No. 55

I see that the Duke of Newcastle's despatch No. 41 of the
31st of July 1860, directs an Annual Report of the working
of the Assay Office in this Colony to be furnished in order that
it may be ascertained whether it be desirable to keep up the
Establishment or not.

2. I shall of course obey His Grace's instructions at the
end of the year, but I may mention that now, with its reduced
staff, the Assay Office is working most satisfactorily. It
commands more confidence than the similar establishments opened
by the Banks in Victoria, and is a source of Revenue to this Colony.

3. I enclose a copy of the Return last furnished me of the
current expenses and receipts of the Department, the weight and
value of the Gold dust assayed.