A.-4.

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Victoria.—The estimated cost of the Victorian Agency is as follows :— £ s. d. Agent-General . 2,000 0 0 Secretary .. 700 0 0 Clerk . . 225 0 0 Clerk . 165 0 0 Clerk .. 130 0 0 Clerk, 6s. sd. a day, say .. .. 98 16 0 Clerk, 2s. 6d. a day . . 39 0 0 Occasional assistance, at £1 Is. per day . Total .. . £3,357 16 0 By the Finance Accounts, however, for the year ending 30th June, 1880, the expenses charged are, — £ Agent-General . .. .. 2,000 Appropriation . . 2,662 Total ~ .. . £4,662 The Agent-General is appointed under the Immigration Statute, 1864, No. 195, section 3. His duties are fixed only as regards immigration. He is " to receive such salary as the Parliament of Victoria may from time to time " provide." The salary is fixed, and his appointment is limited to three years; but he may be reappointed. He is required to give security. Queensland. —The expenses are given as follows :— £ Agent-General .. .. . 1,300 Secretary . . 600 Indent Clerk . . 300 Executive Engineer . . 600 Assistant, at 10s. per day . . 182 Despatching Officer .. .. 300 Clerk .. .. . .250 Clerk . .. .175 Clerk .. .. . 156 Clerk .. . .. .91 Clerk . ... 91 Clerk . 80 Total .. . . £4,125 The duties of the Agent-General are defined by the Immigration Act only as regards emigration. His salary is voted annually. South Australia. —The cost in South Australia is,— £ Agent-General .. .. .. 1,500 Assistant and three clerks .. .. 1,605 Total . . . £3,105 The duties of the Agent-General are defined only by printed instructions. The salary is fixed by Act. Tasmania.—The total cost of the English Agency is £210 a year. New Zealand.—The vote for the current year is,— £ Agent-General .. . .. 1,500 Staff . 2,500 Total .. . .. £4,000 But this should perhaps be increased by the salary of the Audit officer, £400 a year.