S. Percy Smith.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO RETIREMENT OP MR. ROYDS. The Chief Surveyor, Invercargill. Please inform Mr. J. S. Royds that his services are to be dispensed with on the Ist May, and that the usual compensation will be given on your voucher being sent in. Wellington, 14th April, 1891, 0.P.5.0. S. P. Smith, Surveyor-General. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,300 copies), £1 3s.]

Authority: George Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9l.

Price, 6'df.j

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