OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 235 



The rules for his guidance, and that of all colonial officers, are 

 issued by the Secretary of State, and are to be found in a pamphlet 

 form, under the title of " Colonial Rules and Regulations." Great 

 complaints are made in the colony, that these are altogether one- 

 sided. In them it is notified that the appointment or term of the 

 Governor's office is limited to a period of six years, from the time of 

 his assumption of his duties; the crown reserving the power of pro- 

 longing that period. 



The great complaint in the colony is, that the policy of the 

 government at home is always fluctuating with the change of the 

 incumbent who holds the office of Secretary of State. This happens 

 with every change in political parties in the mother country, and the 

 office is often held by persons who have very little knowledge or 

 experience in colonial affairs, and consequently regulations are from 

 time to time issued, and particular orders for the guidance of the 

 Governor are frequently sent him, which leaves him little or no inde- 

 pendence in the performance of his duties. 



At the distance at which New South Wales is situated, it may 

 readily be conceived what inconvenience is felt by the Governor and 

 Council in carrying out what they deem best for the interests of the 

 colony. They have no power or control over the revenue, which in 

 reality is under the supervision and direction of the Lords Commis- 

 sioners of her Majesty's treasury. 



The Governor is not allowed to expend any sum over £200 for any 

 one service, (unless under very urgent circumstances,) without the 

 previous sanction of the home government ; and although at liberty to 

 draw that amount, it is on his own responsibility ; he must account for 

 it, and show the absolute necessity for its use. 



The estimates for the ensuing year are made in June, and for- 

 warded for approval. The expenditure must be limited by this 

 estimate, and no further disbursements applied for on account of that 

 year, unless under circumstances entirely unforeseen. 



The estimate, after undergoing the supervision of the colonial 

 legislative body, must also undergo the scrutiny of the commissioners 

 of the treasury officers, before any instructions are given by the Secre- 

 tary of State. 



The estimates for taxation follow the same course, and the Council 

 has no control over the funds arising from the property or droits of 

 the crown. 



The Governor, in transmitting his accounts for audit, sends them 

 accompanied by certified copies of all estimates of expenditures to 



