I see that the 
Duke of Newcastle's despatch No. 41 of the
               
31 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
 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.