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1891. NEW ZEA L A N 1).

THE REGISTRAR OF ELECTORS, WAIPAWA (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated 38th January, 1891. Ordered, " That copies of all correspondence between Henry Ellison and the late Colonial Secretary relating to the Eogistrar of Electors at Waipawa be laid before this House."—(Mr. W. C. Smith.)

(Telegram.) Waipawa, 16th September, 1890. Impossible to print Waipawa roll in time if Skerrett allowed to make alterations after copy sent in. We sent proofs to him; he erased a dozen names, altering the numbers throughout. Prepared to substantiate my statement as to Skerrett's unfitness. William White good substitute. G. S. Cooper,' Under-Secretary, Wellington. , Henry Ellison.

gm Waipawa Mail Office, Ruataniwha Eoad, Waipawa, 16th September, 1890. Referring to my telegram sent to-day, I have to draw your attention to the urgent necessity for the Waipawa Mail Office being promptly and regularly supplied with correct manuscript if we are expected to finish the printing of the rolls within contract time. Mr. Skerrett handed in to us the first few pages, extending to about No. 240; and, on the proofs being sent to him, he returned them with a large number of corrections, besides those required to bring the type in accord with the original manuscript. On my entering a protest, Mr. Skerrett informed me that he would telegraph to the Colonial Secretary to cancel the contract, unless I agreed to make corrections from time to time as he required them. It is hardly necessary to point out that, without assurance of finality with regard to such alterations, it is impossible to fix a time within which the printing of the rolls can be completed. I have, therefore, to give you formal notice that I will not be responsible for any delay which may occur unless correct manuscript be promptly and regularly supplied. Moreover, I shall claim extra payment for the cost of making alterations of the character here described. I hold that, according to the contract, the Registrar should supply to the printer correct manuscript at first. I may draw your attention to the fact that, whilst the original manuscript is prepared by Mr. Skerrett, the proof corrections are in the handwriting of Mr. Samuel Johnson. The question naturally suggests itself, Why could not Mr. Skerrett employ Mr. Samuel Johnson in the first instance to prepare the manuscript, and thus save the trouble and expense of alterations? If Mr. Skerrett's claim be admitted to make a hundred such alterations in the roll after ho has handed it in to the printer, he would be equally entitled to make a thousand, and to make a second series of requisitions and corrections in like manner. I am prepared to prove, to the satisfaction of any officer of your department who may be commissioned to inquire into this matter, that Mr. Skerrett has done his work in a very careless manner. I have, &c, G. S. Cooper, Esq., Under-Secretary. Henky Ellison.

g IK; Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 1st October, 1890. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram and letter of the date quoted in the margin, 16th September, stating that you are being delayed in the printing of the Waipawa Electoral Eoll by the irregularity, on the part of the Registrar of Electors, in the supply of manuscript, and by the corrections, other than typographical, made by that officer in the proof of the roll sent to him for revision. In reply, I am directed to inform you that, having made inquiries into the matter complained of by you, the Colonial Secretary sees no reason to interfere with Mr. Skerrett in the performance of his duties as Eegistrar of Electors. T have, &c, Henry Ellison, Esq., Manager, Waipawa Mail Company, G. S. Cooper. Euataniwha Road, Waipawa, Napier.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, uil; printing (1,230 copies), 16s.

By Authority : Geobge Didsbuky, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9l.