Even
if it were, it is clear
that the contention that
the Bill has been legally passed subject to the stated reduction of salaries is
untenable. For as
Your Lordship will see
From the minutes of the proceedings of which I enclose a copy, the items for each department were separately moved and carried; and even if the vote of the official member concerned in each case (e.g., the vote of the Colonial Secretary in the case of the item for the Colonial Secretary's department, the Treasurer's in the case of the Treasury, and so on) be counted as null and void, every item will nevertheless be found to have been legally carried and passed and every amendment for reduction nevertheless be found to have been legally rejected, by a majority of the Council.
4. As to the substantive merits of the motion for the reduction of salaries, I would beg leave respectfully to refer Your Lordship to my despatch R:336 of 1st instant with which I had the honour to forward the Bill.
3.
I have now the honour to submit that the protest which I forward contains nothing to prevent Your Majesty's gracious confirmation and assent being