D.—No. 6b,

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PAPERS RELATING TO THE

VII.—CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS. No. 154. His Honor J. Macandbew to the Hon. J. Vogel. Stb, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 22nd December, 1870. Herewith I have the honor to transmit a memorial addressed to me by a large number of residents in Dunedin, requesting that I would impress upon the General Government the necessity of proceeding with certain public works referred to in the memorial. I have only to add that 1 fully concur in the views of the memorialists. I have, &c, J. Macandeew, The Hon. the Colonial Treasurer. Superintendent.

Enclosure in No. 154. To His Honor the Supeeintenbent of the Province of Otago, The Memorial of the undersigned Residents and Settlers thereof: Humbly Showeth, — That your memorialists view with great regret the decision arrived at by a majority of the Provincial Council, to the effect that it is inexpedient to make any recommendation for the initiation of public works under " The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870," until that Act has been considered by the various constituencies and by a new Parliament. That whilst not approving the whole policy of the Act, and being satisfied that railway and other works might be more satisfactorily carried out under Provincial management; yet, considering that all works under the Act may be practically controlled by the local Government; considering the depressed state of trade in the Province, and the urgent demand for public works ; considering that on all occasions the various districts of the Province have urged, and are now urging, the necessity for immediate action in carrying out such works ; considering also that all the other Provinces of the Colony are talcing advantage of the scheme, —your memorialists believe that great damage will result to Otago by any delay; that during the ensuing winter months a repetition of the distress of last season, of an intensified character, will be experienced; that the advancement of the interests of this Province will be stopped, while other Provinces are taking advantage of the measure ; and that a responsibility will attach to us in connection with the loans which they obtain without our receiving any corresponding advantage. Tour memorialists would therefore request your Honor to press on the General Government, not only the desirability, but also the necessity, for immediate action being taken in the construction of the* Southern Trunk Railway, the survey of the branch line to Tuapeka, together with the Gold Fields Water Supply Works, all of which are essential to the prosperity and independence of the Province. And, as in duty bound, your memorialists shall ever pray. Henet Deiteb, John McLean, December, 1870. and about 1,100 others.

No. 155. The Hon. J. Vogel to His Honor J. Macandeew. Sic, — Custom House, Dunedin, 22nd December, 1870. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor's letter of this day's date, respecting a memorial which you transmit from a large number of residents in Dunedin, requesting that you would impress upon the General Government the necessity of proceeding with certain public works referred to in the memorial. In reply, I have to state that I will lay the memorial before the Cabinet immediately after my return to Wellington. I have to assure your Honor that the Government are very anxious to carry out the wishes of the memorialists, and as much regret as they do the action of the Provincial Council. I have, Ac, His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. Julius Vogel.

No. 156. His Honor J. Macandbew the Hon. W. Gisbobne. Sic, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 23rd February, 1871. Herewith I have the honor to forward for your information a further petition, addressed to me by residents and settlers in this Province, requesting that I should press on the General Government the importance of immediate action being taken towards the construction of the Southern Trunk Eaihvay, the surrey of branch line to Tuapeka, and the providing of water supply on Gold Fields. I need scarcely add that I fully indorse the views of the petitioners. I have, &c, J. Macandbew, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.