H.-34.

Mr. Speaker. The Controller and Auditor-General correctly states the resolution of the House in reference to travelling expenses of members ; but the Speakers have, of their own authority, been in the habit of treating as exceptional the cases of certain members who have long distances to travel to the port of departure, and who are frequently detained awaiting a steamer in Auckland and Dunedin. It w-ould perhaps be well that the House should be moved to pass a resolution on the subject. 2. There is no record of any correspondence having passed between the Speaker and the heads of the Treasury and Audit Department. The Speaker's approval of the payment of these expenses has not hitherto been questioned. 2nd August, 1879. F. E. Campbell.

Memorandum from the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the Controller and Auditor- General. The Controller and Auditor-General. The Speaker, having given full consideration to the demands made by Messrs. Pyke and Reeves, thinks they ought to be passed by the Audit Office. The practice of paying such accounts has not been challenged for some years, and these are not in excess of demands for similar services heretofore. The Speaker does not think the position of affairs as regards these charges is in a satisfactory state, and thinks it should be the duty of the Speaker of the next House of Representatives to have definite regulations made on the subject. Should the Auditor and Controller-General still determine not to pass these accounts, the Speaker will to-morrow, notwithstanding it may be the day of prorogation, bring the matter before the House for its opinion. G. Maurice O'Rorke, Bth August, 1879. Speaker.

By Authority: Geoege Didbbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB79. Price 3d.]

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