484
question raised as to the legality of the fee, but that he would consult
the Attorney
Several on the subject..
the same time intimating that.
Torrey objected, he would not insist
upon payment.
Dr. Irwin consulted
the Attorney General and he gave
(264
opinion that the Colonial Chaplain
entitled to his fee of twenty-five
the usual fee given
legally
at
dollars
on such occasions.
Whether the Colonial Chaplain is
entitled or not to a
fee of $25-
the Celebration and registration of a marriage, it is certain that by custom
this fee has been paid.
I myself
have never claimed the fee,
but it has
been almost universally given;
both
my predecessors, whose term
of Office exceeded 13 years received it.
It
has been probably paid for the last
30 years, and
for that period has proved a somewhat large source of
income to the Chaplain. It would
be hard indeed to be deprived, without
Compensation of this
additional
income which my predecessors have
always Enjoyed.
(Signed) R. Stewart Kidd Colonial Chaplain
15th March 1875.
(True Copy)
Sanctioned by
Colonial Secretary.