DISALLOWANCE OF PROVINCIAL BILLS.

7

A.—No. 3.

In reply, I have to thank your Government for leaving " The Highways Act," " Licensing Act," " Registration of Brands Act," and " Education Reserves Management Act," to their operation, and to inform you that I will take care that my undertakings as to these several Acts shall be strictly carried into effect at the next Session of the Provincial Council. I have, &c, Thomas B. Gillies, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 6. His Honor T. B. Gillies to the Hon. W. Gisboene. Sie, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 4th February, 1871. I have the honor to transmit to you in duplicate the under-named Bills passed by the Auckland Provincial Council, during the Session just ended, which I have reserved for the signification of the Governor's pleasure thereon, viz : — " The Auckland Harbour Board Act, IS7I ;" " The One Tree Hill Reserve Act, 1871;" " The Mount St. John Reserve Act, 1871;" and " The Bay of Islands Coal Company's (Limited) Lease Act, 1871." Of these, the first is an Act to constitute a Harbour Board for the harbour of Auckland, in pursuance of the powers conferred by the Act of the General Assembly passed last Session ; the second and third are Acts to divert reserves, already proclaimed, from the purposes of general education in the Province, to other purposes of local interest; and the last-named Bill is intended to enable the Bay of Islands Coal Company to obtain a valid lease of the ground originally given to Mr. John McLeod, and by him transferred to the Company upon the terms and conditions agreed upon between that gentleman and my predecessor in office. I have, &c, Thomas B. Gillies, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 7. The Hon. W. Gisboene to His Honor T. B. Gillies. (Telegram.) G.8., Wellington, 18th February, 1871. The parchment Acts enclosed in your Honor's letter No. 667, of 4th instant, are so much damaged from salt water, in consequence of wreck of " Airedale," that they are almost illegible. Please send fresh copies by first opportunity. To Superintendent, Auckland. W. Gisboene.

No. 8. Mr. Lusk: to the Hon. W. Gisboene. Sie, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 22nd February, 1871. In answer to your telegram received yesterday, I have the honor to forward to you herewith fresh parchment copies in duplicate of the Acts reserved for the Governor's decision, which were enclosed in my letter to you, No. 667, of the 4th instant. I have, &c, Hugh H. Lusk The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. (for the Superintendent).

No. 9. The Hon. Mr. Fox to His Honor T. B. Gillies. Sie,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 10th March, 1871. I have the honor to inform you that the Bill enclosed in your Honor's letter, No. 116 of the 22nd ultimo, intituled " The One Tree Hill Reserve Act, 1871," is, as the Government are advised, ultra vires, because the land reserved, until it has been granted by the Crown to the Superintendent, continues to be Crown Land, and consequently not subject to Provincial legislation. Irrespective of the legal objection, a protest has been received from Messrs. Brown and Campbell against this Bill, a copy of which I enclose for your Honor's information. I have directed an inquiry to be made into the claim set up by Messrs. Brown and Campbell, the resulb of which shall be communicated to your Honor. I have, &c, ■ His Honor the Superintendent, William Fox Auckland. (in the absence of Mr. Gisborne).