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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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