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1888. NEW ZEALAND.

WESTPORT HARBOUR BOARD AND HARBOUR WORKS (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated 22nd May, 1888. Ordered, " That there be laid before this House copies of all correspondence between the Government and the Westport Harbour Board as to the removal of the members of the Board, and the appointment of new members in their stead; also copies of all reports received by the Government from the Engineer-in-Chief and any other Government officer as to the manner in which the harbour works were being carried out by the Westport Harbour Board."—(Mr. O'Conob.)

The Hon. .the Ministee for Public Wobks to the Chaieman, Westport Harbour Board. Sib,— Public Works Office, Wellington, 6th March, 1888. I have the honour to inform you that the Government having carefully considered the question brought forward in Parliament last session as to the desirability of taking over the construction of the harbour works at Westport and Greymouth from the Boards, and carrying same on under direct Government supervision, the Cabinet has come to the conclusion that, all things considered, it would be preferable that the works should be carried on by Government. It has therefore been decided to take over the works at once, and as a Board is necessary under the existing Act, and also desirable as a Board of Trust in order to conserve the funds for the work as distinct from any other funds over which the Government has got control, it has been decided to appoint a Board of Government officers, who will, however, act merely formally under the instructions of the Public Works Department. Feeling sure that the members of the present Board will be willing to assist the Government in carrying out what they believe to be for the best interests of the colony and the colony at large. I have therefore now the honour to request that the present Board will aid the Government in carrying out their proposals by placing their resignations in the hands of the Minister of Marine. While making this request that the members of the' Board should send in their resignations, I would w rish at the same time to convey to the Board my thanks for the services which they have rendered to the colony while acting on its behalf. I have, &c, Edwin Mitchelson, The Chairman, Westport Harbour Board, Westport. Minister for Public Works.

The Chaibman, Westport Harbour Board, to the Hon. the Ministee for Public Woeks. (Telegram.) Westport, 10th March, 1888. Boabd meeting last night passed following resolution: "That the Board give all facilities to the Government in their proposed change of administration of Westport Harbour works, with the sincere hope that the works may be vigorously proceeded with, and the Trust administered in a manner conducive to the interest of the colony and the development of the coal trade." Copies of specifications for letting quarrying of stone by contract posted. Tenders close thirty-first instant. If Government decide not to let contract, notice should be given, and otherwise tenders should be under different address. Please wire if you think it advisable to notify any change, Would recommend that tenders be forwarded to Minister instead of Chairman, and notice to that effect published. Will forward resignations of members in due course. Jas. Colvin, Minister Public Works, Wellington. Chairman, Harbour Board.

The Hon. the Ministeb for Public Wobks to the Chairman, Westport Harbour Board. (Telegram.) Wellington, 12th March, 1888. Youb telegram of tenth instant just to hand, and I have to thank you and the other members of the Board for your promptitude and courtesy in thus facilitating the object which the Government has in view. As regards tenders for quarrying, I think they had better come here, and would be obliged if you will advertise and arrange accordingly. Since writing you on the sixth instant I have been advised that the more regular way for members of Board to resign would be in terms of section thirty-eight of the Harbour Acts, seventy-eight—that is to say, that the members of the Board should send in their resignations, addressed to the Chairman, and that then the Chairman, I—D. 12.