A.—IB.

6

No. 2. Copy of a LETTER from Sir G. Grey to Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby. My Lord, — Wellington, 7th October, 1876. I have the honor to enclose, for your Excellency's information, copy of a cablegram which I am just transmitting to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, London. I have, &c, G. GREY, His Excellency the Governor. Superintendent of Auckland.

Enclosure. Sir. G. Gbet to the Eight Hon. the Seceetabt of State for the Colonies, London. (Telegram.) Wellington, N.Z., 7th October, 1876. TTroent. —I dutifully refer to my letter sth June last. Government determined to enforce Abolition Act without consulting Provincial Legislatures, and against wish of provinces containing more than onehalf white population of colony, two-thirds of Natives included. Disturbances imminent. Some threaten employment Queen's ships. I earnestly pray telegraph to prevent disturbances. Abolition Act should be disallowed, if Provincial Legislature not consulted. G. Gbey, Eight Hon. Secretary of State for Colonies. Superintendent of Auckland.

No. 3. Memorandum for His Excellency. Referring to the telegrams addressed to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies by the Superintendent of Auckland and the Superintendent of Otago —copies of which were forwarded by their Honors to His Excellency, and by His Excellency were transmitted for the information of the Government— Ministers respectfully advise His Excellency to telegraph to the Secretary of State that in their opinion there is no reason to fear, upon the coming into operation of " The Abolition of Provinces Act, 1875," any such consequences as.those predicted by the two Superintendents. The Counties Bill, intended to provide machinery for really Local Government, with which to replace Provincial institutions, has been passed by the House of Representatives by large majorities ; and in the Legislative Council, the Bill has been read the second time without a division. Wellington, 12th October, 1876. H. A. ATKINSON.

No. 4 Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. Wellington, 12th October, 1876. Superintendents of Auckland and Otago have sent telegrams to your Lordship direct, forwarding copies to me. Copies laid by me before Parliament. Ministers advise no reason to fear the consequences predicted, in which I entirely concur. Counties Bill to replace provinces passed Lower House by large majority. Second reading passed Council without division. Earl Carnarvon, Colonial Oflice, London. NORMANBY.

By Authority: Geoeqe Didsbuet, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB76. Price 6d.]