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which placed the legislative estimates under the control of the Government, was there any warrant for the assumption that all or any appointments in the department were to be made by the Government. I have not the least objection to Mr. Cosgrave or Mr. Friend supplying you, or the Government as a whole, with every information possible, nor do I at all object to the Labour Bureau suggesting the names of suitable men for appointment as messengers, but I claim that, until the House otherwise decides, the making of the appointments in that department rests with the Speaker and his officers, and not with the Government. As the matter is one of considerable importance, I have directed that a copy of the entire correspondence be forwarded to the Premier, as I think that it is one that should be brought before Cabinet. I have, &c, W. J. Stewaed, Speaker, House of Representatives. The Hon. E. J. Seddon, Minister for Public Works.

(Enclosure.) Memorandum for the Chief Messenger (in the absence of the Serjeant-at-Arms), Parliamentary Buildings. I foewaed, herewith, by the Minister's direction, copy of a Cabinet minute requiring that all labour should be engaged through the Labour Bureau. If all the extra messengers required during the forthcoming session have not already been engaged, I am to ask you to submit proposals to this office showing the number still required, also a list of the names of any persons who may have applied to you for the position, so that the same may be duly considered, and, if approved, authority given to the Labour Bureau to select suitable men. In the event of any men having been engaged already, please also submit a list of their names, showing terms of engagement, and state by whose authority the engagements have been made. Will you be good enough to have this matter attended to at once, if possible. H. J. H. Blow, Under-Secretary for Public Works. In Cabinet. 12th April, 1892. A circular to be sent to departments to the effect that the services of any artisan or labourer required shall only be procured through the Labour Bureau. Alex. Willis, Secretary to Cabinet.

Sir,— Wellington, 20th May, 1892. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the Parliamentary Committee reporting staff, I have the honour to intimate that lam a candidate for the position. I enclose a testimonial from Messrs. Buckley, Stafford, and Treadwell, by whom I have for some years past been employed as shorthand writer. I may also mention that I have passed the Barristers' General Knowledge Examination. I have, &c, The Hon. E. J. Seddon. B. M. Wilson. Me. Friend.—Who is now attending to these matters?—E. J. S. 25/5/92. For Hon. Mr. Seddon. There is at present no vacancy. There are only two Select Committee reporters, and they are appointed by the Speaker. It is possible that there will be a vacancy at the beginning of next session, and I have written to the Speaker to that effect.—George Feiend, Clerk, House of Eepresentatives. 26/5/92. Me. Friend.—Now estimates under control Government, all appointments must be made by Minister in charge. Any vacancy arising please notify.—E. J. S. 26/5/92. Public Works Department, Wellington, 21st June, 1892. Sir, — Ec Parliamentary Buildings — Employment of Messengers. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 30th ultimo on the abovementioned subject, and to state that the views which you express therein will receive the careful consideration of the Government. I have to apologize for your letter not having been replied to sooner, but the delay has been chiefly caused by my absence from Wellington. I have, &c, E. J. Seddon, The Hon. W. J. Steward, Minister for Public Works. Speaker, House of Eepresentatives, Wellington.

Sic, — Speaker's Booms, House of Eepresentatives, 22nd June, 1892. In reference to the desire expressed by yourself at our interview of a day or two ago that, now the Government is charged with the duty of carrying the legislative estimates through Committee, the relations between the Speaker's department and the Government in respect to the mode of making appointments, &c, should be defined, I have now the honour to submit the following for your concurrence : — 1. The Government to call upon the Speaker to furnish his estimates of the requirements of the Legislative Department for the year.