THE OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT. MEMORANDUM BY THE HON. THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WITH CORRESPONDENCE ATTACHED THERETO.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1893 Session I, A-03

A.—3

1893. NEW ZEALAND.

THE OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT. MEMORANDUM BY THE HON. THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WITH CORRESPONDENCE ATTACHED THERETO.

Laid upon the Table by Mr. Speaker, tvith the Leave of the House, and ordered to be printed.

THE OFFICERS OF PAELIAMENT. Memoeandum by Mr. Speaker. The Speaker deems it his duty to take the earliest opportunity of laying before the House copies of correspondence which has taken place between himself and Ministers on the subject of certain action taken by the Government in relation to the officers of the House. To this he apjpends letters from the Speakers of all the other Legislatures in Australasia, stating the practice which obtains in the sister colonies. The practice of the Imperial Parliament in relation to the Clerks-Assistant will be found stated in "May" (ninth edition), at page 257. In bringing the subject under the notice of the House, the Speaker would point out that somewhat similar difficulties arose so long ago as 1862, during the Speakership of Sir David Monro, and that the whole matter was set out very fully in Paper No. 19, D, in the Appendix to the Journals of that year. In so far as regards the appointment of clerks and other officers of the House, the manner thereof is provided for by resolution of the 28th August, 1862 (see Journals, page 116) —viz., " by the Executive, on the recommendation of the Speaker," except as to the First Clerk-Assistant, who is to "be similarly appointed on the recommendation of the Chairman of Committees." Whether Interpreters and officers of the Hansard staff are to be deemed officers of the House within the meaning of this resolution is a point which it is necessary to decide ; but by far the most important question raised by the correspondence hereto attached is as to whether it is expedient that during the recess any of the Clerks-Assistant, or other officers of the House, should be placed at the disposal, or under the control of, the Government. A similar question was fully debated in the House in 1888 (see Hansard, Vol. lxxii, pages 139 to 181), and, in view of what then transpired, the Speaker has not been able to concur in certain action proposed by the Government and disclosed in the correspondence hereto attached; and it is with the desire to be apprised of the wishes of the House that he respectfully submits this memorandum, and the appendices thereto, for its consideration. In conclusion, the Speaker points out that all matters in relation to the officers of Parliament are set at rest in the Colony of Victoria by statute—" The Officers of Parliament Act, 1888 " —and it is for the House to consider whether it would not be expedient to pass some such statute with a view to prevent similar difficulties arising in this colony in the future. W. J. Stewaed, Speaker's Rooms, House of Representatives, Speaker, House of Representatives. Wellington, 22nd June, 1893.

Deae Majoe Stewaed, — General Assembly Buildings, 26th May, 1892. I enclose herewith copy of memorandum from Minister for Public Works, with enclosure. I have advised Cosgrave to delay his reply until you have had an opportunity of expressing your views. Will you kindly wire, or write, as soon as possible. Yours, &c, Geobgb Feiend. Memorandum for the Chief Messenger (in absence of the Serjeant-at-Arms), Parliamentary Buildings. I foewaed herewith, by the Minister's direction, copy of a Cabinet minute, requiring that all labour should be engaged through the Labour Bureau. If all the extra messengers required during the forthcoming session have not already been engaged, I am to ask you to submit proposals to this office showing the number still required, also a list of the names of any persons who may have applied to you for the position, so that the same may be duly considered, and, if approved, authority given to apply to the Labour Bureau to select suitable men.

I—A. 3.

A.—3.

In the event of any men having been engaged already, please, also, submit a list of their names, showing terms of engagement, and state by whose authority the engagements have been made. Will you be good enough to have this matter attended to at once, if possible. H. J. H. Blow, Public Works Department, Under-Secretary for Public Works. Wellington, 25th May, 1892. In Cabinet. 12th April; 1892 _ A cikculak to be sent to departments to the effect that the services of any artisan or labourer required shall only be procured through the Labour Bureau. Alex. Willis, Secretary to the Cabinet.

Dear Major Steward, — Assembly Buildings, 27th May, 1892. I have now received an instruction from the Minister for Public Works to notify to him any vacancies which may occur in the department, as, estimates being now under control of Government, all appointments must be made by the Minister in charge. Yours, &c, Georoe Friend.

Dear Mr. Friend, — Ashburton, 30th May, 1892. Your notes of 26th and 27th, informing me of the interference of the Minister for Public Works in matters hitherto under the control of yourself and the Serjeant-at-Arms, to hand, and I have to thank you for promptly drawing my attention to the matter. Herewith I send you a letter for the Premier, and one for the Minister for Public Works, which you will please have copied (for reference), and then forward. Yours, &c, W T . J. Steward. Memo.—ln forwarding the letter to the Premier, please enclose therewith —(1) Copy of the memo, of 25th May to Cosgrave; (2) copy of memo, of 27th May to yourself; (3) copy of my letter (herewith) to Mr. Seddon. Please instruct Cosgrave to reply that he is directed by the Speaker to forward the information asked for in respect of the list of men already on the staff, their terms of engagement, and the authority by whom appointed. As regards any further messengers to be engaged, he is to state that Mr. Speaker directs him to say that he himself will address the Minister on the subject.—W. J. S.

Sir,— Ashburton, 30th May, 1892. I have the honour to forward herewith copy of a letter addressed by me to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, together with copies of documents therein referred to. As in my letter to Mr. Seddon, I here again express my conviction that the action proposed to be taken in regard to the Legislative Department is not in accordance with the intentions of the House. I have, &c, W. J. Steward, The Hon. the Premier. Speaker, House of Eepresentatives.

Sir,— Ashburton, 30th May, 1892. I have the honour to represent that there has been brought under my notice—(l) A copy of a memorandum from the Public Works Department, under date 25th May, addressed to the Chief Messenger, in the absence of the Serjeant-at-Arms; and (2) an instruction (dated 26th May) from yourself to Mr. Friend, instructing him to notify you of any vacancies which may occur in the Legislative Department, on the ground that it is claimed that, " the estimates being now under the control of Government, all appointments must be made by the Minister in charge." As to the memorandum first referred to (that to Mr. Cosgrave, Chief Messenger), 1 note that he is called upon to submit proposals to the Public Works Department as to any extra messengers required beyond those already engaged, so that, if approved, authority may be given to the Labour Department to select suitable men. To this is appended copy of a Cabinet minute, ordering that " a circular be sent to departments to the effect that the services of any artisan or labourer required shall only be procured through the Labour Bureau." As to this, I submit that the Cabinet minute above quoted does not warrant the sending of the memorandum referred to to Mr. Cosgrave, inasmuch as messengers of the House are neither artisans nor labourers. Secondly, I regard the memorandum to Mr. Cosgrave, and still more that to Mr. Friend, as an interference in the management of the staff of the Legislative Department, founded upon a mistaken view of the intentions of the House when last session the Government was made responsible for the Legislative estimates. I hold that the department's estimates are to be submitted to and approved by the Government ; but that the right of appointing the officers, whose salaries are provided for therein, still remains as before, and that those officers are still responsible to the Speaker, and, under him, to the Clerk of the House or the Serjeant-at-Arms, as the case may ho. You yourself distinctly indorsed that view during the discussion in the House, having stated (see Hansard, Vol. lxxiv., page 727) that " the Speaker would be looked upon practically as the head of the department, who would advise the Government. As to interfering with officers in the way referred to, he did not believe that any such interference would take place. The whole thing would practically be under the Speaker, except that he would advise the Government." As a matter of fact, by my direction, the estimates for the current year have been submitted, and I have not heard from the Government as to any suggested alterations in the amounts of the votes to be asked ; and neither during last session's debates, nor in the terms of the resolution

2

3

A.—3

which placed the legislative estimates under the control of the Government, was there any warrant for the assumption that all or any appointments in the department were to be made by the Government. I have not the least objection to Mr. Cosgrave or Mr. Friend supplying you, or the Government as a whole, with every information possible, nor do I at all object to the Labour Bureau suggesting the names of suitable men for appointment as messengers, but I claim that, until the House otherwise decides, the making of the appointments in that department rests with the Speaker and his officers, and not with the Government. As the matter is one of considerable importance, I have directed that a copy of the entire correspondence be forwarded to the Premier, as I think that it is one that should be brought before Cabinet. I have, &c, W. J. Stewaed, Speaker, House of Representatives. The Hon. E. J. Seddon, Minister for Public Works.

(Enclosure.) Memorandum for the Chief Messenger (in the absence of the Serjeant-at-Arms), Parliamentary Buildings. I foewaed, herewith, by the Minister's direction, copy of a Cabinet minute requiring that all labour should be engaged through the Labour Bureau. If all the extra messengers required during the forthcoming session have not already been engaged, I am to ask you to submit proposals to this office showing the number still required, also a list of the names of any persons who may have applied to you for the position, so that the same may be duly considered, and, if approved, authority given to the Labour Bureau to select suitable men. In the event of any men having been engaged already, please also submit a list of their names, showing terms of engagement, and state by whose authority the engagements have been made. Will you be good enough to have this matter attended to at once, if possible. H. J. H. Blow, Under-Secretary for Public Works. In Cabinet. 12th April, 1892. A circular to be sent to departments to the effect that the services of any artisan or labourer required shall only be procured through the Labour Bureau. Alex. Willis, Secretary to Cabinet.

Sir,— Wellington, 20th May, 1892. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the Parliamentary Committee reporting staff, I have the honour to intimate that lam a candidate for the position. I enclose a testimonial from Messrs. Buckley, Stafford, and Treadwell, by whom I have for some years past been employed as shorthand writer. I may also mention that I have passed the Barristers' General Knowledge Examination. I have, &c, The Hon. E. J. Seddon. B. M. Wilson. Me. Friend.—Who is now attending to these matters?—E. J. S. 25/5/92. For Hon. Mr. Seddon. There is at present no vacancy. There are only two Select Committee reporters, and they are appointed by the Speaker. It is possible that there will be a vacancy at the beginning of next session, and I have written to the Speaker to that effect.—George Feiend, Clerk, House of Eepresentatives. 26/5/92. Me. Friend.—Now estimates under control Government, all appointments must be made by Minister in charge. Any vacancy arising please notify.—E. J. S. 26/5/92. Public Works Department, Wellington, 21st June, 1892. Sir, — Ec Parliamentary Buildings — Employment of Messengers. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 30th ultimo on the abovementioned subject, and to state that the views which you express therein will receive the careful consideration of the Government. I have to apologize for your letter not having been replied to sooner, but the delay has been chiefly caused by my absence from Wellington. I have, &c, E. J. Seddon, The Hon. W. J. Steward, Minister for Public Works. Speaker, House of Eepresentatives, Wellington.

Sic, — Speaker's Booms, House of Eepresentatives, 22nd June, 1892. In reference to the desire expressed by yourself at our interview of a day or two ago that, now the Government is charged with the duty of carrying the legislative estimates through Committee, the relations between the Speaker's department and the Government in respect to the mode of making appointments, &c, should be defined, I have now the honour to submit the following for your concurrence : — 1. The Government to call upon the Speaker to furnish his estimates of the requirements of the Legislative Department for the year.

A.—3.

2. On receipt of this from the Speaker, the Government to point out any items to which exception is taken. 3. Should the Speaker be unable to concur in the proposal to omit or reduce any item, the Government, of course, to accept the full responsibility of making any such omission or reduction. 4. The Speaker to be supplied as early as possible with a copy of the estimates for the Legislative Department as finally agreed to by the Government. 5. The Speaker to retain, as hitherto, the right of recommending for appointment all permanent officers of the department to the number provided for on the estimates, and at the salaries therein specified. 6. As vacancies arise in the present staff of messengers, application for appointment to be made through the Labour Bureau, and by the Bureau transmitted, together with such recommendations as the Minister may see fit to make, to the Speaker. 7. The employment of such extra clerical assistance as may be required for the working of the department during the session to remain, as hitherto, with the Clerk of the House. I shall be glad to receive a notification of your concurrence in the foregoing. I have, &c, W. J. Stewaed, Speaker, House of Representatives. The Hon. W. P. Eeeves, Minister of Labour, &c. [As far as I am aware, no reply has been received. —A. J. B.]

Sic, — Speaker's Eooms, Wellington, 10th October, 1892. On looking over the Hansard proofs, I am surprised to find that, in Committee on the legislative estimates, Mr. Seddon is reported to have said, "As regards the utilisation of the Interpreters and Mr. O'Eorke and Mr. Butherfurd during recess, it is the intention of the Government to grant those officers one month's holiday after session and then make use of them during the remainder of the recess for Government work. Seduction of salaries was mooted, but not agreed to ; but it is considered that the colony should get better value for the money." Now, as all the officers in question belong to the department which is under my control as Speaker, I am bound to demur to the right of the Government to take any independent action with relation to them, and I claim to be consulted before any such action as indicated is attempted to be taken. As regards Mr. Butherfurd, who, during the session, at all hours through the day and night, is continually in attendance, to whatever hour the House may sit, the proposition is cruel to him and unjust to Mr. Friend, to whom his assistance is indispensable. Nor does his work terminate with the session. On the contrary, for some three months thereafter it is impossible that he could take holiday, his time being fully occupied in the work appertaining to the publication of the Journals and appendices. The compilation of the Journals from the Clerk's notes is the work of Mr. Butherfurd as Second Clerk-Assistant during session, and the proceedings in connection with the printing of the Journals, indexing, preparing schedules, &c, have always been special duties appertaining to that office during the recess. For fifteen years his predecessor, Mr. Otterson, performed the same duties, and was never called upon 'to perform other duties outside those of his own office, and, though Mr. Otterson still continues his valuable assistance in the above work, it would be very unfair to that officer to deprive him altogether of Mr. Butherfurd's help. In view of the large quantity of matter which passes through the hands of the officers of the House in preparation for publication, two supervisors are essential, and Mr. Butherfurd is constantly engaged in assisting Mr. Otterson in this work. Then, again, there is the charge of the office, which is kept open during office-hours during the recess, custody of records, attendance to correspondence, preparation of vouchers, accounts, &c. (this branch of work will be largely increased in consequence of the passing of the Payment of Members Bill), in all of which Mr. Eutherfurd has his share, being in daily attendance at the office during office-hours, and not averaging more than a month's leave of absence (taking usually a few days at a time) during the whole recess. There are constant applications from other departments and the outside public for reference to reports, documents, papers, &c.; and if Mr. Butherfurd were removed other assistance would constantly have to be obtained to enable the work of the department to be overtaken. These facts make it abundantly clear that no such proposal as that of the Minister could possibly be given effect to. I may also point out that, while the work of the Legislature, and consequently of the department, is constantly growing, the staff has not only not been increased but actually decreased, as we are now working with one permanent officer less than there were for a period of twenty years under Major Campbell, who had three permanent assistants during the recess, as against the present staff of two under Mr. Friend. If one of these were taken away the work of the office could not be performed satisfactorily. The question of the services of subordinate officers of the Legislature being placed at the disposal of the Government during the recess formed the principal subject of a whole day's debate only four years ago, the result being a majority of fourteen against the proposal of the then Premier, who endeavoured to obtain the sanction of the House in that direction. Nothing has since occurred to affect this decision, the vote in Committee of Supply last year referring solely to the estimates, Ministers themselves, as pointed out in my letter to you of the 30th May last, distinctly stating that they advanced no claim to exercise control over the officers of the department. As regards Mr. O'Borke, the office which he now holds was first created in 1872, and in the case of Mr. Otterson, the first holder of that office, the letter of appointment distinctly made it a sessional one. Mr. Ernest Bell succeeded, on the distinct agreement that the appointment was sessional, and Mr. O'Borke succeeded Mr. Bell. In each case their services were and have been at the disposal of the Clerk of the House for a fortnight before the session and a fortnight after it.

4

5

A.—3

The Interpreters also hold sessional appointments, and therefore it is not possible, without breach of contract, to call upon either Mr. O'Eorke or the Interpreters to discharge other duties during the recess than they have been hitherto called upon to perform. Ido not know what fresh arrangements Mr. O'Eorke might be disposed to enter into, but will communicate with him on the subject if the Government have any proposition to make. As regards the Interpreters, it is possible that some arrangement might be come to differing from that at present in force, and, if it is the wish of the Government to make any proposal, I shall be happy to inquire as to its feasibility, and as to what alteration of existing arrangements can be made. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier. W. J. Stewaed, Speaker.

Sib,— Wellington, 2nd November, 1892. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th ultimo, addressed to the Hon. the Premier, with regard to the utilisation of the services of certain officers of the House during the recess, and which has been referred to me to deal with. In reply I have to inform you that the Government, having carefully considered the matter, have resolved to carry out the proposals intimated to the House by the Hon. Mr. Seddou, and I have now to ask you to be so kind as to inform Messrs. Eutherfurd, O'Eorke, and Hamlin, and Captain Mair that their services are required, and request them to report themselves to me, either in person or by letter, as early as possible. I have, &c, The Hon. the Speaker, House of Eepresentatives, Wellington. A. J. Cadman.

Sib,— Ashburton, 12th November, 1892. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter No. 774 (92/3072), and dated the 2nd November instant, in which you ask me " to inform Messrs. Eutherfurd, O'Eorke, and Hamlin, and Captain Mair that their services are required, and request them to report themselves to you, either in person or by letter, as early as possible." In reply I have to say that it does not appear to me that it is in the power of the Speaker to issue such an instruction to the officers in question. They are officers of Parliament, appointed as such with clearly-defined duties, and cannot, in my opinion, be called upon by me to place themselves at the disposal of the Government. I have, &c, W. J. Stbwaed, The Hon. A. J. Cadman. Speaker, House of Eepresentatives.

Sir,— Wellington, 3rd March, 1893. The Government having, at the instance of Parliament, decided that the services of certain parliamentary officers should be utilised during the recess, it is considered advisable, therefore, that fresh arrangements should be entered into with these officers. I have the honour, therefore, to request that you will be good enough to intimate to Captain Mair, and Messrs. Hamlin, O'Eorke, and Eutherfurd that their services under the present arrangements are hereby determined. Kindly inform them at the same time that the Government is prepared to enter into fresh arrangements with them. These gentlemen being parliamentary officers, the Government think it advisable that the above intimation should be conveyed to them by Mr. Speaker. However, if you think otherwise, and will notify me to that effect, I will communicate with them direct. I have, &c, The Hon. the Speaker, House of Eepresentatives. A. J. Cadman.

Sir,— Ashburton, 13th March, 1893. In reply to yours of the 3rd instant, I have to say that, in view of previous correspondence on the same subject, I had hoped that the Government would have deferred any further proposals until Parliament had met, and opportunity had been taken to obtain the direction of the House. I note that the Government claims to be now moving in the matter at " the instance of Parliament," but I am not aware that the House of Eepresentatives has expressed its wishes thereon, and I do not think that I should be justified, as Speaker, in taking the action you propose without its specific direction. It is quite possible that the House may prefer that its officers should confine themselves solely to its own service, notwithstanding any saving that might otherwise be effected ; and, in view of that contingency, and of ihe fact that Parliament will (I suppose) be in session in about three months' time, I desire respectfully to suggest that, before any action be taken, the matter should be submitted to the decision of the House. I have, &c, The Hon. A. J. Cadman. W. J. Steward.

Sic,— Wellington, 18th May, 1893. The Government having decided that the services of certain parliamentary officers shall be utilised during the recess, it is considered advisable to enter into fresh arrangements with those officers. I desire, therefore, to intimate to you that the arrangements at present existing with

A.—3

6

respect to your services are hereby determined. At the same time I desire to notify you that the Government is prepared to enter into negotiations for your re-engagement on the understanding that your services will be available at any time during the recess, if required. I have, &c, A. J. Rutherfurd, Esq., House of Representatives, Wellington. A. J. Cadman. Note. —Similar letters were sent to Mr. O'Eorke, Captain Mair, and Mr. Hamlin, of the House of Representatives.

HANSARD APPOINTMENTS. Sir, — Speaker's Rooms, 18th August, 1892. I have the honour to forward herewith an application by the Chief Reporter for the appointment of Mr. A. M. Kay to the Hansard staff. Mr. Kay has been employed almost from the beginning of the session as an "extra" hand, and the work is now so heavy that it is impossible to overtake it without a permanent addition of one reporter to the staff. This will, of course, involve the necessity of placing £250 on the supplementary estimates, but it is unavoidable. I have, &c, W. J. Stewaed, The Hon. the Premier. Speaker, House of Representatives. Sir,— Hansard Office, 18th August, 1892. I have the honour respectfully to recommend that Mr. A. M. Kay be appointed to the Hansard staff. I am compelled to make this recommendation because the work has become so heavy that it is with the greatest difficulty the staff can overtake it. Indeed, through the illness of members of the staff, I have been obliged to engage Mr. Kay's services, at extra expense, almost from the beginning of the session, and shall have to continue to do so. Mr. Kay is a reporter of tried ability, and would be a valuable addition to the staff. I shall feel obliged by your forwarding this application, with your favourable recommendation, to the Hon. the Premier at your earliest convenience, as otherwise I may lose Mr. Kay's services altogether. I have, &c, C. C. N. Barron, Chief Reporter. The Hon. the Speaker, House of Representatives.

Sir,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 26th October, 1892. I have the honour-to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th August, addressed to the Hon. the Premier, recommending that Mr. A. M. Kay be appointed to the Hansard staff, at a salary of £250 per annum. In reply I have to inform you that, aftei> full consideration, the Government regret they cannot see their way to give effect to your recommendation in this instance. I have, &c, The Hon. the Speaker, House of Representatives, Wellington. P. A. Buckley.

Dear Mb. Barron,— Ashburton, 29th October, 1892. Enclosed I send on to you a reply just received by me from the Government to my letter of the 18th August. Please return it, with any remarks you may desire to make, which I will forward in my acknowledgment of the letter in question. Yours, &c, W. J. Steward.

Sir,— Ashburton, 6th November, 1892. Referring to your letter No. 759 (92/2939), I have the honour to state that I transmitted same to the Chief Reporter (Mr. Barron) for his remarks thereon, and now beg to enclose his reply for your information. After reading this I think that you will see that the recommendation made by me on the 18th August rested upon good grounds. I have, &c, W. J. Steward, Speaker, House of Representatives. The Hon. Sir P. A. Buckley, Colonial Secretary.

Sir, — Hansard Office, Wellington, 2nd November, 1892. I regret the Government have not seen their way to appoint Mr. A. M. Kay to the Hansard staff. As you are aware, I had to employ Mr. Kay throughout almost the whole of last session, in consequence—first, of the illness of Mr. Spragg, who got knocked up shortly after the opening of the session, and was never right till the end ; secondly, of the absence of Mr. Gray, another member of the staff, who went to his home on medical certificate some time before the session closed ; and, thirdly, of the work being too much for the remainder of the staff. It would be all very well if I could secure Mr. Kay's services during the session at two guineas a sitting-day—which is what I paid him last session—but, seeing that he can make three or four times as much, with three or four times less work, on Select Committees, I am not likely to get his services so cheaply next year. He lost pecuniarily by working on Hansard last session, and it would not be fair to ask him to do the same again. Of course, I did not apply lightly for' an additional reporter. It does not mean an additional expense of £250 or £300 a year, but about half that, for every session I have to get additional

7

A.—3

assistance through the smallness of the staff. lam convinced that before long this appointment will have to be made or the staff will break down. I have, &c, C. C. N. Babkon, Chief Eeporter.

Sib, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 7th June, 1893. Referring to your letters of the 18th August and 6th November, 1892, relative to the proposed increase in the number of the Hansard staff, I have been directed by the Premier to inform you that the Government has conferred the appointment on Mr. W. H. Eussell, at present acting as Private Secretary to the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer. Mr. Eussell is to receive a salary of £300 per annum, and he has been informed that it will be necessary to be in attendance at the opening of Parliament, on the 22nd instant. I have, &c, Alex. Willis, The Hon. W. J. Steward, . Secretary to the Cabinet. Speaker, House of Representatives.

(Telegram.) Ashburton, 9th June, 1893. C. C. N. Barron, Esq., Chief Reporter Hansard, Hobson Street, Wellington. GovEBNMBNT informs me that Eussell appointed to Hansard staff at three hundred a year. Were you consulted as to appointment and salary, and is latter in accordance "with regulations? Eeply. W. J. Stewabd. (Telegram.) Hon. W. J. Steward, Ashburton. 9th June, 1893. Was not consulted as to Eussell appointment; presume it is according to my recommendation last year that extra reporter be appointed. Salaries fixed by House at £300 ; but last Speaker, acting on recommendation of Select Committee (not confirmed by House), recommended that they should commence at £250, with annual increase until £300 reached. C. C. N. Baeeon, Wellington.

Sib, — Hansard Office, Wellington, 16th June, 1893. I forward herewith the resignation of Mr. W. A. Parkinson as a member of the Hansard staff. I beg respectfully to recommend that Mr. A. M. Kay be appointed to the vacancy. Mr. Kay has given assistance on the Hansard staff for several sessions, and has proved himself a thoroughlyqualified reporter. I shall feel obliged by your kindly communicating with the Government at your earliest convenience, with a view to the vacancy being filled up at once. I have, &c, C. C. N. Baebon, Chief Eeporter. The Hon. the Speaker, House of Eepresentatives.

Sic, — Hawera, Taranaki, New Zealand, 14th June, 1893. I beg to tender resignation of my position as a member of the Hansard staff. After seventeen years' service as a shorthand writer in the Legislative Department, I take this step with a good deal of regret, but I have become connected with a business which seems to call for my whole attention. I have, &c, The Hon. the Speaker, House of Eepresentatives. W. A. Pabkinson.

Sic, — Speaker's Rooms, 20th June, 1893. I have the honour to advise you that there is a vacancy on the Hansard staff owing to the resignation of Mr. W. A. Parkinson; and, after consulting with the Chief Eeporter, I beg to recommend Mr. A. M. Kay for appointment. I have, &c, W. J. Stbwaed, The Hon. the Premier. Speaker, House of Eepresentatives. Note. —Mr. Barron's letter attached. Mr. Kay's testimonials were enclosed with my letter of some months ago.

Sic, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 21st June, 1893. I have the honour to inform you that the Government has decided to appoint Mr. H. M. Gore to the vacancy on the Hansard staff caused by the retirement of Mr. Parkinson, with a salary of £300 per annum; and, in respect of this and other similar appointments, the Government look upon them as promotion to deserving and competent officers in the public service. There are other arrangements made by which the services of this gentleman, and of Mr. Eussell, recently appointed, will be utilised during the recess, by which a very considerable saving in the public expenses will result. I have, &c, E. J. Seddon. The Hon. W. J. Steward, Speaker, House of Representatives.

A.—3.

8

COPY OP LETTER PROM THE SPEAKER, HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES, TO THE SPEAKERS OP OTHER AUSTRALASIAN COLONIES, WITH REPLIES THERETO. Sic, — Ashburton, New Zealand, 11th May, 1893. I should be greatly obliged if you will kindly cause me to be informed as to the practice in your colony in relation to the matters following, viz. : — 1. By whom is the Serjeant-at-Arms selected and appointed? 2. Bame as to Clerk and Clerks-Assistant of the House? 3. Are the latter employed during the recess (after they have finished their duties in relation to Parliament) in any of the Government offices ? 4. Does your Government claim any authority over the officers or any of them, or to utilise their services in connection with any Government department during the recess ? I have, &c, W. J. Steward, The Hon. the Speaker, Legislative Assembly. Speaker, House of Eepresentatives.

The Speaker's Eoom, Legislative Assembly, Deab Sic,— Sydney, 26th May, 1893. I am in receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, making inquiries as to the practice of our colony relative to the several matters indicated in your letter. 1. The Serjeant-at-Arms is selected by the Speaker, and appointed by the Governor and Executive Council. 2. The same course is adopted with regard to the Clerk, Clerk-Assistant, and all the officers of the Assembly, the messengers being appointed by the Speaker alone. 3. None of the officers of the House are during the recess or at any other time employed in relation to any other duties beyond those appertaining to them in connection with the House. 4. Our Government does not claim any authority over any of these officers in any respect whatever. I may add that so jealous is the House that the control of these officers shall be within the province of the Speaker, as representing the House, that, by resolution, the House has on more than one occasion protested against any interference by the Executive authorities either with the officers of the House or with any recommendation of the Speaker concerning the expenditure of the House. This course is so strictly followed that the estimates in connection with the Legislative Assembly are prepared entirely by the Speaker, and submitted by the Executive for the consideration of the House without any alteration whatever. If any alteration has to be made, the House claims that it and not the Executive shall make that alteration. Any other information I can afford to you in reference to any matter it will give me much pleasure to furnish you with. I am, &c, The Hon. W. J. Steward, J. P. Abbott, Speaker. Speaker, House of Eepresentatives, New Zealand.

Sic, — Parliament House, Melbourne, 24th May, 1893. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, requesting some information as to the appointment, &c, of certain officers of the Parliament of Victoria, and I have pleasure in forwarding you the following categorical answers to your interrogatories : — Questions! and 2. —By whom is the Serjeant-at-Arms selected and appointed? Same as to Clerk and Clerks-Assistant ?— Reply 1 and 2. Under Part IX. of the Constitution Act Amendment Act (No. 1,075), the power of nomination to every office in the Department of the Legislative Assembly is vested in Mr. Speaker, and the Act further provides that the appointment shall be made by the Governor in Council. If any nomination be not approved by the Governor in Council, that body may request Mr. Speaker to nominate some other person; and, if some other person be not nominated within the time specified, the Governor in Council may appoint without any nomination. Question 3. —Are the latter employed during the recess (after they have finished their duties in relation to Parliament) in any Government offices ? — Reply 3. They are never so employed. Their duties in relation to Parliament occupy their time in the Department of the Legislative Assembly during the recess as well as during the session. Question 4. —Does your Government claim any authority over these offices, or any of them, or utilise their services in connection with any Government department during the recess ?— Reply 4. No question of authority has ever been raised, nor have their services been utilised outside the Department of the Legislative Assembly, except in connection with the Federal Conference held in Melbourne in 1890, and one or two Commissions connected with Parliament House. Any further information which you may desire to obtain on the subject of your letter you will probably be able to gather from "The Officers of Parliament Act" (a copy of it being enclosed herewith), which now forms Part IX. of the Constitution Act Amendment Act. I have, &c, Thos. Bent, The Hon. W. J. Steward, Speaker, Legislative Assembly of Victoria. Speaker, House of Eepresentatives, New Zealand,

Deak Sic,— Speaker's Office, Adelaide, S.A., 29th May, 1893. Our practice in reference to the matters touched upon by your letter of the 11th instant is as follows :— 1 and 2. The Serjeant-at-Arms —who is also the Clerk-Assistant—is nominated by the Speaker

9

A.—3

to the Government. The appointment is made in Executive, and a commission issued. I do not anticipate that the Government would ever do otherwise than accept the Speaker's nomination. The same applies to the nomination and appointment of the Clerk. 3. The officers of Parliament have no duties outside their own offices during recess. 4. The Government does not in any way seek to control the officers of Parliament, or any of them, during recess, nor, I may add, in any special way during the session. The Department of the House of Assembly " corresponds " with the Chief Secretary, but the Speaker is looked upon as the controlling Minister. I have, &c, Hon. W. J. Steward, Jenkin Coles, Speaker. Speaker, House of Eepresentatives, New Zealand.

Sib,— Brisbane, 29th May, 1893. I have the honour to acknowledge yours of 11th instant, and, although no longer occupying the position of Speaker, I have much pleasure in supplying you with the information you ask for. 1. The Serjeant-at-Arms is appointed by the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Speaker. 2. The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Clerk-Assistant, and junior clerk, by the Governor in Council. 3. Employed only during the sitting of Parliament, and during recess in completion of work connected with the session. 4. These officers are under the Speaker, and are not employed in any Government department. I have, &c, Hon. W. J. Steward, A. Noeton. Speaker, House of Eepresentatives, New Zealand. Hon. Alfred Cowley was elected Speaker last week. I was defeated when I offered myself for re-election.—A. N.

Sic,— House of Assembly, Hobart, 30th May, 1893. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, containing a request for information on certain questions relating to the practice in this colony with regard to the appointment and employment of the officers of Parliament; and I have much pleasure in replying as follows : — The Clerk, the Clerk-Assistant, and the Serjeant-at-Arms are selected and appointed by the Ministry of the day, with the concurrence of the Speaker. The Clerk and Clerk-Assistant are not employed during the recess after they have finished their duties in relation to Parliament in any of the Government offices, nor would I concur in such a course, except in some case of emergency, or for some special reason. It would, in my opinion, be contrary to the wishes of the House for the Speaker to permit, without remonstrance, anything that he might regard as an unfair demand upon the services of the officers of Parliament. They have very long hours during session, and may therefore fairly be allowed to perform only the lighter duties imposed upon them during recess. Subject to this concurrence of the Speaker, which, however, is rather understood than expressly provided for, the Government of the day could, undoubtedly, claim authority over these officers, or any of them, or to utilise their services in connection with any Government department during the recess. I have, &c, The Hon. W. J. Steward, Nicholas J. Beown, Speaker. Speaker, House of Eepresentatives, New Zealand. Deae Sic, — Legislative Assembly, Perth, sth June, 1893. In answer to your letter received yesterday, I have much pleasure in informing you what the practice is in this colony in relation to the appointment, employment, and control of the officers of the Legislative Assembly. 1. The Clerks, the Serjeant-at-Arms, and the official Hansard reporters are selected and recommended for appointment by the Speaker; the recommendation, as a matter of form, is forwarded to the Premier, and the appointment is confirmed by the Governor in Council, and gazetted. 2. None of the officers of Parliament are employed during the recess in any of the Government offices; but the Clerk-Assistant and the Serjeant-at-Arms, who receive very small salaries, are permitted to do any private work when the Legislature is not in session. They must at all times, however, perform any duties required of them by the Speaker. 3. Our Government claim no authority or control whatever over the officers of Parliament; and it would be most unconstitutional if they attempted to do so, as they might exercise this authority in a partisan spirit, whereas the officers of Parliament should be entirely independent of any Government interference. This is so far recognised in our colony that the Clerks can only be removed by a vote of their respective Houses. I shall be happy to give you any further information should you at any time require it. Believe me, Yours, &c, The Hon. W. J. Steward, James G. Lee Steeee, Speaker, House of Eepresentatives, New Zealand. Speaker, Legislative Assembly. Approximate Oost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,350 copies), £6 2s. 6d.

By Authority: Samuel Costall, Government Printer for the time being, Wellington.—lB93. Price 6d.]

2—A. 3.