H.—2B

1874. NEW ZEALAND.

WARDENS ON NELSON SOUTH-WEST GOLD FIELDS, (PAPERS RELATIVE TO PROPOSED REDUCTION IN NUMBER OF).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.

No. 1. His Honor the Stjpebintendent, Nelson, to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. (Telegram.) 2_th June. At the request of my Executive Council, I have the honor to recommend that the number of Wardens upon the Nelson South-west Gold Fields be reduced to two, who, it is believed, can satisfactorily perform the duties of the whole district. It is hoped that the Colonial Government can find other employment for one of the gentlemen, now holds these offices. The Junior Warden is Mr. Caleb Whitefoord. Oswald Cuetis, Superintendent.

No. 2. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet to His Honor the Supebintendent, Nelson. (Telegram.) 29th June. Do you wish Mr. Whitefoord's appointment as Warden to be cancelled by Governor in Council, or will Mr. Whitefoord resign offices of Resident Magistrate and Coroner ? There is no vacancy to which he can be appointed at present. D. Pollen.

No. 3. His Honor the Stjpebintendent, Nelson, to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. (Telegram.) Nelson, 30th June. Peovincial Government wish all Mr. Whitefoord's appointments to be cancelled, and that Mr. C. Broad undertake his duties. Oswald Cttbtis, Superintendent.

No. _. The Chaibman, County Council, "Westland, to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sic, — County Chairman's Office, Hokitika, 27th February, 1873. I have the honor to inform you that the County Council have decided to make no further provision for the salaries of the Inspector of "Weights and Measures and the Cattle Inspector, as, by "The Weights and Measures Act, 1868," and " The Diseased Cattle Act, 1871," provision is made for the salaries of the Inspectors under the above Acts being paid by the General Government. I have, &c, H. L. Robinson, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Chairman, County Council.

No. 5. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet to the Chaibman, County Council, Westland. (No. 147.) Sic,— Colonial Secretary's Office, "Wellington, Bth March, 1873. _ I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 136, of the 27th ultimo, I—H. 28.