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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.]

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