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ADDENDA. Additional Papers in connection with the Eeport of the Eeporting Debates and Printing Committee brought up on the Bth October, 1895, laid upon the table by the Hon. the Premier, by leave of the House, on the 11th October, and ordered to be printed, together with the other papers attached to the Eeport. Mbmoeanddm by Me. Gbey. Having been on the parliamentary and literary staffs of the Melbourne Argus and the Melbourne 'Age, and knowing the members of the Victorian Hansard staff intimately, I can speak from personal knowledge of the working of the Hansard Department in that colony. Ever since its inception to the present date, the Chief Eeporter of the Victorian Hansard Staff has always taken his regular turns m the gallery. Five or six years ago, when Mr. Hadly, who was then chief of the staff, found himself incapable of taking his turns in the gallery, that gentleman did not endeavour to impose upon the other members of the staff by throwing his share of work upon them, but at once retired from the position; and the Government promoted Mr. G. V. Eobinson, then senior reporter, to the vacancy, and another reporter (Mr. Lumsden) was appointed to Hansard to keep up its strength, reduced by the retirement of Mr. Hadly from the service. Later on, Mr. Jenkins, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, received the appointment of Clerk of the Legislative Council; and Mr. G. V. Robinson, Chief of Hansard, was appointed Clerk of the Assembly in Mr. Jenkins's place. Mr. Lou«hran, who was next in seniority to Mr. Eobinson, was then appointed Chief of the Hansard staff? and has continued to hold that position to the present time. In the Legislatures of Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales the Chief Eeporters of Hansard take their share in the task of reporting.

Dbab Sib Hansard Office, Ist August, 1895. I am requested by the other members of the Hansard staff, whose signatures are attached, to forward you the enclosed recommendations, and to express a hope that you will give them favourable consideration. I remain, &c, C. C. N. Barron, Esq., Chief Eeporter. J- Gbattan Gbby. Hansard Office, Ist August, 1895. The undersigned members of the Hansard staff respectfully submit the following recommendations for the consideration of the Chief Eeporter: — 1. That in view of the heavy debating, there is urgent necessity for engaging an extra notetaker.' The effect of the time-limit has admittedly been to considerably accelerate the speed with which speeches are delivered in the House, and consequently to increase the notes. Moreover, the debating in Council has gradually attained to larger proportions. 2. That it would be a relief if the House turns, from 7.30 up till 12.30, were limited to ten minutes, and to five minutes thenceforward; the present understanding as to five minutes turns, while Mr. Ward is speaking in debate, to continue. J. Gbattan Gbey. . Jas. M. Geddis. S. Speagg. W. H. Eussbll. W. Bbbey. H. M. Goee.

g IB Hansard Office, 2nd August, 1895. In reply to your letter and the memorandum of the Hansard staff of the Ist instant, I beg to say that I see no urgent necessity for engaging an extra "note-taker," if by that is meant the addition of a permanent reporter to the staff. You will be good enough to bear in mind that the staff almost invariably rises with the House, and is able to work off any arrears between 2 and half-past 2 o'clock on the following day; also, that when I consider the work is heavy enough, I procure extra assistance in transcribing. I see no advantage in altering the after-dinner turns from a quarter of an hour to ten minutes, but I have no objection in making the alteration after the supper adjournment; nor can I agree to a hard and fast rule that, after 12 o'clock, turns are to be limited to five minutes. Circumstances must be considered. ■ You will also please remember that there is no understanding that, when the Hon. Mr. Ward speaks in debate, five minutes turns are to be taken. I remain, &c, C. C. N. Babeon, J. G. Grey, Esq. Chief Reporter.

In the year 1871, Mr. Ebenezer Fox, who was then a member of the Hansard staff, drew the attention of the then Colonial Treasurer, Mr. Vogel, to the fact that the Chief Eeporter took no share in the work of reporting. Mr. Vogel brought the matter under the notice of the Eeportmg Debates Committee, who inquired into it and brought up a report; and the following is an extract from the Journals of the House of Bepresentatives, dated the 14th November, 1871. (See also debate in Hansard on that date.)