DICTIONARY OF OFFICIAL. TERMS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 12, 14 January 1878, Page 4

DICTIONARY OF OFFICIAL. TERMS.

The following have been carefully compiled for the guidance of persons who correspond with the Government: Official Phrase. — «' I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated- ." Explanation i — Yoar letter has, after a week's detention in the " regiatry," been remembered, and tied round 'with red tape." Official Phrase.— l{ The subject is under consideration." Explanation.— The letter haa been put in a bundle with a hundred others, and ia in process of getting dusty on an official desk." Official Phrase.-— " A reference has been neoeseary." — Explanation. — "The letter. has been sent to a wrong clerk to act upon it." Official Phrase—" A further communication will be made to you." Explanation, — *' Tbe whole question has been indefinitely bung up." Official Phrase.— -"A a little delay as v possible." Explanation.—" When all the clerks have returned from their annual holidays." Official Phrase.—" Tbe Colonial Secretary is of opinion, Bee." Explanation.—" He knows nothing of the matter, and never will." Official Phrase. — " I have the honor to be" Explanation. — " This means ; that the officer thinks well of yoo, and intends to be civil." Official Phrase. — "lam, sir." Explauation.— <' Just the reverse of tbe above." Oißcial Phrase. — "Your obedient servant." Explanation. — " An accepted He of the period." Official Phrase. — " la any further communication on the subject you are requested to quote the number of this letter. Explanation. — ♦' The only chance of the department being able to 'trace the correspondence. This direction should therefore be carefully carried out."