Qt.—m*. Ml.

WELLINGTON AGAINST THE COLONY.

7

In reply, I have the honor to inform you that, after careful consideration, the Provincial Government has decided to accept the proffered assistance of the General Government, on the terms stated in your letter of the 31st October. I have, &c, W. Waeing Tayloe, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Deputy Superintendent.

No. 7. The Hon. W. Gisboene to Mr. W. W. Tayloe. (No. 272.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sib,— Wellington, 19th November, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, on the subject of the proposed temporary advance on account of the Province of Wellington, and to state that directions will be given in accordance with the arrangement made. I have, &c, His Honor the Deputy Superintendent, Wellington. W. Gisboene.

No. 8. Mr. H. Bunny to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sib, — Provincial Council Chamber, Tuesday, 29th November, 1870. I have the honor to enclose a cop3 r of a resolution passed by the Provincial Council of Wellington yesterday afternoon, and to request you to appoint a time at which it will be convenient for the Executive Government to meet the Committee. I have, &c, Henby Bunny, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Chairman.

Enclosure in No. 8. Oedee oe Eeeeeence. {Extract from the Journal of Proceedings of the Wellington Provincial Council, Sess. XIX., 1870.) Monday, 28th Novembee, 1870. " Ordered, That a Committee be appointed for the purpose of seeing the General Government with the view of raising the necessary funds to pay off the liabilities of the Province up to the SOth November, 1870. Such Committee to consist of Mr. Borlase, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Pearce, Mr. Pharazyn, Mr. Ludlam, Mr. Halcombe, and the Mover ; three to be a quorum; with power to call for persons and papers; to report on Thursday next."— {Mr. Bunny.) A true extract. G. W. JOEDAN, Clerk of Council.

No. 9. The Hon. W. Gisboene to Mr. H. Bunny. (No. 669.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sic,— Wellington, 30th November, 1870. Eeferring to the subject of my interview to-day with the Committee of the Provincial Council, I have the honor to inform you that the Government, after careful consideration of the representations made by you and the other members of that Committee, do not feel justified in departing from the terms of the arrangement stated in my letter of the Ist instant to His Honor the Deputy Superintendent of Wellington, for temporarily maintaining certain Departments of the Provincial Government. Those Departments are essential to the peace and good order of the community, and the Government have accordingly taken the responsibility of making advances out of the Colonial Eunds on their account; but they cannot consent, without the previous authority of the Colonial Legislature, to make such advances to cover Provincial liabilities on account of public works and other services. Moreover, it has not been shown that the Provincial Government are unable, or would not shortly be able, to defray the liabilities for which the General Government has not provided. The amount of those liabilities up to this day (30th November) is estimated at £4,822 35., " and the amount of funds available for the payment of amounts due by the Provincial Government at 30th November, 1870," is estimated at £4,733 18s. 2d. It is true that part, namely £2,750, of these assets consists in mortgages handed over to the Provincial Government by the Sinking Eund Commissioners, but the General Government have not been distinctly informed of the causes which prevent the realization of those debentures, or at least the borrowing of money on their security. I have, &c, H. Bunny, Esq., M.G.A., W. Gisboene. Chairman of Committee of Wellington Provincial Council.