A.—No. 1

* The Colonial Government is in possession of no information by which the discrepancy between the claims as stated by the Commissariat Department, and the claims as rendered by the Imperial Treasury, can bo explained. On reference to the Appendix to the Journals of the House of ilepreseutativos for tho year 18G3, p. 7, B. No. 4, it will be seen that the sum of £271,125 7s. 9d. is made up as follows : — £ b. d. Treasury Minute, 24th May, 1862 ... ... ... ... 193,180 5 6 Local Forces—Pay, Rations, &c, to 30th June, 1862 ... ... 17,394 4 5 Do. do" do. to 30th September, 1562 ... . 4,452 4 3 H. M. Troops—Contribution for year ending 31st March, 1862 ... 27,718 15 0 Koad-making, to 30th June, 1862 ... ... ... ... 31,337 17 5 Do. . to 30th September, 1862 ... ... ... 4212 £274,125 7 9 On comparing this statement with the one preceding it on tho same page of the Appendix, it seems probable that the Treasury Minute of the 24th May, 1862, includes tho claims for "Fencibles," the steamers " Wonga Wonga," &c, amounting to £85,891 10s. 4d. This sum the Commissariat Officer states to be an " admitted error," although lie includes it now in bis Statement of Accounts. The apparent overcharge is debited the Imperial Government in the present statement. Charles Kkight, August 10th, 1865. Auditor of Public Accounts.

No. 24. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir George Grey, X.C.8., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 7.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — Bth January, 1866. In compliance with the recommendation of my Responsible Advisers, I have the honor herewith to transmit a Petition from the Auckland Provincial Council to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, praying that the Northern portion of these Islands may be constituted a separate Colony, under a Constitution calculated to establish and maintain peace, order, and good Government. 2. My Responsible Advisers, in transmitting the Petition to me, have not made any remarks upon it. I have, &c., The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. G. GREY.

Mr. O'Rorlco, 23rd December 1865.

Enclosure in No. 24. Mr. O'Rorke to the Governor. Sir, — Auckland Provincial Council Chambers, 23rd December, 1865. I have the honor to forward herewith a Petition from tho Auckland Provincial Council, to Her Majesty the Queen, praying that the Northern portion of the Colony of New Zealand may be constituted a separate Colony, and request that your Excellency will be pleased to transmit the same to the Right Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies for presentation to Her Majesty. I have, Ac, His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.CB. G. Maurice O'Rorke, Speaker. 13

51

ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OE STATE.

iTATEMEXT, ;c.— can, Liimei Sates when Account rendered. Cb. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1865 April 6 „ 2(5 May 30 June 12 July 26 Brought forward... Ditto ditto September, 1864 ... Ditto ditto October, 1864 Ditto ditto Ditto ditto December, 1861 ... Ditto ditto Ditto ditto March, 1865 By contribution, BLM. Troops to 31st March, 1865... By pay of Colonial Forces, from 1st March to 30th June, 1865 By supplies from Military Store aud Purveyor's Department 24,288 2 5 12,912 16 7 141 15 11 18,186 0 4 15,651 6 10 8,232 18 7 50,876 5 0 6,283 0 5 977 6 10 Total, Claims rendered ... Add Estimated Claims outstanding £741,466 14 35,000 0 7 0 £776,466 14 7