ments being effected by cheques of the Finance Clerk, under warrant of His Honor the Superintendent.

The Committee therefore beg respectfully to report that the following officers are required for carrying on the Provincial Government; and, having regard to the extent and nature of the duties, that the undermentioned sums would be appropriate salaries to attach to the respective offices, viz:—

IN THE OFFICE OF HIS HONOR THE SUPERINTENDENT.

One Chief Clerk .......... £300 per annum.
One Finance Clerk ........ 300 " "
One Second Class Clerk ... 250 " "
One Third ............... 120 " "
The Finance Clerk to find security in a sum of one thousand pounds.

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Speaker ................. £200 per annum.
Clerk of Council ........ 50 " "

The Committee recommended that the office of Clerk of Council be united to that of Chief Clerk in the office of the Superintendent.

AUDIT DEPARTMENT.

A Board of Audit to consist of three members to be elected by and from the Provincial Council. No salary to attach to this office.

One Audit Clerk ......... £200 per annum.

PUBLIC WORKS.

Civil Engineer and Surveyor of Roads.
Under this head the Committee recommended a probationary appointment, with only a moderate salary. But they think it should be clearly understood that in the event of the duties of the office being fulfilled with the efficiency which their importance demands, the appointment would be confirmed and a liberal salary awarded.

The Committee strongly recommend that all Works be done by tender and contract.

POLICE.

On this subject, the Committee having given every consideration to the minute of His Honor the Superintendent, as to the appointment of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, are not prepared to recommend any change in the present system except that the gentleman who has for five years gratuitously discharged the duties of Commissioner with so much efficiency, should now receive a salary of £100 per annum, in virtue of that office, and being thus placed on the Provincial Establishment come under the more immediate control of the Provincial Government.

The Committee recommend that the increase of pay lately granted to the police force should be continued.

The Committee further recommend that while the present number of privates should not be decreased, the police force should consist exclusively of Europeans, when such can be obtained, and suggest that the Commissioner should be empowered from time to time to recommend an increase of pay to such men as shall from good conduct and length of service, in his opinion entitle them thereto.

HARBOUR DEPARTMENT.

The Committee recommend that the salary attached to the combined duties of Harbour Master and Pilot, be raised from £160 to £200 per annum, and that the signal man be placed under his superintendence.

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.

The Committee recommend that the salary of the Colonial Surgeon be raised to £200 per annum, and that of the Dispenser at the Public Hospital be raised to £150, also that the recent increase of wages to subordinates be continued.

DEPARTMENT OF SHERIFF AND GAOLS.

The Committee recommend that the recent increase of pay to the turnkeys and other subordinates of the Gaol be confirmed, and that a moderate increase be made to the salary of the Gaoler.

DEPARTMENT OF RESIDENT MAGISTRATES.

The Committee are of opinion that the office of Resident Magistrate at the Pensioner Settlements of Howick and Onehunga may be dispensed with.

PANMURE FERRY.

The Committee recommend that the recent increase of wages to the men be confirmed for the present.

Amongst the documents laid before the Committee in the course of this inquiry are suggestions by the Registrar of Deeds as to desirable alterations in the practice of his office, but as this report does not embrace that department, the Committee defer entering upon the question. But, taking into consideration the value and importance of the records and documents kept in the office of the Registrar of Deeds, frequently including, besides the numerous books of Registry, from two to three hundred original title deeds, the Committee are strongly of opinion that no time should be lost in providing a safer and more commodious Registry Office, furnished with a suitable fire-proof safe for their protection.

(Signed) W. CONNELL, Chairman.

Mr. J. O’Neill brought up the Report of the Committee to prepare a petition to the Queen against the payment of the New Zealand Company’s Debt.

Petition read, ordered to be printed, and taken into consideration on Thursday the 17th November.

To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in Parliament assembled.

The humble Petition of the Members of the Provincial Council of Auckland, in Council assembled,

SHEWETH,

That your petitioners are just now assembled for the first time under the Act