D.—l2a.

1888. NEW ZEALAND.

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

Return to an Order of tJic House of Representatives, dated 22nd May, 188 S. Ordered, " Tliat there be laid before this House copies of all correspondence between the Government and the Greymouth 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 Eugmeer-in-Chief and any other Government officer as to the manner in which the harbour works were being carried out by the Greymouth Harbour Board."—(Mr. Guinness.)

The Hon. the Minister for Public Woeks to the Chaieman, Greymouth 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 Greymouth and Westport from the Boards, and carrying same ok 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 locality and the colony at large, I have now, therefore, 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 wish 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, Ac, Edwin Mitchelson, The Chairman, Greymouth Harbour Board. Minister for Public Works.

The Hon. the Minister for Public Woeks to the Chairman, Greymouth Harbour Board. (Telegram.) Wellington, 20th March, 1888. Will you please send definite reply by wire to-day as to whether or not Board will resign ? or, if not possible to reply finally to-day, please say when final reply will be sent. G. P. Eichaedson, The Chairman, Harbour Board, Greymouth. Minister for Public Works.

The Chaieman, Greymouth Harbour Board, to the Hon. the Minister for Public Woeks. (Telegram.) Greymouth, 20th March, 1888. Having never received any intimation that Government wished Board to resign, I await further information to lay before the Board before replying to your question. EICHAED NaNCAEEOW, The Hon. the Minister Public Works, Wellington. Chairman, Harbour Board.

The Hon. the Minister for Public "Woeks to the Chaieman, Greymouth Harbour Board. (Telegram.) . Wellington, 21st March, 1888. Fbom the Greymouth telegrams in this morning's paper it would appear that you had not yet received letter of 6th instant, to which my yesterday's telegram referred, and I therefore now wire you copy of the same as follows: "Public Works Office, Wellington, 6th March, 1888. —Sir, —l 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 Greymouth and Westport from the Boards, and carrying same on under direct Government supervision, the Cabinet has come to the conclusion that, all things considered, it I—D. 12a.