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recess private members either possess or do noc possess rights and responsibilities in connection with the expenditure of public moneys. Custom in the past has supported the latter while your telegrams uphold the former assumption. At the proper time and in the proper place I shall be prepared to discuss the question raised by this divergence, and, if necessary, to assist in formulating a scheme embodying the circumstances and conditions under which private members may be called upon to sanction expenditure during the recess. Upon the merits of any such scheme I offer no opinion, but I hold that it is not for any Ministry to decide whether and when such sanction shall be sought. If I possess the right to be consulted, its exercise must be regulated by something more definite than the caprice of a Minister. Under these circumstances, I trust that my refusal to answer your questions will not be attributed to a lack of courtesy, or to the want of interest in the questions themselves. I have, &c, Charles Lewis.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Auckland, 4th May, 1900. If the Canadian Government are unable to cope with the destitution and suffering occasioned by the fire at Ottawa, then we should assist; but otherwise I do not think we should be justified in using the public funds of this colony for the purpose. W. F. Massey.

Right Hon. R. J. Seddon. Okaiawa, 4th May, 1900. Your memo, has only just reached me. Consider the lines indicated the best, most prompt, and most equitable of rendering assistance. Felix McGuire.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. Westport, 2nd May, 1900. Be Canadian fire relief : Your memo, somewhat indefinite. If you mean Government contributing from consolidated revenue, suppose, in face of large extraordinary expenditure already incurred on military contingents, if you mean free transmission of contributions subscribed by public I have no objection. However, property destroyed by fire will probably be well insured. Consider Indian Famine Relief Fund more deserving of your benevolence, if Treasury is overburdened with surplus cash. R. McKenzie.

The Hon. the Premier. Doyleston, 2nd May, 1900. If disaster is as great as reported in Ottawa, assistance from us will be welcomed by Canada, and will not impoverish New Zealand. Regret the need has arisen. John McLachlan.

Hon. Premier. Invercargill, 3rd May, 1900. Peefee leaving contribution of New Zealand to private charity. New-Zealanders have always shown themselves able and willing to cope with such demands. Colonial vote seems cold response to personal appeal. Robt. McNab.

The Rt. Hon. the Premier. Christchurch, 3rd May, 1900. Be your wire fire disaster Canada, will support Government in any practical expression of sympathy decided on by Cabinet. What you do do quickly. R. Meeedith.

Hon. R. J. Seddon. Dunedin, 2nd May, 1900. I am opposed to grant from consolidated revenue, as it does not appear to me to be a legitimate charge on that fund, and would therefore lay down a dangerous precedent. J. A. Millae.

The Premier. Blenheim, 3rd May, 1900. If the insurances do not cover a reasonable portion of the loss, I am strongly in favour of extending our practical sympathy to the sister colony of Canada, and to whatever amount the Government consider we are justified in sending. C. H. Miles.

The Hon. the Premier. Helensville, sth May, 1900. I doubt the propriety of so dealing with public money without vote of Parliament first obtained. On behalf of my constituency, am willing to assert sympathy with Canada in her misfortune by donating one fortnight of my income from the Treasury, if Ministers and other members agree to do the same. R. Monk.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. Dunedin, 2nd May, 1900. Looking at the serious nature of the conflagration in Canada, and the thousands of people rendered homeless and destitute, also this being a crucial period in the history of the British Empire which the Canadians have nobly responded to, I would support the Government in any proposals that would convey to the people of Canada our sympathy in a practical manner by sending them a liberal contribution. This is the time for the English-speaking communities to show to the world that we are all members of one household. Aethub Moebison.

Rt. Hon. the Premier. Wellington, 2nd May, 1900. 1 think it our duty to extend practical sympathy to our Canadian fellow-citizens in their hour of trial, and will support the voting by Parliament of such sum as the Government may now send. W. J. Napier, Auckland.

Bight Hon. B. J. Seddon, Premier. Auckland, 6th May, 1900. I gloey in your proposal to contribute aid to our fellow-colonial sufferers from the Ottawa conflagration. The world knows to-day that the strength of England is not bounded by the three seas