DICTIONARY OF OFFICIAL. TERMS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 12, 14 February 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.—-' 1 1 am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated — — ." Explanation. — Your letter hue, after v week's detention in the " registry," been remembered, and tied round with red tape."

Official Phrase.— 1 ' The subject is under consideration." Explanation. — The le'ter has been put in a bundle with a hundred others, aad is in process of getting dusty oa an official desk.'/

Official Phrase, — " A reference has been necessary." — Explanation. — " The letter has been sent to a wron» clerk to act upon it."

Official Phrase — " A further communication will be made to you." Explanation, — ss The whole question has been indefinitely hung up. 1 ' Official Plirase.— •" As little delay as possible." Explanation.— " When all the clerks have returned from their annual holidays."

Official Phraae.— " The Colonial Secretary is of opinion, &c." Explanation.' — " Ho knows nothing of the matter, and never will."

Official Phrase. — " I hnve the honor to be " Explanation.—- " This means that the officer thinks well of you, and intends to be civil."

Official Phrase.— -"I am, sir." Explanation.—i"Jußß the reverse of the above."

Official Phrase.-— "Your obedient servant." Explanation; — " An accepted lie of the period."

Official I'hraae. — " In 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 Bhould therefore be carefully oarriad out."