(No. 2.)

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2871, 8 October 1866, Page 5

(No. 2.)

Copy of a letter from the Hon. E.W. Staffobi t his Honor F. Whitaker. Colonial Secretaiy's Office, Wellington, September 20, 1866. Sir, With reference to my letter No. 19, of the 18th of January last, I have to state that the question referred to therein is under the consideration of the Government, and that it will be necessary to satisfy the General Assembly that the province of Auckland will be able to bear the proposed additional burden of £20,000, the interest and sinking fund on the proposed loan of £250,000. 1 have accordingly to request your Honor to be good enough to furnish me with detailed statements, showing out of what fund it is anticipated that this additional charge can be defrayed, after the interest on existing loans and the administrative expenses of the province have been provided for. It is also understood that, whilst authority to raise £250,000 is desired, the past and contemplated expenditure on account of the confiscated lands in question is only £213,000, thus leaving a balance unaccounted for amounting: to £37,000. Some further explanation on this point is requisite. It is also desirable that the Governmont should be supplied with additional information on the following points : — 1. Amount of ordinary provincial expenditure particularized and compared with amount of local revenues. 2 Specifications and estimates of proposed public works (given iv detail approximately). 3. P/oposed currency of debentures. 4 Amount of local revenues received by the Provincial Government for the last three years, stating heads of revenue. 5 Estimated annual proceeds from sale of confiscated lands, computed from the Ist of March last, the date on which the provincial administration of those lands commenced.— I have, &c, E. W. Stafford. His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland.