that of
the Assistant Magistrate and Sheriff be reduced from £700 to £600. At the present moment Mr Holdforth, the Assistant Magistrate and Sheriff, is absent from the Colony
on sick leave, and his duties are being performed by Mr Mitchell on half salary, namely £350 per annum. This arrangement cannot therefore be carried into effect.
In the mean time considering the great increase to Mr Hillier's duties since the passing of Ordinance No. 7 of 1849, creating a Court of Petty Sessions, which has the power of a Court of Requests when the amount in dispute does not exceed 50 Dollars, I have at his earnest and frequent solicitations passed to him, from the 12th of the current month, the proposed addition of £100 per annum to his present salary, on the distinct understanding that should this increase not meet with the approval of your Lordship, he will refund the same to the Treasury.
I have already recorded my opinion on the merits and qualifications of this Officer. I trust that, added to the numerous reductions made in the Civil Departments (amounting to £4,480) since my assuming Office, it will induce Your Lordship...