CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS IN THE COUNTY OF WESTLAND ON DEFERRED PAYMENTS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1870 Session I, D-31

D.—No. 31

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS IN THE COUNTY OF WESTLAND ON DEFERRED PAYMENTS.

(Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated 17th June, 1870, No. 3-70.) That there be laid upon the Table —" Copies of Correspondence or Telegrams between the Chariman of the County Council of Westland and the Colonial Secretary, on the Bubject of constructing Public Works by deferred payments." (Mr. W. H. Harrison.) WELLINGTON. . 1870.

3 D.—No. 31

No. 1. The Chaieman, County Council, to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (Telegram). Hokitika, 7th February, 1870. In spite of the fact that the County owes liabilities to the extent of £14,000, a bare majority of County Council insists on undertaking works on deferred payments. This I hold to be in contradiction of the intention of section 6, " County of Westland Amendment Act, 1869," which only allows of borrowing when current revenue shall have fallen short of previous appropriation. Please favour me with an opinion. • The Colonial Secretary, Wellington. C. Hoos.

No. 2. The Chaieman, County Council, to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. (Telegram.) Hokitika, 11th February, 1870. Yesterday 1 telegraphed to you urging a reply to my telegram forwarded on the 7th, having reference to engagements by the County Council on deferred payments, which I hold to be illegal and contrary to sections 6, 7, 8 and 9of " The County of Westland Act, 1869." Owing to not receiving a reply, the Council adjourned till two o'clock to-day, pending a reply from you, which I hope you will kindly furnish to me. The Colonial Secretary, Wellington. C. Hoos.

No. 3. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to the Chairman, County Council. (Telegram.) Wellington, 11th February, 1870. It is somewhat inconvenient for public bodies to seek advice of Colonial Government as to legality of their acts, the advice as to which should properly proceed from their own law-officers. I will, however, in this case not decline to give you expression of opinion on question raised in your telegrams of 7th and 11th instant. Section 6of " County of Westland Amendment Act, 1869 " does not appear to affect that question. Borrowing money is a transaction different in its nature from contracting for the execution of works. Contractor must satisfy himself of probable solvency of County at time when payment becomes due. It should be distinctly understood that no liability incurred gives any claim on Colony. Chairman of County Council, Hokitika. W. Gisborne.

No. 4 The Chairman, County Council, to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetary. (Telegram.) Hokitika, 11th February, 1870. May I expect an answer before two o'clock to-day to my telegram dated February 7th, 1870, as I am anxious to prevent the Council illegally perpetuating a system of continual financial difficulties ? The Colonial Secretary, Wellington. C. Hoos.

No. 5. The Hon. the Colonial Secbetaby to the Chairman, County Council. (Telegram.) Buildings, 11th February, 1870. Answer by telegraph has been sent to your telegram of 7th instant. Chairman, County Council, Hokitika. Gisboene.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS IN THE COUNTY OF WESTLAND.