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always been too heavy a burden for this Colony to bear. At the time when it was imposed we assented to it, as exchange was comparatively high, but ever since then it has been falling: in 1891 we paid $254,211.12, and in 1894 $371,647.50. The burden has therefore become more and more irksome, as we have constantly represented. Now, however, exchange is rising, and the sum which we should have to pay in dollars, if the same arrangement were adhered to, would be becoming less and less. On the other hand, with the proposed new arrangement, the Imperial Government, receiving a fixed sum of 17% in dollars, will naturally benefit the higher exchange goes. This should be taken into consideration, and also the fact that they will have the advantage both in the fall and the rise.

3. It must be further borne in mind that any increase in the revenue of the Colony will mean a corresponding one in the military contribution. Now we are informed on good authority that the revenue for this year, instead of being, as estimated, $2,018,000, will probably be nearer $2,300,000, meaning a larger military contribution. There seems to be every reason for hoping that each succeeding year will show a fresh increase in the revenue, so that there would seem to be little cause for the Imperial Government to fear that our Military Contribution will be inadequate.

It may be argued that if in 1894, when our revenue was $2,287,203, we were able to pay $371,647.50, as a military contribution, it should not be difficult for us to pay what the Imperial Government now demands. But what was the result of this heavy disbursement? That to carry on the public works of the Yet Colony we were obliged to raise loans with which we are still saddled. another effect is that we were so straitened for means that the Government buildings were neglected, and now we find that most of our public buildings are con- demned, and that we shall have to rebuild them at a cost, we are given to under- stand, of $650,000. If we are again without funds, we shall find ourselves in the same difficulty as before, and burdened by a further debt.

We would beg you, Sir, to lay our representations before the Secretary of State. That they are well founded we think there can be no contention, and we are confident that, when our case is put before him, he will acknowledge the justice of it. We 'merely ask to be placed on a par with our sister-colony, and to be allowed to apply our revenues to our own needs. We are most anxious to meet the Imperial Government in every way that we feel is consistent with justice and fairness, and if they will agree to the point we have raised, there will be no hesitation on our part in supporting the Ordinance asked for.

With regard to the Colony's contribution for "Barrack Services," we know that the ratepayers will very much resent being called upon to pay for works which, without any reference to them or their representatives, have been already completed, or are nearing completion. We may say that we concur in this feeling, and therefore feel ourselves bound to oppose any proposal that the Colony should be called upon to bear a share in this expenditure. The case is different with those works which have not yet been begun, and if His Excellency the Governor would bring forward a financial minute regarding them, we would be prepared to consider it.

We have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servants,

C. P. CHATER.

ΤΟ ΚΑΙ.

E. R. BELILIOS.

A. MCCONACHIE. J. J. BELL-IRVING.

Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,

Colonial Secretary.