WATEE SUEPLY TTEON THE GOLD EIELDS.

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D.—No. 4a

provisions of " The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870," for a water supply from Lake Hochstetter to Paddy's Look-out, which would command the valuable auriferous districts of Baxter's, Sullivan's, Callaghan's, and Nelson Creek. In reply, I have to request that you will be good enough to inform the Committee that the Nelson Government are fully aware of the importance of the scheme referred to, and will endeavour, as far as lies in their power, to induce the General Government to have it carried out without delay. Just before I left Nelson the Provincial Government renewed their application to have this scheme proceeded with, and there is reason to hope that the request will be favourably entertained. The memorial shall be forwarded to the General Government on my return to Nelson, and I have no doubt the expression of opinion therein given will be of great service when the application comes under consideration. I have, &c, Alfred Greenfield, F. Guinness, Esq. Provincial Secretary.

No. 4. The Hon. W. Beeves to His Honor O. Curtis. Sic,— Public Works Office, Wellington, 20th May, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that the Government, having taken into consideration the recommendation of the Provincial Council of Nelson, forwarded in your letter No. 40, 29th July, 1871, and the subsequent correspondence thereupon, have decided to undertake the construction of the work referred to in the report of the Provincial Engineer, under date 15th April, 1871, as the " Nelson Creek water supply," and I should be glad to be informed whether the services of Mr. A. Dudley Dobson can be placed at the disposal of the department, for the purpose of at once proceeding with the detailed survey and estimate. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Nelson. W. Beeves.

No. 5. His Honor 0. Cuetis to the Hon. W. Beeves. (Telegram.) Nelson, 22nd May, 1872. Me. Dobson's services at your disposal for survey, Nelson Creek water supply, but he will certainly require assistance beyond present Provincial staff. Oswald Cubtis, Superintendent.