TO THE EDITOR OF TUB SOUTHLAND TIMES.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 74, 18 November 1864, Page 4

TO THE EDITOR OF TUB SOUTHLAND TIMES.

Sib, — As a statement was made by Mr. Chalmers on the hustings to-day which., it" not contradicted, might lead to misapprehension, I beg the use of your columns to explain the matter. A short time after my leaving tfee Roads' Department, one of the officer* of the Superintendent's department brought me a synopsis of tho expenditure on roads, &c, since the separation of this Provinca from Otago, compiled from the Treasury books, to bo compared with tho books of my office.. On comparing them, I discovered a discrepancy of £60, which sum was alleged to havo been spent on account of the vote for the Otoutou, Waicola, and Waimaituku bridges. According to my books, no such sura had been expended, neither was there any record of any such work having been performed. On applying at the Treasury, a voucher was produced for the amount, headed " Roads' Department," but unsigned by tho head, of that department. On no occasion had I to apply for information at the Treasury, except when some irregularity in signing vouchers occurrod. I may state that I poßSOss testimonials from Messrs. Fenton and Dundas, heads of departments in which I have served, expressing themselves perfectly satisfied with the manner in whioh I kept tho books. — I remain, &0., G-EO. 00ZEN3, Late Olork in the Roads Department. Inyercargill, Nov. 17, 1864. > , *.