without going through the trouble and form of a Requisition to the Governor for authority to execute it. I may mention that there are 26 buildings here under my charge, the repairs to which, exclusive of storm repairs, amounted to £179.13.7 during the year; this, together with about £30 which may be said to be the sum for repair of Convict tools, makes a large annual amount, which I am confident could be reduced. If I had the men I mention, whose united wages would only amount to £50, even if the convicts alone, I think it would be a saving to point out a pick at the proper time, repair a half-worn wheel-band, and the last of which are expensive and liable to much injury; as soon as they are in bad condition, I am obliged to lay them up until a sufficient number are so, to enable me to estimate for the repair, and make Requisition for the Authority for payment of the money; this is a great inconvenience, and the tools are injured at the same time.
In the Land Registry office, under the charge of the Accountant, Mr. Power, the work has been of its usual description, a little augmented by the voluminous return called for by the House of Commons and other explanations connected with transactions in Land. A very limited number of Memorials, transfers, or mortgages, &c., have been registered during the year—only 68; of this number 16 have been prepared in the office for Chinese, with the usual translation made by the Chinese Secretary. Attached to my Office and to that of the above, was a Chinese clerk, Leou-kiteh, who, in addition to this work, was employed in writing out the copies of Contracts for work, also in Chinese.