APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1877 Session I, A-09

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1877. NEW ZEALAND.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO).

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis Excellency.

No. 1. The Hon. the Colonial Secbetabt. to Heney Bunny, Esq., M.H.E. Sir, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, Ist November, 1876. I have the honor to transmit to you herewith warrants under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, dated this day, appointing you, within the Provincial District of Wellington, to do all the acts and to exercise all the powers which might be done or exercised by the Superintendent; Provincial Secretary, Provincial Treasurer, or other officer in the Province of Wellington prior to Abolition. I also enclose a warrant, similarly executed, under " The Provincial Appropriations Extension Act, 1876," empowering you to sign all instruments, warrants, &c, necessary to carry out such Act. With regard to payments: If you will be good enough to nominate to the Government an officer to sign, and one to countersign, cheques on the provincial branch of the Public Account, the Bank will be instructed by the Treasury to honor such cheques. In conclusion, permit me to tender to you the thanks of the Government for the readiness with which you have, at their request, undertaken these duties. I have, &c, Henry Bunny, Esq., M.H.E., Wellington. Daniel Pollen. Similar letters to Oswald Curtis, Esq., M.H.E.; I\ A. Carrington, Esq., M.H.E.; Eeader Wood, Esq., M.H.E.; J. D. Ormond, Esq., M.H.E. ;W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E. ; A. P. Seymour, Esq., M.H.E.; the Hon. G. McLean, M.H.E. ; the Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C.

No. 2. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetakt to the Hon. G-eoiioe McLean, M.H.E. (Telegram.) "Wellington, Ist November, 1876. Tor are appointed by warrants under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, dated this day, to do all the acts which might be done by the Superintendent, Provincial Secretary, Provincial Treasurer, or other officer within the Provincial District of Otago, which might have been done by them in the province prior to Abolition. Also, under "The Provincial Appropriations Extension Act, 1876," to sign all instruments, warrants, &c, necessary to carry out such Act. With regard to payments, if you will be good enough to nominate to me an officer to sign, and one to countersign, cheques on the Provincial Branch of the Public Account, the Bank will be instructed by the Treasury to honor such cheques. Pray accept the thanks of the Government for having undertaken these duties. The Hon. G-. McLean, M.H.E., Dunedin. H. A. Atkinson. Similar telegrams to Eeader Wood, Esq., M.H.E.; W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E.; J. D. Ormond, Esq., M.H.E.; A. P. Seymour, Esq., M.H.E.; the Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C. I—A. 9.

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No. 3. W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon, the Colonial Seceetaey. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 2nd November, 1876. Toue telegram received late last night. I will take immediate action to prevent any suspension of business. I recommend Mr. Wm. Jameson, the late Provincial Treasurer, to sign cheques. I have hitherto countersigned myself. If you wish, I will continue to do this ; if not, I recommend Mr. Augustus Blakiston, Assistant Secretary. I presume outstanding cheques signed, on or before 31st ultimo will not require to be re-signed ; but new account will open from that date. Will you instruct Mr. Ollivier generally as to auditing of all accounts ? The Auditor will require your assent to the estimates for current three months as soon as possible, to enable payment of sums outside departmental engagements. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. W. Eolleston.

No. 4 The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey to W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 6th November, 1876. Eeferring to your telegram of the 2nd instant, I have the honor to inform you that the Bank has been instructed to honor cheques upon the Provincial Branch of the Public Account signed by Mr. William Jameson, late Provincial Treasurer, and countersigned by yourself. I hare, &c, W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E., Christchurch. Daniel Pollen.

No. 5. Oswald Cuetis, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sib,— Wellington, 3rd November, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist instant, forwarding warrants of His Excellency the Governor conferring upon me certain powers within the Provincial District of Nelson. As I have already intimated, I will gladly perform the duties intrusted to me. I beg to recommend that the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Mr. Greenfield, be appointed to sign, and the Eeceiver of Land Eevenue, Mr. Catley, to countersign cheques upon the Provincial Branch of the Public Account. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Oswald Cuetis.

No. 6. Heney Bunny, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetary. Sib, — Provincial Buildings, Wellington, 3rd November, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of Ist instant, transmitting warrants under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, appointing me, within the Provincial District of Wellington, to do all the acts and to exercise all the powers which might be done or exercised by the Superintendent, Provincial Secretary, Provincial Treasurer, or other officer, in the Province of Wellington, prior to Abolition. Also, to sign all instruments, warrants, &c, necessary under "The Provincial Appropriations Extension Act, 1876." In compliance with your request, I beg to nominate Mr. Charles Plummer Powles, late Assistant Provincial Treasurer, to sign, and Mr. Arthur Dorset, late Clerk in the Provincial Treasury, to countersign, cheques on the Provincial Branch of the Public Account, I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Henby Bunny.

No. 7. The Hon. the Colonial Secbetaey to Heney Bunny, Esq., M.H.E. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, "Wellington, 11th November, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd November, and to inform you, in reply, that the Bank has been instructed to honor cheques on the Provincial Branch of the Public Account signed by Mr. C. P. Powles and countersigned by Mr. Arthur Dorset, I have, &c, Q-. S. Coopee, Henry Bunny, Esq., M.H.E., Wellington. (for the Colonial Secretary.)

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No. 8. F. A. Caeeington, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sic, — Wellington, 3rd November, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist instant, enclosing two warrants under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, appointing me, within the Provincial District of Taranaki, to do all the acts and exercise all the powers which might be done or exercised by the Superintendent, Provincial Secretary, Provincial Treasurer, or other officer in the Province prior to Abolition. Also a warrant, similarly executed, under " The Provincial Appropriations Extension Act, 1876," empowering me to sign all instruments, warrants, &c, necessary to carry out such Act. In reply, I beg leave to thank the Government for the confidence reposed in me, and, in accordance with the request made, I beg to nominate T. White, Esq., the late Provincial Treasurer, to sign cheques, and T. Kelly, Esq., to countersign cheques, on the Provincial Branch of the Public Account. I have, &c, The Hon. Dr. Pollen, Wellington. Peed. A. Caeeington.

No. 9. The Hon. J. A. Bonae, M.L.C, to the Hon. the Peemiee. (Telegram.) Hokitika, 6th November, 1876. Onlt returned Saturday night. Tour telegram therefore was not replied to early. Me payments, I think cheques should continue to be countersigned by myself, and will nominate Joseph Henry Greville, Treasury Clerk, to sign. The Hon. Major Atkinson, Wellington. Jas. A. Bonae.

No. 10. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet to the Hon. J. A. Bonab, M.L.C. Sic,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 10th November, 1876. With reference to your telegram of the 6th instant, I have the honor to inform you that the Bank has been instructed to honor cheques upon the Provincial Branch of the Public Account signed by Mr. Joseph Henry Greville and countersigned by yourself. I have, &c, The Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C, Hokitika. Daniel Pollen.

No. 11. Eeadee Wood, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sic, — Provincial Offices, Auckland, 13th November, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the 7th instant, No. 346, transmitting warrants under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, appointing me to exercise the powers of the Superintendent, Provincial Secretary, and Treasurer, and also authorizing me to sign warrants under the Provincial Appropriations Extension Act. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Eeadee Wood.

No. 12. The Hon. J. A. Bonab, M.L.C., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sic, — Q-overnment Buildings, Hokitika, 16th November, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 514, 7th November, enclosing warrants under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, appointing me, within the Provincial District of Westland, to do all the acts and exercise all the powers which might be done or exercised by the Superintendent, Provincial Secretary, Provincial Treasurer, or other officer, in the Province of Westland, prior to Abolition. I have, &c, Jas. A. Bonab, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, "Wellington. (Officer Administering the Government).

No. 13. The Hon. the Peemiee to Eeadee "Wood, Esq., M.H.E. (Telegram.) "Wellington, 29th December, 1876. Be your office under Abolition Act, section 12 : If you have not already forwarded to His Excellency your resignation, it is desirable you should immediately do so, and thus comply with section 36 of Financial Arrangements Act. It will be enough if, in writing, you tender resignation, as from 31st instant, of the office, together with all profits and advantages thereof. Telegraph Colonial Secretary if resignation forwarded, or as soon as you have written it, and His Excellency will be advised to accept at once. Government will be happy to learn that you can continue to give assistance after end of

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year, though Disqualification Act will prevent, in that case, anything like emolument or profit resulting. Be so kind as to telegraph your views. If you can continue, a fresh appointment shall be issued to you immediately after Ist January. Eeader Wood, Esq., M.H.E., Auckland. H. A. Atkinson. Similar telegrams to F. A. Carrington, Esq., M.H.E.; W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E.; A. P. Seymour, Esq., M.H.E.; Oswald Curtis, Esq., M.H.E.; the Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C.

No. 14. A. P. Seymoub, Esq., M.H.R., to His Excellency the Govebitoe. Mx Lobd,— • Picton, 26th December, 1876. In accordance with clause 36 of " The Financial Arrangements Act, 1876," I have the honor to resign my employment as Executive Officer for the Provincial District of Marlborough, such resignation to date from 31st December instant. I have, &c, The Most Noble the Marquis of Normanby. A. P. Seymotjb.

No. 15. The Hon. J. A. Bonae, M.L.C., to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaey. Sic, — Government Buildings, Hokiiika, 29th December, 1876. Eeferring to my letter of the 13th instant, pursuant to the provisions of " The Financial Arrangements Act, 1876," I now beg to resign, on and from the 31st instant, all and every such office and offices, place and places, commission and commissions, employment and employments, which I now hold or occupy in the service of the [General Government of New Zealand, or "under, or from, or by, or at the appointment or nomination of the Crown, or the Governor of New Zealand by virtue of his office as Governor, or at or by the nomination or appointment of any officer of the Government of the Colony of New Zealand by virtue of his office, to which any salary, fees, wages, allowance, emolument, or profit of any kind is attached." I have, &c, Jas. A. Bonae, Executive Officer for the Provincial District of Westland. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington.

No. 16. Oswald Cubtis, Esq., M.H.E., to His Excellency the Govebnoe. My Loed,— Nelson, 29th December, 1876. I have the honor hereby to resign the offices and powers, together with all the profits and advantages thereof, conferred upon me, under authority of " The Abolition of Provinces Act, 1875," by your Excellency's warrants dated Ist November, 1876. This resignation to date from the 31st day of December, 187 G. The Most Honorable the Marquis of Normanby, I have, &c, Governor of New Zealand, Wellington. Oswald Cubtis.

No. 17. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaby to Oswald Cubtis, Esq., M.H.E. (Telegram.) Wellington, 30th December, 1876. The Q-overnor has accepted your resignation of all offices and powers conferred upon you by His Excellency's warrants dated Ist November last, and of all emoluments connected therewith. Government thankfully accept your offer of continued gratuitous service. Chables C. Bowen, Oswald Curtis, Esq., M.H.E., Nelson. (in the absence of the Colonial Secretary). Similar telegrams to the Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C., and A. P. Seymour, Esq., M.H.E.

No. 18. Thomas Kelly, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaey. Sib, — New Plymouth, 30th December, 1876. I have the honor to resign my appointment as an officer to countersign cheques for payment in the Provincial District of Taranaki, and all emoluments attached thereto. If I can be of any further service in aiding the transition from Provincial to County Government, I beg to state that I will be willing to continue to act in the same or any other capacity without the usual emoluments. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Thomas Kelly,

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No. 19. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey to Thomas Kelly, Esq., M.H.E. (Telegram.) • Wellington, 2nd January, 1877. Goveenoe on Saturday accepted your resignation of paid office. Government thankfully accept offer of temporary gratuitous assistance. Chaeles C. Bowen, Thomas Kelly, Esq., M.H.E., New Plymouth. (in the absence of Colonial Secretary).

No. 20. F. A. Caeeington, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sic,— New Plymouth, Taranaki, 30th December, 1876. In compliance with the terms of the 36th section of " The Financial Arrangements Act, 1876," I have the honor to tender my resignation of the office I now hold as Executive Officer, together with all profits and advantages derived therefrom. In doing so, I beg leave to say that I shall be happy to continue to give every assistance in my power to the Government, should they desire it, without receiving any salary or emolument whatever. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Feed. A. Caeeington.

No. 21. W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sic, — Government Offices, Christchurch, 30th December, 1876. I have the honor to enclose herewith a letter addressed by me to His Excellency, in which I tender to him my resignation of the offices held by me from him to the present time. I have to request that you will be good enough to submit the same to him, and that the resignation may take effect from the 31st instant. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. W. Eolleston.

Enclosure in No. 21. W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E., to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed, — Christchurch, 30th December, 1876. I have the honor to tender to your Excellency my resignation of every office, place, or employment held by me under the provisions of " The Abolition of Provinces Act, 1875," " The Financial Arrangements Act, 1876," and "The Provincial Appropriations Extension Act, 1876," together with all profits and advantages attached thereto; and to request that the same may be accepted from the 31st instant. I have, &c, His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand, Wellington. W. Eolleston.

No. 22. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet to W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E. (Telegram.) Wellington, 2nd January, 1877. Goveenoe on Saturday accepted your resignation of paid offices. Government thankfully accept offer of gratuitous temporary assistance. Chaeles C. Bowen, W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E., Christchurch. (in the absence of the Colonial Secretary). Similar telegram to E. A. Carrington, Esq., M.H.R.

No. 23. Beadee Wood, Esq., M.H.8., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sic, — Provincial Offices, Auckland, 30th December, 1876. I have the honor to resign all my appointments and offices under the General Government and the late Auckland Provincial Government, together with all profits and advantages thereof, for the acceptance of His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, "Wellington. , Readee Wood,

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No. 24. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey to Eeadee Wood, Esq., M.H.E. (Telegram.) Wellington, 30th December, 1876. The Governor has accepted your resignation of all offices in connection with the General or late Auckland Provincial Government, together with all profits and advantages thereof. Eeader AVood, Esq., M.H.E., Auckland. Chaeles C. Bowen.

No. 25. Heney Bunny, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sic, — Provincial Buildings, Wellington, 30th December, 1876. I have the honor to refer to your letter of the Ist ultimo, transmitting warrants under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, appointing me, " within the Provincial District of Wellington, to do all acts, and to exercise all the powers which might be done or exercised by the Superintendent, Provincial Secretary, Provincial Treasurer, or other officer, in the Province of Wellington, prior to Abolition." And also empowering me to sign all instruments, warrants, &c, necessary to carry out the provisions of the Provincial Appropriations Extension Act. I have now further to draw your attention to the 36th clause of " The Financial Arrangements Act, 1876," which provides that " no person who may be a member of the Legislative Council or House of Eepresentatives, and whose services may be retained under the preceding section, shall, in consequence of such retention of services, be subject to any liability, penalty, or disqualification under " The Disqualification Act, 1870," or any Act repealing or amending the same : Provided that every such person shall resign such office, place, or employment on or before the 31st day of December next." I have, therefore, now the honor to tender to His Excellency the Governor my resignation of the appointment and powers vested in me by the warrants referred to in the first paragraph of this letter, for His Excellency's acceptance. In conclusion, allow me to say that I shall be glad to give the Government every assistance in my power in the administration of the new state of affairs in this provincial district. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Heney Bunny.

No. 26. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaby to Heney Bunny, Esq., M.H.E. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 30th December, 1876. In reply to your letter of this day's date, I have the honor to inform you that His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to accept your resignation of the offices, powers, and duties conferred upon you by warrants under His Excelleucy's hand on the Ist November last. I have further to inform you that the Government accept, with thanks, the offer, contained in the same letter, of your continued assistance in the administration of the new state of affairs in this provincial district. I have, &c, Chables C. Bowen, Henry Bunny, Esq., M.H.E., Wellington. (in the absence of the Colonial Secretary).

No. 27. The Hon. the Pbemieb to W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E. Sic, — Government Offices, Wellington, Bth January, 1877. I have already informed you by telegraph that His Excellency the Governor has accepted your resignation of the offices and powers conferred on you by warrants dated Ist November. 2. I beg now to tender to you the thanks of the Government for your energetic and zealous services in au onerous and responsible position, which could only have been accepted under a strong sense of public duty. 3. I have further to thank you for your offer to assist gratuitously in completing the transfer of provincial duties to departments of the colonial Civil Service; and to .say that the Government will be glad to receive your advice and practical co-operation in securing the effective working of the new machinery. 4. Tour authority to frank letters and telegrams on public service will be continued, and any necessary expenses incurred by you will be repaid by the Treasury. I have, &c, W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E., Christchurch. H. A. Atkinson. Similar letters to Henry Bunny, Esq., M.H.E.; P. A. Carrington, Esq., M.H.E.; Eeader Wood, Esq., M.H.E.; A. P. Seymour, Esq., M.H.E.; Oswald Curtis, Esq., M.H.E.; and the Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C.

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No. 28. The Hon. J. A. Bonae, M.L.C, to the Hon. the Peemiee. Sib, — Government Buildings, Hokitika, 26th January, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the Bth instant, conveying to me the thanks of the Government for .my past services, and intimating their acceptance of my offer to assist in the completing of the transfer of the Provincial Departments to those of the colonial Civil Service. Permit me to thank you for the kind terms in which you have been pleased to express this ackowledgment, and to say that it gives me great pleasure to co-operate in any way I can with the Government in bringing about a change which I feel will confer a lasting benefit upon the colony. I have, &c, Jas. A. Bonab, Executive Officer for the Provincial District of Westland. The Hon. the Premier, Wellington.

No. 29. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet to Henby Bunny, Esq., M.H.E. Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 13th January, 1877. The Premier has already informed you how highly the Government value your promise to continue to assist in conducting public business within the Provincial District of Wellington ; and I have now the honor to forward to you delegations and warrants conferring powers similar to those exercised by you prior to the close of 1876. 2. The desire of the Government is to benefit by your aid in completing the transfer to specified departments of the colonial Civil Service of duties which were performed by departments of the Provincial Service; and also in facilitating the assumption by the County Councils of the powers and duties given to them by the Act of the Legislature. 3. The Government believe you will agree with them, that your aid will be most efficacious if your attention is directed to the supervision of the officers or bodies responsible for the performance of different duties rather than to direct personal action. But there must arise cases in which it will be advisable you should act as the agent of the Government. In all such cases, your recommendations will be favourably considered, and your subsequent action will be upheld. 4. You are aware that no salary can be attached to the office you have consented to hold ; but any expenses necessarily incurred in connection with the duties of your office will be repaid to you by the Treasury. I have, &c, Chables C. Bowen, Henry Bunny, Esq., M.H.E., Wellington. (in the absence of the Colonial Secretary). Similar letters to F. A. Carrington, Esq., M.H.E.; A. P. Seymour, Esq., M.H.E.; Oswald Curtis, Esq., M.H.E.; W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E.; and the Hon. J. A.'Bonar, M.L.C.

No. 30. W. Bolleston, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Peemiee. Sib, — Government Buildings, Christchurch, 18th January, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of Bth January, and to thank you for the kind manner in which you are good enough to acknowledge such services as I have been able to render to the Government since the abolition of the provinces. I have subsequently received Mr. Bowen's letter of 13th January, forwarding to me delegations and warrants conferring powers similar to those exercised by me prior to the close of 1876. It will give me pleasure to continue to assist the Government in those matters of administration in which my services may be of use. I do not think that I clearly apprehend the meaning of the third paragraph of Mr. Bowen's letter, and should be glad if the Government would state more explicitly the relation which I should hold to the several departments of Government. I would submit that, to prevent confusion, some general regulation should be issued as to what departments should correspond with, or send correspondence through, my office, and whether all or only certain kinds of correspondence should be so forwarded. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. Eolleston.

No. 81. The Hon. the Colonial Secbetaby to W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 26th January, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 17, of the 18th instant, and desire to express to you the thanks of the Government for the readiness with which you offer " to continue to assist the Government in those matters of administration in which your services may be of use."

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I regret that I have not succeeded in making the intention of the Government clear in the third paragraph of my letter of the 13th instant. Their desire is to transfer, as soon, but with as little inconvenience and friction, as possible, the administration hitherto conducted by the Provincial Executive to the several departments of the Government whose duty it will be in the future to undertake it. In order to effect this satisfactorily the Government rely in a great measure on your discretion, which they wish to leave as much as possible unfettered. ■ I have, &c, Chables C. Bowen, W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E., Christchurch. (in the absence of the Colonial Secretary).

No. 32. The Hon. J. A. Bonab, M.L.C, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetabt. Sib, — Government Buildings, Hokitika, 26th January, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter, dated 13th January, 1877, conveying to me the wishes of the Government as to the course they desire should be pursued by me in assisting to conduct the public business in this provincial district, and forwarding delegations and warrants similar to those formerly exercised by me prior to the close of 1876. 2. It gives me great pleasure to state that I entirely concur with the Government in the course proposed to be adopted, and I shall have much pleasure in acting as desired. 3. I observe that no fresh delegation of powers under the Gold Fields Acts has been forwarded. I presume it has been thought to be unnecessary to re-gazette them, as they were delegated to me personally, and that, therefore, I am right in continuing to exercise those powers pending further instructions. 4. I shall be glad to be informed whether any action taken by me under those powers, as regards granting mining leases, &c, requires to be gazetted in the New Zealand Gazette, or whether publication of the required notices in the local Gazette is sufficient. I have, &c, Jas. A. Bonab, Executive Officer for the Provincial District of Westland. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington.

No. 33, The Hon. the Colonial Secketary to the Hon. J. A. Bonais, M.L.C. Sib,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 10th February, 1877 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th ultimo, and to thank you for the readiness with which you have placed your services at the disposal of the Government. 2. You have rightly interpreted the view taken by the Government as regards the delegation of powers under the Gold Fields Act —namely, that those delegations, having been made to you personally, and not having been resigned by you, still continue in force. 3. With respect to the publication of notices requiring to be issued by you under the Gold Fields Acts, it will be sufficient if these are advertised in the newspaper appointed by the Governor to take the place of the Provincial Government Gazette. I have, &c, Chables C. Bowen, The Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C, Hokitika. (in the absence of the Colonial Secretary).

No. 34. The Hon. the Colonial Secbetaey to Henby Bunny, Esq., M.H.E. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, "Wellington, 25th May, 1877. The time having arrived when, in the opinion of this Government, those gentlemen who have been good enough, as Executive Officers, to aid in carrying on the public business in the several provincial districts since the Abolition Act came into force, may be relieved, it is proposed at the earliest convenient time to advise His Excellency the Governor to withdraw the delegated powers in each case. In giving this intimation, I take occasion to convey to you the thanks of this Government for the services so rendered, as well as their grateful acknowledgment of the public spirit shown in your acceptance of a position involving so much labour and responsibility; and I venture to express their hope that they may still be permitted upon occasions to have recourse to you for advice or information on matters of local concern. I have to request that you will name a day in the next month, June, when it will be convenient for you to transfer the public records of the late Provincial Government of Wellington to an officer •who will be appointed to receive them. I have, &c., Henry Bunny, Esq., M.H.E., Executive Officer, Wellington. Daniel Pollen. Similar letters to P. A. Carrington, Esq., M.H.E.; Oswald Curtis, Esq., M.H.E.; A. P. Seymour, Esq., M.H.E.; W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E.; the Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C.

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No. 35. Henbt Btony, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaey. Sib, — Provincial Buildings, Wellington, 29th May, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th instant, stating that, in the opinion of the Government, " the time having arrived when those gentlemen who have been good enough, as Executive Officers, to aid in carrying on the public business in the several provincial districts since the Abolition Act came into force, may be relieved, it is proposed at the earliest convenient time to advise His Excellency the Governor to withdraw the delegated powers in each case." Also requesting me to name a day in the month of June when it will be convenient for me to transfer the public records of the late Provincial Government of Wellington to an officer who will then be appointed to receive them. In reply, I write to inform you that I shall be prepared to hand over the provincial records now in my possession, to any officer authorized by the Government to receive them, on Tuesday, the 12th day of June next, at 12 o'clock noon. In conclusion, I may state that I shall be happy at any time to give the Government any advice or information in my power on matters of local concern. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Henby Bunny.

No. 36. Oswald Ctjbtis, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaby. Sib, — Government Buildings, Nelson, 30th May, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th instant, in which you inform me that the Government are of opinion that the Executive Officers in the differenb provincial districts can now be relieved from the duties they have been performing, and requesting that I will name a date in the month of June at which it will be convenient for me to transfer the public records of the late Provincial Government to an officer who will be appointed to receive them. In reply, I beg to name the loth of June as a day on which it will be convenient for me to transfer the records ; but, if any other day in June would better suit the Government, I could probably meet their views. I have only further to request that you will convey to the Government my acknowledgment of the highly complimentary terms in which they have been good enough to refer to such assistance as I have been able to render, and that you will assure them that I shall at all times be happy to give them any advice or information in my power on matters of local concern in the late Province of Nelson. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. . Oswald Cuetis.

No. 37. W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (Telegram.) Christchurch, Ist June, 1877. I eeobet that, through unavoidable absence, I only late last night received your letter, No. 98, stating that it is proposed at the earliest convenient time to advise His Excellency to withdraw the delegated powers held by myself and others in the several provincial districts, and asking me to name a date in this month when it will be convenient to transfer the public records to an officer appointed for the purpose. I shall be glad, in accordance with your intimation, to be relieved of my duties this day. The records are all in charge of permanent officers of the Government. I have to thank His Excellency for the confidence which he has placed in me, and beg you to accept my acknowledgment of the courteous expression conveyed in your letter. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. W. Eolleston.

No. 38. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaby to W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E. (Telegram.) Wellington, 2nd June, 1877. Me. Bowen will be with you on Wednesday, and. will arrange for the transfer. I venture to hope that in the meantime you will continue to exercise the delegated powers. Other Executive Officers have named the 12th and 15th, and it would be convenient, if it were agreeable to you, that the revocation of powers should in all cases be made at the same time. W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E., Christchurch. Daniel Pollen.

No. 39. W. Bolleston, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetabt. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 4th June, 1877. In accordance with your wish, I will remain till Mr. Bowen arrives. I have a good deal of private business of an important character, which makes it very inconvenient that I should continue longer than is necessary. The Hon. Dr. Pollen, Wellington. W. Eolleston. 2—A. 9.

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No. 40. The Hon. J. A. Bonae, M.L.C., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetabt. Sib, — Government Buildings, Hokitika, 31st May, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter, dated 25th May, 1877, informing me that the Government will be prepared to relieve me during next month from the duties of Executive Officer, and asking me to fix a day on which the records can be taken over. In reply, I have the honor to state that the 21st June next would be a convenient day to fix for giving over charge, as there are several matters now pending relating to mining and other leases which cannot be completed before then. With reference to the offices at present occupied by me, it was the wish of the late Minister for Public Works that they should be handed over to the District Engineer when they ceased to be required as Executive Offices. He is at present renting an inconvenient building, and I presume, therefore, that this arrangement can be carried out. I have to thank the Government for the kind manner in which they have been pleased to acknowledge my services as their Executive Officer; and, although I have determined on taking no prominent part in local politics for the future, it will afford me pleasure to give the Government any advice or information on matters of local concern regarding which they may desire to communicate with me. I have, &c, Jas. A. Bonab, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Executive Officer.

No. 41. F. A. Caeeington, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sib, — Executive Office, New Plymouth, 6th June, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 51, May 25th, in which you inform me that, in the opinion of the Government, the time has arrived for relieving me from the Executive Office duties of the Provincial District of Taranaki, and that it is proposed, at the earliest convenient time, to advise His Excellency the Governor to withdraw the powers delegated to me. You convey to me the thanks of the Government for the services I have rendered, and you request that I will name a day in this month when it will be convenient to transfer the public records of the office of the late Provincial Government of Taranaki to an officer who will be appointed to receive them. In reply, I beg leave to say that any day after Wednesday next, the 13th instant, it will be convenient for me to make the transfer named. I will now only add that, should the Government so desire, I shall have pleasure at all times in rendering to them any local information which it may be in my power to give. I have, &c, Feed. A. Cabbington, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Executive Officer. P.S. —Mr. J. B. Lawson, late Superintendent's Clerk, has for many years had the keeping of the records of this office. I strongly recommend Mr. Lawson to the Government for the performing of such duty, and for his thoroughly good and trustworthy conduct. Feed. A. Caeeington, E.O.

No. 42. Henet Bitnnt, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sib, — Provincial Buildings, Wellington, 14th June, 1877. As Parliament meets on the 19th of next month, it appears to me desirable that, previous to that date, I should resign the powers delegated to me by His Excellency the Governor, so that the whole administration of the Provincial District of Wellington may be in the hands of the Government of the colony. If the Government agree with me in this view of the matter, I will resign the said delegated powers, and beg to suggest that such resignation should date as from the 30th instant. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Henet Bunnt.

No. 43. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet to Henet Bunnt, Esq., M.H.E. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 15th June, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of date 14th instant, in which you notify your intention to resign the delegated powers as from the 30th instant. The Government is advised that, as intimated in my letter of 25th ultimo, it will be convenient that the delegated powers should be formally resumed by His Excellency the Governor, and it is proposed that with respect to all Executive Officers a notification to that effect shall be made on the 21st instant. I have to thank you for the expression of your willingness to continue to act until the 30th. instant, but there appears no need to impose upon you any additional trouble. I have, &c, Henry Bunny, Esq., M.H.E., Wellington. Daniel Pollen.

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No. U. A. P. Seymour, Esq., M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sic, — Government Offices, Blenheim, 11th June, 1877. In answer to your letter of the 25th May ultimo, I propose to be relieved of the duties of Executive Officer on the 20th instant, if such date be convenient to you. As there still remains a considerable amount of unfinished business, chiefly in connection with exchanges of roads, I trust you will not deem it out of place if I suggest that the Commissioner of Crown Lands be appointed to take over from me the papers and documents relating to this provincial business, as the person best acquainted with the matters yet unsettled. I should be much pleased, also, if you would retain the services of my clerk, who is receiving £120 per annum. He to whom you deliver the business will require some clerical assistance, for, in addition to the road exchanges above alluded to, there is the charitable aid to administer, the gold fields and reserves, together with a good deal of miscellaneous correspondence, partly, no doubt, due to the fact that the Counties Act is not in full operation. The Government are welcome to such services as I may have been able to render, and I shall be happy to advise them in future, if so desired. I have, &c, A. P. Seymour, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Executive Officer.

No. 45. The Hon. the Colonial Secbetaey to A. P. Seymour, Esq., M.H.E. (Telegram.) Wellington, 19th June, 1877. Tour lettter of eleventh instant just received. The Commissioner of Crown Lands will be instructed, as you suggest, to take over papers. He can retain your clerk for the present. A general withdrawal of all delegations will be issued on 21st June. I beg to thank you on the part of the Government for your kind offer to advise on local matters, an offer which we shall be glad to avail ourselves of. A. P. Seymour, Esq., M.H.E., Picton. Chas. C. Bowen.

No. 46. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey to Heney Bunny, Esq., M.H.E. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 21st June, 1877. Keferring to previous correspondence on the subject, I have the honor to inform you that His Excellency has this day signed warrants withdrawing all delegated powers up to this time intrusted to Executive Officers in the several provincial districts. I beg again to thank you on the part of the Government for the assistance which you have so ably and readily afforded in the administration of your district, and to say that we shall gladly avail ourselves of the advice which you have been good enough to offer for the future. I have, &c, Chas. C. Bowen, (in the absence of the Colonial Secretary). Henry Bunny, Esq., M.H.E., Wellington. Similar letters to P. A. Carrington, Esq., M.H.E. jA. P. Seymour, Esq., M.H.R.; Oswald Curtis, Esq., M.H.E.; W. Eolleston, Esq., M.H.E.; Hon. J. A. Bonar, Esq., M.L.C. By Authority: George Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB77. Price 9d.]