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The CHAIRMAN.-That is so. If the Honourable Member had refreshed his memory by reading the correspondence on the subject, he would have seen that H.E. the Governor, in accordance with the recommendations of the committee appointed to enquire into the question of the salaries of subordinate officers, recom- mended to the Secretary of State that the increase should date from the beginning

of this year.

I

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.--I have read the correspondence carefully, but am referring to the promise made in the Council.

The CHAIRMAN.--I am just pointing out that the Governor recommended to the Secretary of State that the increase should begin from the 1st of January this year, but the Secretary of State did not approve that course.

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD. The promise I speak of was made about April last year, I think, and in virtue of that promise, when several of the Heads of Departments were awarded an increase in their salaries--I think including the Governor himself-

The CHAIRMAN.—Yes.

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD. The salaries of subordinate officers were to be dealt with forthwith, and that increase to subordinates would come into opera- tion about the same time as that to the Heads of Departinents,

The CHAIRMAN.-I have no recollection of the exact wording of what was said, I presume you mean, by H.E. the Governor.

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-1 think it was.

The CHAIRMAN. However, we are not now dealing with that matter, but if the Honourable Member desires, I shall be very glad to look it up and inform the Honourable Member what the result of my researches has been. At the same time, I don't think that is the question before us now.

Honourable T. II. WHITEHEAD.It is before us inasmuch as the increase is not to take place before next year. I don't think justice has been done to subor- dinates, and I for one would not have voted for the increase to the Heads if the subordinates were to be left out in the cold.

Honourable HARBOUR MASTER.-This is very interesting, but I don't think it is a matter that should be discussed just now.

The CHAIRMAN.-I don't think so. I may say that H.E. the Governor has the welfare of subordinate officers quite as much at heart as that of higher officials. I don't think there can be any doubt about that.

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-I quite understand that.

The CHAIRMAN. As long as there is no misunderstanding, then, there is no need to discuss the matter further. We will therefore proceed with the considera- tion of the Supply Bill.

Extracts from Report of Proceedings of the Legislative Council at a Meeting held on 17th October, 1901.

In connection with this Report the COLONIAL SECRETARY said:~This Report deals with the Supply Bill, and the main suggestions contained in the Report will be considered when this Council goes into Committee on the Supply Bill to-day. In addition to the matters dealt with in that Report, Sir, a question was raised by the Honourable Member who represents the Chamber of Commerce on the Finance Committee, and I promised him that I would enquire into the point raised by him and let him know the result of my enquiries. The point raised by the Honour-