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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.

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