G.—No. 9.

Will you oblige by informing me officially whether the Provincial Government have definitely arranged, and if so, what would be considered a fair rental for the house and furniture. Will you also inform me officially, as you bave already done verbally, that the whole of the University Building will be placed at the disposal of the General Government, if the next Session of the Assembly be held in Dunedin. As the cost of providing other accommodation for the University during the Session would form part of the expense connected with the removal of Parliament, will you inform me approximately what the expense will amount to. I have, &c, TV". H. Clayton, His Honor the Superintendent. Colonial Architect.

Enclosure 6 in No. 5. —(C.) Mr. A. "Willis to Mr. TV". H. Clayton. Sic, —■ Provincial Secretary's Office, Dunedin, 21st December, 1871. With reference to the University Building being handed over to the Colonial Legislature during the proposed Session in Dunedin, I am. directed by His Honor the Superintendent to inform you that the University Council, while very desirous that matters should be so arranged as to allow the University Classes the use of the upper floor, yet if this cannot be done they have agreed to relinquish the whole of the building for the time being, on condition that suitable accommodation for the classes be found elsewhere. If, therefore, you cannot dispense with the upper floor, the Provincial Government will be prepared to find the necessary accommodation elsewhere, so that the whole will be placed at your disposal, it being understood that the building will be handed over to the University at the termination of the Session in every respect in as good a condition as it is now in. I have, &c, Alex. Willis, W. H. Clayton, Esq., Colonial Architect. Under Secretary.

Enclosure 7 in No. 5. Mr. W. H. Clayton to His Honor J. Macandbew. Sxn, — Custom House, 27th December, 1871. I understand from Mr. Biss that the Provincial Government have leased Fernhill. Will you oblige by letting me have official intimation as soon as possible, in order that I may be able to report that it is available for the Governor's residence, in event of the next Session of the Assembly being held in Dunedin. I have, &c, TV". H. Clayton, His Honor the Superintendent. Colonial Architect.

Enclosure 8 in No. 5.—(D.) Mr. J. Logan to Mr. W. H. Clayton. Sra, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 27th December, 1871. I am directed by His Honor the Superintendent, in reply to your letter of to-day's date, to state that the Provincial Government has leased Fernhill, and that the General Government has been informed that the House is at the disposal of His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, John Logan, W. H. Clayton, Esq., Colonial Architect. Secretary to Superintendent.

Enclosure 9 in No. 5. Mr. G. E. Babton to Mr. W. H. Clayton. Sir,— Dunedin, 22nd December, 1871. , I am instructed by Mr. Chas. Nichols to send the enclosed copies of letters, namely, 12th December, 1871, from Mr. James Mills to Mr. Eattray, and 21st December, 187.1, from myself to Mr. Biss. I am instructed to send you these enclosures, in order that you.may have unquestionable notice of Mr. Nichols' claim to have possession of Fernhill, as tenant thereof, and also in order that if any arrangement in derogation of' Mr. Nichols' right be made by Mr. Biss and Mr. Mills with you or the Provincial Government, Mr Nichols may be enabled to treat that arrangement as a trust for him, or void as against him. I have &c, W. H. Clayton, Esq. G. Elliott Baeton.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure 9 in No. 5. Mr. C, J. Mills to Mr. J. Eattkay. Djeae Sib,— Dunedin, 12th December, 1871. Eeferring to our several conversations yesterday and to-day, I now place Fernhill under offer to Mr, Nichols on the following terms ; — 3

9

SESSION OE PARLIAMENT AT DUNEDIN.