CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAYS.

D.—No. Gb,

111

Enclosure in No. 156. (The memorial enclosed is a verbatim copy of that forwarded with Superintendent's letter of 22nd December, 1870, signed by W. Theyers, Mayor, and about 217 others.)

No. 157. His Honor J. Macandkew to the Hon. "W. Gisboene. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 15th May, 1871. "With reference to the operations in this Province, both present and future, to be carried on under the authority of "The Public Works Act, 1870," I have, on the part of the Provincial Government, to intimate its wish to aid and assist and to act in harmony with the General Government in respect of such operations. With this view, it is desirable, as regards the administration, that the Provincial Government of Otago should be placed in an analogous position to that occupied by the neighbouring Government of Canterbury in relation to the public works being carried on in that Province under the Act in question. I do not suppose that the General Government can denude itself of the controlling power over all works carried on by virtue of the Act, nor of its responsibility in respect thereof to the Colonial Legislature. I think it will be found, however, in this Province, that, subject to the control and responsibility alluded to, the local Government is in many respects in a better position practically to administer public works with efficiency and economy than the Government at Wellington can possibly be. Under these circumstances, therefore, I venture to hope for the concurrence of His Excellency's Advisers in the course now indicated. I have, &c, J. Macandeew, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent. i

No. 158. The Hon. "W". Gisboene to His Honor J. Macandbew. Sic,— Colonial Secretary's Office, "Wellington, 29th May, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor's letter No. 11,818, of the 15th instant, intimating the desire of the Provincial Government of Otago to assist and co-operate with the General Government in carrying on operations in that Province under the authority of " The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870," and stating that, with that view, it was desirable that the Provincial Government should, so far as regards public works, be placed in an analogous position to that of tho Provincial Government of Canterbury. I hasten to assure your Honor that the General Government receive with great satisfaction the expression of the wish of the Provincial Government of Otago to aid in the advancement of the interests of that Province by a cordial co-operation in giving practical effect to the colonizing policy sanctioned by the late Parliament, and that on their part they sincerely reciprocate that wish. The General Government cannot, as you state, divest themselves of their responsibility to the Legislature iv respect of the Immigration and Public Works Act; but, within that limit, it will be their duty, as it is their desire, to consult and act in harmony with the Provincial authorities of Otago in devising and executing practical measures under the authority of that Act. At the same time, I,would point out to your Honor that a difference between the position of the Otago and Canterbury Governments, arising from the fact that the Canterbury Government is at present providing the funds for the public works, necessarily will prevent the Otago Government being placed in an exactly similar position as regards the entering into contracts for those works. The position of the Canterbury Government in this respect is, for the reason which I have stated, exceptional; but that exceptional position is only temporary, and will cease so soon as the Colonial funds are substituted for those of the Province. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. W. Gisbobne.

No. 159. His Honor J. Macandeew to the Hon. W. Gisbobne. Province of Otago, N.Z., Sik, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 22nd June, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th ultimo, and to thank you for the assurance that the General Government has received with great satisfaction the expression " of the wish of the Provincial Government of Otago to aid in the advancement of the interests of that Province by a cordial co-operation in giving practical effect to the colonizing policy sanctioned by the late Parliament, and that on their part they sincerely reciprocate that wish ;" and that " it will be their duty, as it is their desire, to consult and act in harmony with the Provincial authorities of Otago in devising and executing practical measures under the authority of that Act." As a further evidence of the desire of this Province to assist and co-operate with the General Government in the matter, I have to forward copy of my Message No. 5, of Ist June, to the Provincial Council, and the resolution passed on the Bth instant by that body in reply. I have, &c, J. Macandeew, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, "Wellington. Superintendent. 22