G.—No. 35,

No. 1. The Chaieman, County Council, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. (No. 724.) Sib, — County Chairman's Office, Hokitika, 27th June, 1872. I have the honor to forward herewith a copy of a letter received from the Nelson Government on the subject of the maintenance of the Harbour Department, Greymouth, and to request you will have the kindness to inform me what course to pursue. Eor a long time the arrangement as to the payment of the expenses connected with Greymouth Harbour Department was, that the County should pay them all, and get recouped by the Nelson Government. Last year the Nelson Government wished to make an alteration in the existing arrangements, but no definite proposal was made until the beginning of this year, when the Nelson Government proposed to pay the Signalman's salary, and maintain the signal station, while the County were to pay the Harour Master's salary and the boat hire; also, the Signalman was not to be under the control of the Harbour Master. I need hardly say that I did not consent to this proposal, and the present one appears to me to be very similar, inasmuch as, if the salary of the Signalman is paid by the Nelson Government, that officer becomes a servant of that Government, and is virtually removed from being under the control of tho Harbour Master. Moreover, the Nelson Government offer to pay the Signalman's salary only, thus throwing the expense of the rest of the department on the County; and seeing that both Governments derive equal advantages from the maintenance of that department, I do not consider that the proposal is at all an equitable one. I should feel obliged if you would give me your opinion as early as convenient, in order that I may frame the estimates for the ensuing six months. I have, &c, H. H. Lahmann, The H. n. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Chairman of the County Council.

Enclosure in No. 1. Mr. A. Geeenfield to Mr. H. H. Lahmann. Sib,— Superintendent's Office, Nelson, 17th June, 1872. Referring to your letter of the 28th May last, addressed to Mr. Warden Whitefoord, and received at this office on the 15th instant, relative to certain proposals submitted for your approval for the future payment of expenses of the Harbour Department at Greymouth : I have the honor to inform you that the Provincial Government of Nelson have not made any provision in the Appropriation Act for any portion, after the 30th June, of the salary of the Harbour Master. They have, however, provided for the full salary of the Signalman, so that the County will not be called upon to pay any portion of that officer's salary; and the Nelson Government will also pay all expenses necessary for the upkeep of the signal station, but must decline paying any expenses incurred by the Harbour Master for ferries or otherwise, or for any harbour expenses not specially authorized by this Government. This arrangement, it is believed, will be a fair arrangement for both Governments, and prevent complication. The arrangement will commence from the Ist of July next. I have, &c, Alfeed Geeenfield, Provincial Secretary. P.S. —I have given the Harbour Master notice that the Nelson Government will not pay any portion of his salary after the 30th of the present month. A.G.

No. 2. The Chaieman, County Council, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. (Telegram.) Hokitika, 22nd July, 1872. Please reply to my letter No. 724, of 27th June, 1872. H. H. Lahmann. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary.

No. 3. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetabt to the Chaieman, County Council. (Telegram.) Wellington, 29th July, 1872. The whole question of the government of Westland and the Nelson South-West Gold Eields is under the consideration of the Government, and will probably be submitted to the General Assembly this session. Reply to your telegram No. 128. W. Gisboene. The Chairman, County Council, Hokitika.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE MAINTENANCE OF THE HARBOUR DEPARTMENT AT GREYMOUTH.