PAPERS RESPECTING THE PURCHASE OF THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH BETWEEN AUCKLAND AND THE WAIKATO FROM THE IMPERIAL AUTHORITIES.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1867 Session I, E-07

E.—No. 7.

PAPERS RESPECTING THE PURCHASE OF THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH BETWEEN AUCKLAND AND THE WAIKATO FROM THE IMPERIAL AUTHORITIES.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY', BY COMMAND OF HIS EXCELLENCY.

WELLINGTON.

1867.

E.—No. 7

No. 1. Copy of a Letter from Major-General Chute to Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B. (No. 172-G6.) Head Quarters, Sir,— Auckland, N.Z., 10th May, 186G. I have the honor to acquaint your Excellency that I have received by the last mail from England intimation from the Secretary of State for War, that as the Army Estimates for the financial year of 186G-7 were framed on the understanding that the troops in New Zealand were to be concentrated and largely reduced in numbers, it was not considered necessary to maintain tho Military Electric Telegraph, and accordingly that no provision had been made for it. I was at the same time instructed to communicate with your Excellency, to ascertain whether it was desirable that tho line should be maintained for Colonial purposes ; and if so, to make arrangements for transferring to the Colony such stores, whether fixed or otherwise, as the Colonial Authorities may elect to take. I am also directed to cause all telegraph appointments chargeable to the Imperial Estimates, and expenses which are defrayed from the Commissariat Chest, to terminate as soon as possible. Under these circumstances, I trust your Excellency will inform me with the least possible delay, whether the Colony wish to take over the line of Military Telegraph, which extends over tho Waikato country, and has stations at present at the places specified in the margin. In the event of the line being retained, it will be necessary that immediate steps be taken for its transfer ; and I would submit for your Excellency's concurrence, that some person be appointed, on behalf of the Colonial Government, to meet the Deputy Quartermaster-General, in whose department the line was constructed and worked, and that the gentleman so appointed have power to arrange with tho Deputy Quartermaster-General the amount to be paid for the stores which may be transferred, the sum so agreed on being paid at once into the Commissariat Chest. I am empowered also to state, that in the event of the Colonial Authorities wishing, pending further reference, to retain the services of Corporals Brodie and Butcher, Royal Engineers, their services may be retained if arrangements are made by which their pay will be defrayed from Colonial funds. These non-commissioned officers were sent specially from England for the construction, and have since been most usefully employed in the working, of the line. I have, &c, T. Chute, His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.8., &c. Major-General.

Auckland Onchunga, Otahuhu, Papakura, *| licen3 -Koaoubt, \\r a taWata'' Te Eori, Te Awamutu, Cambridge.

No. 2. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Weaver to Mr. Whitaker. Sir, — Public Works Department, Auckland, 25th June, 1866. I have the honor to report that in accordance with your instructions I have inspected the Stores, fixed and reserve, of Electric Telegraph materials, and have also ascertained as far as possible the present state of the line. I find tho latter to be in good working order, and in ordinary repair. There are from thirty to thirty-five miles on which the posts are good. On the remainder of the line they are in various stages of decay, and will all require removal, probably within two or three years —some, in wet places, almost immediately. Taking wear and tear into consideration, I think an allowance of one-third would leave a fair estimate of the present value. I have, &c, Wm. Weaver, His Honor the Superintendent. Enginecr-in-Chief.

No. 3. Copy of a Letter from the Private Secretary to the Assistant Military Secretary. (No. 34.) Private Secretary's Office, Sib,— Wellington, Bth August, 18G6. Kcferring to the letter of the Major-General Commanding, dated the 10th of May last, No. 172-66, I have the honor, by direction of His Excellency the Governor, to acquaint you, for the information of the Major-General, that a valuation has been made of the line and stores of the Military Electric Telegraph, and that, after deducting the cost of labour and one-third of the original value for depreciation, they are estimated to be worth £1,940, which sum the Colonial Government are willing to pay for them. The Government are also ready to retain and pay for the services of Corporals

PAPERS RESPECTING PURCHASE OF ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH FROM IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT.

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Butcher and Brodie, R.E., who have been employed in working the line ; and I am to add that the Government are prepared to take over the telegraph on such day as may be convenient to the Military Authorities. I have, &c, W. R. Gray, Major, The Assistant Military Secretary, Head Quarters. A.D.C.

No. 4<. Copy of a Letter from the Assistant Military Secretary to the Private Secretary. (No. 4,780.) Head Quarters, Sir,— Wellington, 10th August, 186G. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the Bth instant, in reply to tho letter addressed by the Major-General Commanding to His Excellency the Governor on the 10th May last, respecting the transfer of the Military Electric Telegraph to the Colonial Government, and am directed by the Major-General Commanding to acquaint you, for the information of His Excellency, that the sum of £1,940 does not represent the present value of the line of telegraph (exclusive of cost of labour) and of the reserve stores, even deducting one-third of the original cost, as the Colonial Government proposes, for depreciation of the material, to which alone that deduction can bo considered applicable. The Major-General is of opinion that it is very desirable, with a view of saving correspondence, that some person on behalf of the Colonial Government should, as suggested in the Major-General's letter above quoted, meet the Dejmty Quartermaster-General, and that they should, after examination of the actual cost of the line and other matters, arrange, subject to the approval of the Colonial Government and of the Major-General, the general condition and details of effecting the transfer. The Major-General has no doubt but that it will be in this manner readily arranged, and that he will be able to recommend for acceptance by Her Majesty's Government the terms thus agreed on. Had the Major-General received any intimation that it was the wish or intention of the Colonial Government to have an inspection of the telegraph made, ho would have directed the Deputy Quarter-master-General to facilitate the inspection, and to afford full information to tho person appointed to make it. As so long a time has elapsed since the Major-General received orders for the discontinuance of all Imperial expense for telegraphic purposes, he trusts His Excellency will be good enough to cause this matter to be now expedited, in order that he may be able to report on the subject by the next mail to the Secretary of State for War. I have, &c, Geo. Dean Pitt, Lieut.-Colonel, The Private Secretary, Government House, Wellington. Assistant Military Secretary.

No. 5. Copy of a Letter from the Private Seceetaey to the Assistant Militaey Seceetaey. (No. 40.) Private Secretary's Office, Sir,— Wellington, llth August, 1866. Referring to your letter of the 10th instant, No. 4,780, I have the honor, by direction of His Excellency the Governor, to acquaint you for the information of the Major-General Commanding, that Mr. Whitaker has been requested to act on behalf of the Colonial Government, and to meet the Deputy Quartermaster-General for the purpose of arranging—subject to the approval of the Government—the terms and details for the transfer of the Military Electric Telegraph to the Colonial Government. I have, &c, W. R. Gray, Major, The Assistant Military Secretary. A.D.C.

No. 6. Copy of a Letter from the Assistant Militaey Secretaey to the Peivate Seceetaey. Sib, — Head Quarters, Wellington, 15th August, 1866. Referring to your letter of the llth instant, No. 40,1 have the honor, by direction of the Major-General Commanding, to forward for the information of His Excellency the Governor, the enclosed Memorandum of Conditions of Transfer of the Military Electric Telegraph, Auckland Province, from the Imperial to the Colonial Government, which have been agreed to by the Deputy Quartermaster-General and Mr. Whitaker. I am to add that, in the opinion of the Major-General, the terms are equitable, and should they meet with His Excellency's approval, the Major-General would suggest a transfer with as little delay as possible, and requests that he may be informed of the name of the person nominated by the Government to take over the line from the Quartermaster-General's Department. I have, &c, George Dean Pitt, The Private Secretary, Wellington. Lieutenant-Colonel.

TELEGRAPH EROM THE IMPERIAL AUTHORITIES.

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E.—No. 7.

No. 378, Oct. 5, 1866, 978 E.

Enclosure in No. 6. Memorandum of Conditions of Transfer of the Military Electric Telegraph, Auckland Province, from the Imperial to the Colonial Government. 1. The sum of £2,276 Os. 9d., as sot forth in the annexed statement, to be paid from the Sub-Treasury in Auckland to the Deputy Commissary-General on the completion of the transfer. 2. The Auckland terminus to be removed from the present hut in Albert Barracks immediately to a place outside the Barracks. 8. As each station is given over, the office and material transferred to be placed in charge of a servant of the Colonial Government, or the office to be closed, as the Colonial Government may prefer. In the latter case, the present employes to join the detachment of troops at tho station. If it be desired to keep the office open, and to retain the staff until a future day (not extending bevond the date of the transfer of the last station transferred), the stores and material will be on charge of the Colonial Government; but the receipts for private messages will be credited to tho Imperial Government, in order that the receipts of the whole line may be closed the same day. 4. Any stores or implements, camp equipage or tools, not included in the sums shown in the annexed statement, and which may be at the Telegraph Office and required to be kept by the Colonial Government, to be transferred on payment. 5. All the books, &c, at present in use will be closed to the day of final transfer, and with all the records of the telegraph retained by the Quartermaster-General's Department. 6. After the transfer, the Colonial Government will allow all Military Service Messages to be sent free of expense in the same manner as has been hitherto allowed in the case of Service Messages of tho Colonial and Auckland Provincial Governments. The existing Rules as to Military Service Messages, therefore, to continue in force. The services of Corporals Hrodie and Butcher, .Royal Engineers, to be retained by the Colonial Government as long as the Secretary of State for War may sanction it, the Colonial Government, meanwhile, paying all expense under the head of Imperial Pay and Allowances (in addition to Telegraph pay), to which these non-commissioned officers are entitled. I have, &c, Predk. Whitaker, D. J. Gamble, Colonel, Wellington, 14th August, 186G. Deputy Quartermaster-General. Cost of Construction of Military Electric Telegraph, as reported to Secretary of State £ s. d. for War ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,599 2 1 Deduct cost of Labour, including Onehunga Office ... ... ... 548 8 9 2,050 13 4 Add value of Stores received in first instance from England ... ... 510 17 11 2,561 11 3 Deduct one-third for depreciation ... ... ... ... ... 853 17 1 1,707 14 2 Add estimated present value of Onehunga Office (original estimate for construction, £91 13s. Od.) ... ... " ... ... ... ... 70 0 0 Add Stores received from Sydney, deducting say £19 13s. 6d. for trifling part used ... 330 0 0 Add Stores received from England per ship " Aliquis," on hand ... ... 168 6 7 2,276 0 9 Fredk. Whitaker, Wellington, llth August, 18GG. D. J. Gamble, Colonel, Deputy Quartermaster-General.

No. 7. Copy of a Letter from Dr. Pollen to the Hon. E. W. Stafford. (No. 554.) Office of the Agent for the General Government, Sir,— Auckland, llth October, 186G. I have the honor to enclose herewith the copy of a letter of the number and date quoted in the margin and its enclosure, also marginally noted, received by me from the Deputy-Commissary-General E. Strickland, with reference to tho payment by the Colonial Government of the sum of £2,276 Os. 9d, to the Imperial Military Chest, on account of the transfer of the Military Electric Telegraph to the Colonial Government. I have now the honor to report that the transfer of the Electric Telegraph has been finally completed, and I beg leave to request that the Sub-Treasurer, at Auckland, may be authorized to pay this amount into the Military Chest. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Daniel Pollen, Wellington. for the Agent for the General Government. 2

Enclosure in No. 7. Copy of a Letter from Mr. E. Strickland to the Agent of the General Government. Sir, — Commissariat, New Zealand, Auckland, sth October, 18G6. I have the honor to enclose for your information copy of a letter received by me this day from the Deputy Quartermaster-General, and would beg to draw your attention particularly to the last paragraph, in which I am desired to inform the Major-General Commanding when the sum of £2,276 Os. 9d, agreed to be paid by the Colonial Government for the Military Electric Telegraph, has been into the Military Chest, and to request, on behalf of the Military Authorities, payment may be made accordingly. I have, &c, The Agent of the General Government, E. Strickland, Auckland. Deputy Commissary-General. Sub-Enclosure in No. 7. Copy of a Letter from Colonel D. J. Gamble to the Deputy Commissary-General, Auckland. Deputy Quartermaster-General's Office, Head Quarters, Sir,— Auckland, 2nd October, 1866. Adverting to my letter No. 496-186G, of the 17th August last, I have the honor, by direction of the Major-General Commanding, to inform you that the Military Electric Telegraph was finally transferred to the Colonial Government on the 30th September last. The Major-General will thank you to report when the sum of £2,276 Os. 9d., agreed to be paid by the Colonial Government, has been received into the Military Chest. I have &c. Tho Deputy Commissary-General, D. J. Gamble, Colonel, Auckland. Deputy Quartermaster-General.

No. 378 C 978 K

No. 573, 1866.

No. 8. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Fredk. Whitaker to tho Hon. E. W. Stafford. (No. 568.) Office of the Agent for the General Government, Sir,— Auckland, 26th October, 1866. With reference to my letter of the number and date quoted in the margin, and to your Memorandum thereupon, I have the honor to request that the Sub-Treasurer may have authority to pay the sum of £2,276 Os. 9d. to the Deputy Commissary-General, as the cost of purchase of tho Military Electric Telegraph. As the management of the Confiscated Lands is transferred from the Province, and as Military messages and messages on service for the Colonial Government will constitute the greatest part of tho work of the Telegraph Department, I think it more advisable that the establishment should belong to the Government. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. I'redk. AVhitaker.

No. 554, Oct. 11, 1866.

No. 9. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Fredk. Whitaker to the Hon. E. W. Stafford. Office of the Agent for the General Government, Sir, — Auckland, Ist November, 1866. I have the honor to enclose herewith the copy of a letter of the number and date in the margin, addressed to me by the Major-General Commanding the Forces, having reference to the immediate payment of the amount agreed to be paid to the Commissariat Chest on the completion of the transfer of the Military Electric Telegraph Line. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Fredk. Whitaker. Enclosure in No. 9. Copy of a Letter from Major-General Chute to Mr. Fredk. Whitaker. Sir,— Auckland, 26th October, 1866. With reference to the first clause of the Agreement relative to the transfer of the Military Electric Telegraph to the Colonial Government, which specified that on the completion of the transfer of the line, the sum of £2,276 Os. 9d. shall be paid into the Commissariat Chest, I have the honor to inform you that I have ascertained that this sum has not yet been received, although the transfer was effected on the 30th ultimo. I have to request therefore that you will be good enough to direct that the amount may be at once paid, in order that I may be enabled to report to the Home Authorities by the ensuing mail that the matter has been duly adjusted. I would add that I intend leaving for Wellington on Monday next, and I should be glad to have this arrangement completed prior to my departure. I have, &c, F. Whitaker, Esq., Agent to General Government, T. Chute, and Superintendent, Auckland. Major-General.

G. A. 66, 369, Oct. 26, 1866.

G. A. 66, 360.

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TELEGRAPH EROM TnE IMPERIAL AUTHORITIES.

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E.—No. 7.

B. O. 66-2316, Oct. 3, 1866.

S. O. 66-2846.

No. 10. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Whitaker to the Hon. E. W. Staffoed. (No. 612) Office of tho Agent for the General Government, Sib,— Auckland, 17th November, IS6O. I have the honor to forward, enclosed herewith, the copy of a letter of the number and date quoted in the margin, and its enclosures, addressed by the Engiueer-in-Chief of this Province and Superintendent of Telegraph, to the Deputy Superintendent of the Province of Auckland, reporting the transfer of the Military Electric Telegraph Line, and his having taken over charge of the several stations on the line and of the stores found at them, on behalf of the Colonial Government. The enclosures above referred to consist of inventories of furniture, camp equipage, and other stores, now the property of the Colonial Government, which remain at each station on the line, under the care of tho clerks in charge. These documents are transmitted for the information of tlie Government. I have, &c, Feedk. Whitakee. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington.

Enclosure in Xo. 10. Copy of a 'Letter from Mr. "VVeavee to the Deputy StTPEBlNTEirpENT, Auckland. (S.O. 66-2846.) Public Works Department, Sir, — Auckland, 3rd October, 1807. I have the honor to report that in compliance with your instructions 1 have taken over charge of the several Stations and Stores of the Electric Telegraph, in accordance with the terms of 1 lie agreement entered into between His Honor the Superintendent and the Deputy Quartermaster General, and found the articles to be transferred correct, in conformity with the list furnished me. I also selected such barrack furniture and camp equipage at each station as I considered necessary for the public service—lists of which are forwarded herewith. The articles were left by me iu charge of the clerks of the respective stations, whose receipt I hold for the same. I also took the necessary steps at Ngaruawahia for the instruction of candidates for the situation of Telegraph Clerks at that and all stations in the Delta, the parties learning being, in all cases, officers or men of the Militia regiments settled in the locality. As the clerks and others now employed in carrying on the work of the telegraph belong, for the most part, to the Military, and will be removed at the end of the current month, I beg to submit the following as the smallest staff which is, in my opinion, necessary for the efficient working of the Telegraph Service. Superintendent of Telegraphs —the Provincial Engineer. Inspector —Sergeant Brodie ... ... ... ... (a] fls. Od. per diem. Sub-Inspector—Corporal Butcher' ... ... ... («) 6s. Od. „ Book keeper—S. Tanfield ... ... ... ... (a> 7s. 6d. Two Line liepaircrs ... ... ... ... @ 5s. Od. ,, Head Station—Auckland. Clerk in charge ... ... ... ... ... @ 6ft Od. per diem. Assistant Clerk ... ... ... ... ... @ 5s. Od. ,, Supernumerary ditto and head Messenger ... ... (<i> 4s. Od. „ Two Messengers ... ... ... ... ...(«! 2s. Gd. „ Otaliuhu Clerk in charge ... ... ... ... ... @ 6a. Od. per diem. Oneluinga. Clerk in charge ... ... ... ... ... @ 6s. Od. per diem. Messenger ... ... ■ ... ... ... @ 2s. Cd. „ Papakura —Station to be closed. Mercer — Point Russell. Clerk in charge ... ... ... ... ... @ 6s. Od. per diem. Ngaruawahia. Clerk in charge ... ... ... ... ... @ 6b. Od. per diem. Assistant Clerk ... ... ... ... ...(«> 5s. Od. „ Messenger ... ... ... ... ... @ 2s. Cd. „ Whata Whata —Station to be closed. Te Rori. Clerk in charge ... ... ... ... ... (2) Cs. Od. per diem. Messenger ... ... ... ... («; 2s. Od. „ Te Awamutu. Clerk in charge ... ... ... ... ... @ 6s. Od. per diem. Assistant Clerk ... ... ... ... ... @ 5s. Od. „ Cambridge. Clerk in charge ... ... ... ... ... @ Gs. Od. per diem. As the time i'or completing the arrangements is short I shall be glad to be favoured with your Honor's early instructions as to the foregoing appointments.

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PAPERS RESPECTING PURCHASE OE ELECTRIC

No. 611'.

No. 915-

No. 200, Feb. 28, 1867.

I shall have the honor to submit at an early date certain alterations and modifications in tho Rules and Regulations now in force, rates of charges for private messages, and other matters which appear to me to be necessary to ensure tho successful working of the line in a commercial point of view. I have, &c, W. Weaver, To His Honor the Deputy Superintendent, Auckland. Engineer-in-Chief.

No 11. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. the Colonial Secretary to Mr. F. W thitaker. (915.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sfß,— Wellington, sth December, 1866. In reference to your letter of the 17th ultimo I have the honor to forward to you a copy of a Memorandum by the Honorable the Postmaster-General, on the subject of the Auckland and Waikato Telegraph, and to request your Honor to be good enough to give effect to the recommendations contained therein. I have, &c, E. W. Stafford. His Honor F. Whitaker, G overnment Agent, Auckland.

Enclosure in No. 11. Memorandum by the Hon. tho Postmaster-General. While I do not think that under existing circumstances it would be wise to attempt to place tho A.uckland and Waikato Telegraph under the management of Mr. Sheath, it must be borne in mind that being now the property of the Colonial Government, it is subject to " The Electric Telegraph Act, 18G5," and to the Tariff and Regulations issued under the authority of that Act. Copies of these documents are enclosed. I submit the Agent to the General Government be informed accordingly, and bo requested to consider this telegraph as under his immediate control, the working of it to be regulated a» far as possible by the regulations above mentioned. The staff proposed should be sanctioned temporarily, but as it appears large in comparison with that provided for the telegraph in the South, a return should be furnished of the business transacted at each station during tho last six months, and of tho revenue derived therefrom, distinguishing messages for the Military Authorities, the General Government, the Provincial Government, and the public. This return could probably be obtained from the Military Authorities, but if not, a return in the above form should be furnished at the expiration of two months from the present time. John Hall. 4th December, 1866. lam not aware from what vote these expenses are to be paid. No vote was taken for them, because at the time of the passing of the Appropriation Act it was intended this telegraph should bo transferred to the Provincial Government. John Hall.

No. 12. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. the Colonial Secretary to Mr. F. Whitaker. (No. 20.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, Sir,— 28th February, 1867. In reference to my letter of tho sth December, enclosing a Memorandum by the Hon. the Postmaster-General, on the subject of the Auckland and Waikato Telegraph, and requesting you to give effect to the recommendations therein contained, 1 have the honor to request that you will give directions that there should be no unnecessary delay in furnishing the returns referred to by Mr. Hall of the business transacted at each station during the last six months, and of the revenue derived therefrom, distinguishing messages for the Military Authorities, the General Government, the Provincial Government, and the public. It will further be necessary that half-yearly returns should be forwarded, of all furniture and articles in charge, for the information of the Auditor of Public Accounts. I have, &c, The General Government Agent, &c, W. Rolleston, Auckland. Acting Under Secretary.

No. 13. Copy of a Letter from Mr. F. Whitakee to the Hon. E. W. Stafford. (No. 816.) Office of the Agent for the General Government, Sir,— Auckland, llth March, 1867. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, of the number and date quoted in tho margin, referring to yours of the sth of December last, which enclosed a copy of a Memorandum from tho Hon. the Postmaster-General, calling for certain returns connected with tho Electric Telegraph in this Province, and requesting mo to give directions that there should be no unnecessary delay in furnishing those returns. In reply I beg leave to assure you that the letter to which you refer, viz., that of sth December, 1866, was referred by me to the Superintendent of Telegraph, immediately after its receipt at this office, requesting him to give effect to the instructions it conveyed.

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Tour letter under acknowledgment has also been referred to the same gentleman, and he has replied promising to forward to this office the returns applied for, so far as they are completed, in a few days. I annex a copy of the reply referred to, for the information of the Government. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. F. Whitaker.

Enclosure in No. 13. Copy of a Minute attached to G. A. 67-176. The returns referred to (which are very voluminous) were put in hand immediately after the receipt of the previous instructions. They have occupied the whole of the time of the clerical staff of the office that could be spared, without interfering with the daily business of the office, and could not be prepared sooner without additional clerical assistance. So far as they have been completed the returns shall bo forwarded in a few days. 7th March, 1867. W. W.

No. 14. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Whitakee to the Hon. E. W. Staffoed. Office of the Agent for the General Government, Sib— Auckland, 22nd March, 1807. Referring to my letter of the number and date quoted in the margin, I have now the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth of December last, giving cover to the copy of a Memorandum by the Hon. tho Postmaster-General, with reference to the Electric Telegraph in this Province, aud requesting to be furnished with returns of the business transacted and the revenue derived at each station during the last six months that the telegraph was under military control. In compliance with your request, I now beg leave to enclose herewith a Return of the " Messages forwarded " during the six months referred to, namely, from Ist of April to 30th September, 1866, inclusive, showing the number of messages forwarded by the Military Authorities, the General and Provincial Governments, and the public, together with the amount received from the latter, the only messages from which a revenue is received. The remainder of the returns called for shall be transmitted as soon as possible after they are received at this office. , I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Feed. Whitakee.

No. 816, March 11,1867.

No. 15. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Gisborne to Mr. J. Williamson. (No. 156.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sir,— - Wellington, 20th May, ISO7. As the Government wishes to make more definite arrangements for the management of the telegraph in the Province of Auckland, it proposes, with your Honor's concurrence, that Mr. Weaver, the Provincial Engineer, should remain in charge as at present, but under the title of " District Manager " of the Telegraph Lines in the Northern District, which, for the present, will comprise that portion of the line northward of Opotiki. He would in this capacity be an officer of the General Government, and correspond direct with, and receive instructions from, the Commissioner of Electric Telegraphs, referring in cases of emergency to the Government Agent at Auckland, and supplying him with any information said Agent may desire, and receiving salary at the rate of £150 per annum—the whole arrangements, however, to be provisional, and to be revised when the progress of the lino from Wellington to Auckland may render such a step nceessary. If your Honor concurs in this arrangement, I shall be obliged if you could cause the enclosed letter, noted in the margin, to be delivered to Mr. Weaver. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, W. Gisboene, Auckland. Under Secretary. Enclosure in No. 15. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. J. Hall to Mr. Weavee. General Post Office, Sib,— Wellington, 18th May, 1867. The question of the management of the General Government Electric Telegraph in the Northern part of the Island having been under the consideration of the Government, it is found desirable that the officer by whom this department is administered should be in more immediate communication with the Electric Telegraph Commissioner than has hitherto been the case. The Government entirely appreciates the services which you have up to the present time gratuitously rendered to it in the management of the line, and will be glad if you should find a continuance of these services to bo compatible with your other duties as au officer of the Provincial Government. I have accordingly, with tho concurrence of His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland, to request that you will continue to administer the department referred to as " District Manager " of Electric Telegraphs for the " Northern District," which will comprise that portion of the Island which 3

W. Weaver, Enti. Manager, Auck--"""J , )j. c P „ jg e^ rap '

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lies to the north of Opotiki. You would in this capacity correspond with, and as a general rule receive iustructions from, the Electric Telegraph Commissioner, communicating, however, to the Government Agent in Auckland such information as you may consider it desirable ho should be placed in possession of, and applying to him for instructions in any cases of emergency in which it appears to you to be necessary to avoid the delay of a reference to Wellington. The salary to be attached to this office will be £150 per annum. The arrangement would be understood to be a provisional one, to be revised when the progress of the line from Wellington to Auckland may render such a step necessary. I shall feel obliged by your informing me at your early convenience whether you are prepared to accept the above offer. I have, &c, William Weaver, Esq., John Hall, District Manager, Electric Telegraph, Auckland. Postmaster-General.

No. 16. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Williamson to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 317.) Superintendent's Office, Sir,— Auckland, 29th May, 1867. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 156, of the 20th instant, suggesting that Mr. Weaver, the Provincial Engineer, should assume the title and duties of "District Manager" of the Telegraph lines in the Northern District, with a salary of £150 per annum, and further purporting to enclose a letter for delivery to Mr. Weaver in the event of my concurrence in tho arrangement which you proposed. In reply thereto, I have first to remark that the enclosure referred to did not come to hand with your letter, but was sent direct (as I am informed) to Mr. Weaver himself. W rith reference to your suggestion, I beg leave to state that I know of no objection whatever to the proposed arrangement. I have, &c, J. Williamson, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 17. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Weaver to the Hon. JonN Hall. Sir, — Public Works Office, Auckland, Ist Juno,_lB67. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th ultimo, relative to the intended management of the Electric Telegraph in the northern part of this island (north of Opotiki) and offering me the appointment of "District Manager" of Electric Telegraph for the Northern District, at a salary of one hundred and fifty pounds (£150) per annum. Having submitted your letter to His Honor the Superintendent, and obtained his concurrence, I have now the honor to accept the appointment referred to in your letter; and at the same time I beg to assure you that no exertion shall be wanting on my part to secure the satisfactory working of this branch of the public service. I may be permitted to take this opportunity of saying that having had the means of obtaining considerable experience in the construction and working of Electric Telegraphs in New South Wales, I feel the more confidence in accepting the responsibility indicated in your letter, especially as the management of the AVaikato Telegraph, during the eight mouths which it has been in my charge, has appeared to give satisfaction. I have, &c, Wm. Weaver, The Hon. the Commissioner of Associate, Institute C.E., (London). Electric Telegraph, Wellington.