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in all directions; so that unless the Provincial Government can be in possession of a simple mode of keeping open the communications of the Province, the greatest confusion must ensue. Id Nelson, an Act of slightly modified powers is in use, working well, and contributing to the convenience of the community. I have, &c, Cxrus Goulter, Speaker, P. C, M., The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, Acting Superintendent Auckland.

No. 17. (No. 617.) MR. FOX, TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF MARLBOROUGH. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, 19th Sept., 1861. Sir,— With reference to the letter of His Honor the Acting Superintendent, dated 21st August last, representing the necessity for some such Act being in force in the Province of Marlborough as that passed by the Provincial Council, intituled, "Alteration of Eoads Amendment Bill, 1860," I have the honor to inform you that it is considered that the powers of the " Highways and Water-courses Diversion Act, 1858," aie sufficient for all reasonable purposes; and that the General Assembly having prescribed the law as generally applicable to the Colony, no Provincial Legislation ought to take place inconsistent therewith. The Act requires that the Provincial Council shall legislate in each particular case, a course which seems free from difficulty or objection. I have, &c., His Honor the Superintendent, Marlborough. WILLIAM Fox.

No. 18. (No. 154.) THE SUPERINTENDENT, MARLBOROUGH, TO THE COLONIAL SECRETARY. Superintendent's Office, Picton, May 22, 1861. Sir, — I have the honor to forward you three copies of the " Picton and Wairau Loan Bill," for His Excellency's assent. I trust you will be able, upon reading over the statement of the evidence taken before the Provincial Council of Marlborough (a copy of which I have forwarded to you), and looking at the great benefit the Railway will be to this Province, to advise His Excellency to grant us his assent to this Bill. I have, &c, William Adams, The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, Superintendent. Auckland.

No. 19. (No, 324.) MR. STAFFORD TO THE SUPERINTENDENT, MARLBOROUGH. Colonial Secretary's Office, _ Auckland, Gth June, 1861. Sir, — I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor's letter of the 22nd ultimo, purporting to cover three copies of the " Picton and Wairau Loan Bill," and of the evidence taken on the subject before the Provincial Couucil, and to inform you that the enclosure specified has not been received. 1 have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, E. \y Stafford Marl borough.

Xo. 20. (No. 571.) MR. FOX TO THE SUPERINTENDENT, MARLBOROUGH. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, sth September, 1861. I regret to be under the necessity of informing you that His Excellency has been advised to refuse his assent to the Picton and Wairau Railway Loan Ordinance. I have to call your attention to the following extract from a Despatch of the Secretary of State of the 15tn September, 1857, published in the Government Gazette of the 15th December, 1857 : —

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