MESSAGE No. 21.

Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives, 1854 Session I-II

MESSAGE No. 21.

The Officer administering the Government forwards to the House of Representatives a copy of a letter addressed to the Colonial Secretary by Thomas Beckham, Esq., requesting some addition to he made to his Salary as Resident Magistrate at Auckland ; and His Excellency recommends this application to the favourable consideration of the House. R. H. WYNYARD. Government House, Auckland, Bth September, 1854.

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No. 61. Resident Magistrate's Court, Auckland, September 7th, 1854. Sir,— Adverting to your communication of the 20th January last, "informing me that seeing clearly how responsible, unceasing, and increasing, my duties as Resident Magistrate are, His Excellency the Officer administering the Government will have much pleasure in urging my claim for an increase of Salary on the notice of the General Assembly. I have the honor to acquaint you that Ido not perceive by the "Estimates before the House that such has been the case ; I have therefore to request you will be pleased to move His Excellency to recommend to the "General Assembly," that my Salary be increased in accordance with my length of service, the grave responsibilities of my office, and the necessities of the times ; and that the following statement may accompany that recommendation :— " I have held the office of Police and Resident Magistrate for a period of nearly fifteen years, at the present rate of emolument, £300 per annum ; and that I only receive the same remuneration as a Clerk under the Provincial Government, who has served but a few months." In conclusion I beg to remark that mine is one of the very few salaries not increased by Sir George Grey since the passing of the last Estimates. I have, &c., (Signed) Thos. Beckham, Resident Magistrate. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary.