aware.
of the arduous duties which I had to perform - I have kept a rough Roll of Inquests and other proceedings just as necessary as a Record. This was like the Roll of a Court Leet or Court Baron-- and I have spared no expence in the matter - I have held Office since September 1842 without any remuneration, being a period of two years and a half; to compensation as the office of Coroner is one of respectability the salary ought not to be less than £150 per annum which is very far short of Salaries paid in India- (viz.) from £400 to £500 per annum.
I have therefore respectfully to request that you will intimate to His Excellency the Governor that the claim which I make on Her Majesty's Government is £375.
I have to (Signed) R. Farncomb
(True Copy) Frederick M.D. Bruce
In Council Chamber, Victoria, 17th April, 1845.
In reply to your letter of yesterday's date, I have the honor to state for the information of His Excellency the Governor, that the number of Inquests held by me since my appointment in September 1842 amounts to forty.
I have to (Signed) R. Farncomb
The Honorable F. W. A. Bruce, Colonial Secretary.
(True Copy) Frederick M.A. Bruce