THE AGENT-GENERAL

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 243, 25 February 1888, Page 4

THE AGENT-GENERAL

(BY TELEGRAPH— OWN CORKESrONDENT.)

Sir F. Dillon Bell's tenure of office does not expire until the 18th of February next year. I understand that the question of filling up the vacancy has not yet even been considered by the Government, and probably will not be entered upon until next recess, as no immediate necessity exists for the matter to be deafi i with, and there is abundance of more urgently pressing business to be attended to. It is believed, however, that Sir F. D. Bell 'will be asked, to con tinuo holding the agency-general for a further torm of .years, but that, the salary of the office will have to sharo the fate,, of the 'gubernatorial and ministerial, salaries and undergo a proportionate reduction. When Sir F. D. Bell was appointed the pay was reduced from £1,750 to £1,250, and it is thought probable that when the next appointment is made the .salary offered will not- bo higher than £1,000 a year,' probably £800, as the duties are, deemed' much, leas onerous now than whon the Public Works policy was in full swing., Othov 'considerable i eductions in the cost of, ,thal department are also expected.