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1873. NEW ZEALAND.
DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.
SCHEDULE.
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DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
No. 1. Copt of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 72.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 23rd August, 1872. Adverting to my Despatch No. 14, of the 15th January ult., and to previous communications respecting the Public Works and Immigration Eolicy of the New Zealand Ministry and Parliament, I have now the honor to report that I was requested to inaugurate, on the 19th instant, the scheme of railways contracted for by the eminent English firm of Messrs. Brogden and Sons. 2. This ceremony was performed in the usual way, by my " turning the first sod" of the Wellington and Masterton Eailway, in the presence of the Ministers, of the Members of both Houses of the Colonial Parliament, of the Provincial and Municipal authorities, and of a large concourse of the general public. A detailed description of what took place on this occasion will be found in the local newspapers. I annex copies of the address presented to me by Mr. James Brogden, and of my reply. 3. Among the Parliamentary Papers regularly forwarded to your Lordship's Department will be found voluminous reports respecting immigration, and the public works of all kinds already commenced, or projected, in this Colony. The New Zealand Hansard (of which I transmit further copies herewith) contains the debates in the Legislature on this and all other public matters. The Statement made in the House of Eepresentatives, on the 20th instant, by the Minister for Public Works (Mr. Ormond), has been printed separately, and copies of it are appended. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
Enclosure 1.
Enclosure 2. Enclosure 3. Statement by Public Works Minister. Vide New Zealand -Z__n-<w..,1872,p. 536.
Enclosure 1 in No. 1. Mr. Brogden's Speech to the Governor. May it please Your Excellency,— As this is the first public occasion on which I, as representative of the firm to whom has been intrusted the construction of various other lines of railway within tho Colony, have had the honor to meet your Excellency, it may, I hope, not be deemed inappropriate if I take this opportunity of saying a few words on this branch of the scheme of public works which your Excellency does us the honor this day to inaugurate. I venture to do so because my firm have had practical experience iv tho construction of railways in other parts of the world, and in bringing to a successful issue one of the most important objects of a railway—l mean the development of the resources of the district through which it passes. During the past twelve months I have visited the greater part of the Colony, and have seen that its natural resources —more especially, perhaps, as regards minerals—have, as your Excellency is aware, been developed as yet to only to a very limited extent. In this, as in every other newly settled country, the two requirements essential to its progress are means of communication and population. With regard to the former, I would remark that it is not by making a few lines of railway in one district, and a few more elsewhere, that a Colony will derive permanent benefit; and it is to something more than the mere temporary introduction of labour and I—A. 1.
1873. NEW ZEALAND.
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capital for the prosecution of these works that I refer when I speak of the " development of the resources "of the Colony." If the public works and immigration scheme is to become—as I believe it will—a source of lasting prosperity, then the two portions of this scheme must run concurrently, and so, while the railways or other public works give employment to those who require it, they will also afford facilities for settlement and communication. This cannot fail in a very short time to attract the husbandman, tho miner, and the merchant—all those, in short, who help to build up the prosperity of a country. AVhen it is remembered that the whole of the railways which now form such a network over the face of the civilized world have been constructed within our own time, it shows conclusively that they have become a necessity of the age; and I am sure that the energy and vitality which have characterized the colonists of New Zealand, not only in their ordinary struggles as the pioneers of civilization, but in those exceptional hardships, losses, and dangers to which they have been peculiarly subjected,— I am sure, I say, that this same energy and vitality will yet lead them on to prosperity, and that they will not rest satisfied until they too have their railways stretching from North to South of both Islands. In this belief I look upon the Auckland and Waikato Railway, the Napier and Paki Paki, the Wellington and Masterton, the Picton and Blenheim, the Dunedin and Clutha, and the Invercargill and Mataura (the lines which my firm have undertaken to construct), as but links in that great chain of trunk lines which, in the not far distant future, will unite Picton and Nelson to Invercargill in the one Island, and Wellington to Auckland in the other. Your Excellency, —It has been thought desirable to take advantage of the presence in this City of the representatives of the people by the celebrating, with all due formality, the commencement of the several lines I have named ; and I would therefore now pray your Excellency to honor and commemorate the occasion by actual participation in a work which I trust will tend to the permanent peace and advancement of the country, and to a closer union amongst both European and Native inhabitants. His Excellency the Governor's Reply. Mr. Brogden and Gentlemen, — I thank you for this address, to which I have listened with much interest, and I assure you that it affords me sincere pleasure to perform the duty which I have been requested to undertake this day. Invitations to the Governor to inaugurate railways and other great public works and institutions cannot fail to be satisfactory and gratifying, for it is well known that such invitations are intended simply as marks of loyal homage to the Queen, and that they in no wise identify Her Majesty's representative with any of those differences of opinion which here, as in all other free countries, must be expected to arise upon every subject of public importance. The commencement of the general scheme of public works and immigration, which has been sanctioned both by the present and by the late Parliament of this Colony, —and which we celebrate this day,—is indeed a memorable event in the history of New Zealand. It appears to be acknowledged on all sides that the two most urgent needs of this entire country are the improvements of our internal communications, and the settlement of our land, which now maintains a scattered population of less than three hundred thousand, but which, according to Hochstetter and other eminent authorities, could easily support twelve millions of people. It will be within the recollection of many who now hear me that a few years ago the Imperial Government despatched an able and experienced engineer to the United States of America, to report on the railway system there adopted, with special reference to the pressing requirements of our own Colonies. His principal conclusions were : — " (1.) A railway would appear to be the best road for arterial lines of communication in a new " country. " (2.) In making railways in a new country, bearing in mind the high rate of interest which " money commands, the outlay for construction should be as small as possible, consistent with safety " and economy of working ; the object being to devote the money to be spent to extending the mileage " and opening up the country, rather than to making any solid works, or to obtaining high speeds." The decision of all questions of this nature must, of course, rest, so far as New Zealand is concerned, with tho practical wisdom of the Colonial Parliament. Meanwhile, let us thankfully acknowledge that the application of the steam-engine to the various arts in the 19th, is as important as the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. It has been said, without any exaggeration, that what printing did for the development of the intellectual faculties, steam is doing in the promotion of the material welfare of our race ; that within the last hundred years engineering science has trebled the mechanical power, and far more than trebled the resources of mankind; while it has reduced tho dimensions of the globe, as measured by time, to less than one-fourth of what they were even in the days of the last generation. I earnestly hope that the ceremony of this day will prove auspicious to all concerned. May the public works now inaugurated throughout this country realize the hopes of the Ministers and Parliaments that undertook them ; may they reward the skill and enterprise of the contractors and engineers; may they help to consolidate friendly relations between the Colonists and the Maoris ; in a word, may they, under the favour of Divine Providence, endure throughout the great future of New Zealand as a source of permanent and ever increasing prosperity. Finally, let me again, as on a previous occasion of like nature, address a few words of friendly sympathy to the artizans and working men, who will soon erect in our several Provinces structures scarcely more honorable to the heads that have planned than to the hands that will execute them. I trust that thousands of the men employed on our railways will ultimately become permanent settlers on the broad and fertile lands of this Colony, and that their success will cause them to be joined by tens of thousands from the old home. lam confident that the new comers will emulate their fellowcolonists in that respect for law and order which is one of the most prominent characteristics of our
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See Governor of New Zealand to Secretary of State :— ; — No.2o,Peb. 13,1872. No. 38, April 26,1872. N0.45,May13, 1872. No. 52, June 13,1872. No. 68, June 27,1872. No. 61, July 6, 1872.
Vide Journals of the Leg. Coun., 1872, p. 8, and of the H. of 11., p. 6.
race. Let them recollect, moreover, that it is from their ranks that have sprung the Boltons and Arkwrights, the Telfords and Stephensons, and most of the chieftains of art and industry—in the words of the Poet Laureate, " Of the railway and the steamship, And the thoughts that shake mankind." And let them remember also that under the expansive freedom of our Colonial polity, even more surely than in the parent isles, Britain opens for all her sons a noble prospect of success and honor to genius combined with energy and with virtue. Only let it never be forgotten that what is needed here is not so much a new society, but rather the old society in a new country. On the broad and deep foundations of British principles, British feelings, aud British institutions, let the fabric of the material prosperity of New Zealand be erected, and over it let the spire of education, learning, and religion be raised towards heaven.
No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 75.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 27th August, 1872. In several of my recent Despatches I have informed your Lordship of the general sorrow and anxiety felt by all classes of the community in this Colony on account of the dangerous illness of the Erince of Wales; and of the general joy at the recovery of His Eoyal Highness, which was celebrated by a day of public thanksgiving. I have also transmitted addresses of congratulation to the Queen from various public bodies. 2. I have now the honor to report that the first business transacted by both Houses of the New Zealand Barliament, on their recent meeting for the annual Session, was to adopt unanimously the Addresses to Her Majesty, which I have been requested to forward herewith. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
No. 3. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 80.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 21st September, 1872. In conformity with the established practice, I have the honor to recommend that the following members of the late Ministry of New Zealand, viz., Messrs. William Fox, Julius Vogel, C.M.G., Donald McLean, C.M.G.,and William Gisborne, may receive Her Majesty's gracious permission to retain the title of "Honorable." 2. It will be remembered that Mr. Fox has taken an active and prominent part in the public affairs of this Colony almost since its foundation. He has been at the head of three Colonial Administrations, and has acted as Bremier altogether for nearly six years. Each of his recent colleagues who are named above has been a member of the Executive Council for more than three years. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. E. BOWEN.
No. 4. Copy of a DESBATCH from Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 85.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 17th October, 1872. Adverting to your Lordship's Despatch No. 12, of the 23rd February ultimo, and to the accompanying letter from the Astronomer-Eoyal, upon the subject of the arrangements for the observation of the transit of Venus in 1874, I am now requested by my Ecsponsible Advisers to forward the enclosed Ministerial memorandum.
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2. It will be perceived that the Government of New Zealand, " will gladly " assist the arrangements of the Astronomer-Eoyal by the erection of the huts " required for the instruments to be used at Christchurch, mentioned in Brofessor " Airy's letter to Mr. Holland of the 19th February, 1872, provided that plans and " specifications of the huts required be sent out in good time, seeing that there " are no means of ascertaining in the Colony exactly what is required." I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
Enclosure in No. 4. Memorandum by Mr. AVaterhouse. Referring to the enclosure in Despatch No. 12, of tho 23rd February, 1872, from the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, upon the subject of the arrangements for the observation of the transit of A renus in 1874, Mr. Watorhouse has the honor to inform His Excellency that the Government will gladly assist the arrangements of the Astronomer-Royal by the erection of the huts required for the instruments to be used at Christchurch, mentioned in Professor Airy's letter to Mr. Holland of the 19th February, 1872, provided that plans and specifications of tho huts required be sent out in good time, seeing that there are no means of ascertaining in the Colony, exactly what is required. Wellington, 16th October, 1872. G. M. AVaterhouse.
No. 5. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 86.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 21st October, 1872. In my Despatch No. 79, of the 20th September ultimo, and on previous occasions, I have reported that the experiment of admitting Maori Members to the House of Eepresentatives had proved completely successful, and that it had been decided to admit them also to the Legislative Council. A Eesolution recommending that course has been adopted in the popular Chamber, and it seems to be generally approved by all parties, both within and without the Legislature. 2. As your Lordship is aware, the Maoris in the House of Eepresentatives are elected by their countrymen; but as the Members of the Legislative Council are nominated by the Crown, the selection from among the principal Maori clans and chiefs was a matter of delicacy, requiring careful consideration. With the advice of my Ministers, I have now summoned to the Legislative Council, in the name of the Queen — (1.) Mokena Kohere, of Waiapu, in the Province of Auckland, a chief of high rank and commanding influence in the great clan of the Ngatiporos, and who was recently presented by Her Majesty with a sword of honor for his long and gallant services in fighting for the Crown during the second Maori war. (2.) Wiremu Tako Ngatata, of Waikanae, in the Province of Wellington, the foremost chief of the clan of Ngatiawas. When the first English colonists, under the auspices of the New Zealand Company, arrived in this country in 1840, they found this chief living in a pa on what is now the site of the City of Wellington. Together with his friend and relative, the celebrated Te Euni (whose death was recently lamented by both races*), Wiremu Tako Ngatata cordially welcomed the early settlers, made over to them large grants of land, and protected them from the attacks of the hostile Natives. I have already borne my testimony to the assistance which he afforded to me personally at the very critical period of the dangerous outbreak on the West Coast of this Island in 1868.t 3. Both of the above-mentioned chiefs are universally recognized as good representatives of their race. They have taken their seats in the Legislative Council, and have already begun to show, like their countrymen in the other House, an intelligent and active interest in the debates, and in the general business of the Farliament. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN. * See Governor of New Zealand to Secretary of State, No. 158, of 24th December, 1870. t See Governor of New Zealand to Secretary of State, No. 116, of 17th November, 1868 (paragraph 6).
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No. 6. Copy of a DESBATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 90.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, Ist November, 1872. At the request of my Eesponsible Advisers, I have the honor to transmit herewith— (a.) A Ministerial Memorandum, forwarding a Eetition to the Queen from the Chancellor and Members of Council of the University of New Zealand, praying that Letters Batent may be granted requiring all Her Majesty's subjects to recognize the Degrees conferred by the University of New Zealand in the same manner as if the said University had been a University established under a Eoyal Charter or an Imperial enactment. (b.) A Ministerial Memorandum, forwarding a Eetition to the Queen from the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Council of the University of Otago, praying that Letters Batent may be granted to the above effect also to the University of Otago. 2. It will be observed that the Ministers recommend these Betitions for favourable consideration, " while expressing their desire that the granting of a " Charter to one University may not be regarded as operating adversely to the " granting of a similar privilege to any other University which may be estab- " lished in New Zealand, with a standing of learning such as may be approved by " Her Majesty." In fact, in addition to the University already founded by the Colonial Barliament, and to the University established at Dunedin by the Frovincial Council of Otago, it has been proposed to establish a third University at Auckland in this Colony. 3. The documents annexed to the two Betitions accompanying this Despatch will afford information respecting the origin and present state of the two Universities already existing in New Zealand. I have no means here of ascertaining the principles and rules which have guided the Advisers of the Crown in granting Charters or Letters Batent (such as those asked for in the enclosed Betitions) to other Colonial Universities, and I am consequently hardly in a position to submit any personal suggestions or observations on the subject. 4. Whatever decision may be arrived at in this case, I am confident that Her Majesty's Government will gladly recognize that great honor is due to the Colonists of New Zealand for the liberal provision which they have made for education at this early stage in the history of the Colony, and, notwithstanding the many dangers and difficulties with Avhich they have had to struggle. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
Enclosure 1 in No. 6. Memorandum by Mr. Wateriiouse. Ministers have the honor to forward to His Excellency, for transmission to Her Majesty the Queen, the accompanying Petition from tho Chancellor and Members of the Council of the University of New Zealand to Her Majesty, to whose favourable consideration the Petition is recommended by Ministers. Ministers respectfully suggest that, in accordance with the desire of the petitioners, the accompanying documents, which give full information concerning the origin and present position of the New Zealand University, may be forwarded to England with their Memorial. Wellington, 22nd October, 1872. G. M. Waterhouse. (Sub-Enclosures sent home in original.)
Enclosure 2 in No. 6. Memorandum by Mr. AVaterhouse. His Excellency is respectfully advised to transmit to the Right Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies for submission to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, the accompanying Memorial to Her Majesty, praying th.at Her Majesty may be pleased to grant a Charter to the University of Otago.
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His Excellency's Ministers recommend this Memorial for the favourable consideration of Her Majesty, while expressing their desire that the granting of a Charter to one University may not be regarded as operating adversely to the granting of a similar privilege to any other University which may be established in New Zealand, with a standing of learning such as may bo approved by Her Majesty. Wellington, 17th October, 1872. G. M. Waterhouse. (Sub-Enclosures sent home in original.)
No. 7. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 92.) Government House Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 6th November, 1872. In my Despatch No. 86, of the 21st October ultimo, I reported the appointment to the Legislative Council of two Maori chiefs, with the object that the Native race may henceforward be represented in both Houses of the Colonial Legislature. It will be remembered that Maori Members, elected by their own countrymen, have sat in the House of Eepresentatives during the last four years ; and that, as I stated in my Despatch No. 79, of the 20th September ultimo, and on previous occasions, the experiment has proved a decided success. 2. It is now agreed by the leading public men of all parties, that the time has arrived when Maoris should be admitted also to the Executive Council. I have long been personally in favour of this course; and I have now, with the advice of my Ministers, appointed to the Executive Council two of the Maori Members of the House of Eepresentatives, viz.:—■ (a.) Wiremu Katene, a chief of the great Northern clan of the Ngapuhis; and (b.) Wiremu Earata, a chief of the powerful Southern clan of the Ngatiawas. 3. Both these chiefs are men of much ability, and of large influence among their countrymen. They are also good speakers, and have taken an active and intelligent part in the debates of the House to which they belong. They will be now in a still better position to give valuable advice and information on Native questions to the Government; while they will at the same time afford a ready and useful means of communication with the Native tribes. Moreover, there can be no doubt that the admission of Maoris to the Executive Council, as well as to both Houses of Barliament, will tend to increase the confidence and to confirm the loyalty of the Native race throughout the country, I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
No. 8. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 93.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 9th November, 1872. I have the honor to report that on the 30th October ultimo, telegrams were received at Wellington with London news of the 23rd of the same month. Thus the completion of the Submarine Telegraph between Java and Australia has placed this most distant, but most English, of the Frovinces of the Empire within a week, in point of time, of the United Kingdom. The steamers from Melbourne and Sydney will bring over regularly the latest telegrams from all parts of the world. 2. Broposals to connect Australia and New Zealand, which are about twelve hundred (1,200) miles apart, by a submarine cable, have already been discussed by the Colonial Barliament during the late Session, and will doubtless be again taken into consideration next year. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
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No. 9. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 94.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 13th" November, 1872. I have the honor to report that I lost no time in directing the attention of my Eesponsible Advisers to your Lordship's Circular Despatch of the 4th September ultimo, repecting the proposed arrangements for a new postal service with the Australasian Colonies on the termination of the present contract with the Eeninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company at the end of the year 1873. 2. I now transmit the enclosed Ministerial Memorandum, stating the views on this subject of the Government of New Zealand. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
Enclosure in No. 9. Memorandum by Mr. Vogel. The Postmaster-General has the honor to report upon the Circular Letter from the Earl of Kimberley, dated 4th September, 1872, and the enclosed copy of a letter from the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, containing proposals for a now postal service with the Australasian Colonies on the termination of the present contract with the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company at the end of the year 1873. His Excellency having requested that he might be informed of the views of the Government on their Lordships' proposals, — The Postmaster-General recommends that His Excellency should inform the Secretary of State that the New Zealand Government will willingly co-operate with the Governments of the other Colonies in order to endeavour to give effect to the proposals of the Lords of the Treasury. The Postmaster-General thinks it necessary to express the regret which the Government of New Zealand feel that support to the Californian Service —established and carried on by New Zealand at considerable cost and amidst great difficulties —is not promised in the letter of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. He supposes, however, that that letter was intended to deal more particularly with the question of the future service, via Suez ; and that the consideration of the support to be given by the Imperial Government to the Californian Service is still an open question. Julius Vogel. Wellington, llth November, 1872.
No. 10. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 97.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 16th November, 1872. In continuation of my Despatch No. 87, of the 26th October ultimo, I have now the honor to transmit the usual number of copies of the Acts passed during the Session for 1872 of the New Zealand Barliament, together with the customary synopsis or report from the Attorney-General. 2. Copies of all the Bapers laid before the Legislature have been forwarded by every monthly mail. The annual volumes, containing the Journals and other official documents, will be forwarded so soon as they are issued by the Government Brinter. 3. I send also by this opportunity further copies of the New Zealand Hansard to the end of the recent Session, in continuation of the numbers already transmitted. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN. Enclosure 1 in No. 10. (Copies of Acts.)
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Enclosure 2 in No. 10. Synopsis of the Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand in the Session of Parliament held in the year 1872. No. 1. The Imprest Supply Act authorizes an advance of £100,000 out of the Consolidated Fund by way of Imprest for the service of the year ending 30th June, 1873; and also a like advance of £30,000 out of the money raised under " The Defence and Other Purposes Loan Act, 1870," towards the service of the above-mentioned period. These moneys are to be charged in the manner expressed in the annual Appropriation Act of the Session appropriating these funds respectively. No. 2. The Clerk of Parliaments Act provides for the appointment of the present Clerk of the House of Representatives as Clerk of Parliaments, and regulates subsequent appointments. No. 3. The Wellington Patent Slip Act authorizes the Superintendent of the Province of AVellington to extend the time for erecting a Patent Slip in the harbour of Port Nicholson. No. 4. The Sharebrokers Act Amendment Act amends " The Sharebrokers Act, 1871," by making the fees payable on the issue of licenses to sharebrokers Provincial revenue. No. 5. The Auckland Waste Lands Act 1870 Amendment Act has been passed to amend a clerical error in the 25th and 26th sections of " The Auckland AVaste Lands Act, 1870." No. 6. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 2) authorizes an advance of £50,000 out of the Consolidated Fund towards the service of the year ending 30th June, 1873 ; and a like advance of £20,000 out of the moneys raised under "The Defence and Other Purposes Loan Act, 1870," towards tho service of the above period. These sums are in addition to the sums mentioned in " The Imprest Supply Act, 1872" (No. 1 of this Synopsis), and are to be charged iii like manner as therein mentioned. No. 7. The Greymouth Harbour Works Advance Validation Act authorizes an advance of £4,000 which the Government agreed to make to the Municipal Corporation of the Town of Greymouth in the County of Westland on the security of certain rates which the Corporation is authorized to levy. The security taken by the Government on agreeing to make the advance is validated by the Act. No. 8. The Interpretation Act Amendment Act has been passed to amend " The Interpretation Act of 1868," by requiring the Clerk of Parliaments, instead of the Clerk of the Executive Council, to insert in the Acts the day, &c, when the same shall have been assented to by the Governor in the name of Her Majesty ; or when any Act shall have been reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon, then the day, &c, that Her Majesty has assented to such Act. Such dates are to be part of the Act, and if no other date fixed, one to be the date of commencement. No. 9. The New Zealand Post Office Act Amendment Act has been passed to reduce the rate of postage on newspapers posted in the Colony for delivery there to one half-penny. No. 10. The Drawbacks Act has been passed to alter the Customs Regulations respecting drawbacks, and specifies the articles on which it is to be allowed. Provision is made as to the manner in which drawback is to be ascertained and paid ; and " The South Sea Islands Drawbacks Act, 1570," and certain provisions of the Customs Regulation Acts of 1858 and 1868, are repealed. Tho Act came into force Ist October, 1872. No. 11. The Oamaru Dock Trust Land Act authorizes tho grant and conveyance, by the Superintendent of the Province of Otago, of a piece of land therein mentioned, to the Oamaru Dock Trust, upon certain trusts. No. 12. The Telegraph Service of Notices Act provides for the service of notices and other documents by means of the Telegraph Department. The notices are to be served by Telegraph officers, and tho Governor in Council is empowered to make regulations as to the mode of service. No. 13. The Wellington City Reserves Act amends an Act passed in 1871, providing for dealing with certain reserves in the City of AVellington. The amending Act allows the Superintendent of the Province to convey or set apart certain parts of these reserves for collegiate purposes, for a signal station, and for a general hospital. Various amendments are made in the Act of 1871, and part of certain moneys derived thereunder are appropriated for other purposes than are mentioned in that Act. No. 14. The Protection of Animals Act amends the Acts for the like purpose passed in 1567 and 1868, and specifics the period of the year within which seals are to be hunted and killed. No. 15. The Gold Duties Act alters and amends the law relating to duties on gold; as from the Ist dfiy of January, 1873, the rate of duty is fixed at two shillings (25.) upon every ounce of the fineness of 20 carats and upwards, and so on in proportion for every ounce of less fineness. The duty imposed by " The Gold Duties Act, 1870," was 2s. 6d. per ounce for gold of the same degree of fineness. No. 16. The Stamp Duties Act Amendment Act amends the existing Stamp Acts. No duty is to be charged on deeds dedicating roads to public, nor when land is conveyed for a religious, charitable, or educational purpose. The duty on receipts is reduced from 2d. to Id., and on drafts, orders, and cheques a like reduction has been made. Certain incorporated companies are exempted from the annual license fee imposed by the Act of last year, and the Act contains general provisions amending the present Stamp Duties Act. No. 17. The Government Contractors Arbitration Act has been passed to provide for referring disputes occurring between Messrs. Brogden and Sons and tho Government to the arbitration of a Judge of the Supreme Court. No. 18. The Wellington Debts Act Amendment Act amends an Act passed last year. The present Act authorizes a sum of £75,000 to be raised instead of £85,000, and substitutes certain lands described in the Schedule for others mentioned in the Act of 1871. The contract made by the Government with the Emigrant and Colonists Aid Corporation is validated, and provision made for giving effect thereto. N«. 19. The Canterbury Public Domains Act provides that the Superintendent and Provincial Council may declare certain lands subject to the Act. The administration of these domains is vested in the Superintendent and Executive Council of the Province, and provision is made for the application of moneys and for making regulations and by-laws.
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No. 20. The Canterbury Ratepayers Rolls Revision Act provides a method of revising rates levied under Provincial Ordinances by Revising Commissioners to bo appointed by the Governor. The powers and duties of the Commissioners are defined by the Act. No. 21. The Railways Act amends the Act passed in IS7I, and authority is given for appropriating additional sums of money to the railways mentioned in the Second Schedule to the Act. The Act contains provisions amending previous Acts and giving effect to the terms thereof. No. 22. The Tramways Act has been passed to facilitate the construction of tramways throughout the Colony. Full provision is made for this purpose, and to regulate the working of the tramways throughout the Colony. The Act is in fact founded on the Imperial Tramways Act of 1870. No. 23. The Immigration and Public Works Act amends the previous Acts passed in 1870 and 1871, and provides for surveys of land required for railways, &c., and the acquisition of lands for railways. Amends mode of assessing compensation for lands taken, and provides as to conveyance thereof. Appropriates certain funds for roads in AVestlaud and Nelson Gold Fields, and provides for aiding waterworks on gold fields, and makes provision for the appointment of a Minister of Immigration. No. 24. The Payment to Provinces Act provides for annual payments to the Provinces, by way of special allowances, in a similar manner to that provided in an Act passed in IS7I with a like title. The Act is to be deemed to have come into force on Ist July last. No. 25. The Public Revenues Act amends the existing Revenue Acts. Provision is made for the appointment of Commissioners of Audit, consisting of the Comptroller of the Public Account and the Auditor-General. Money is not to be issued without Governor's warrant certified to by tho Commissioners. Certain parts of existing Acts are repealed, and provisions are made regulating tho keeping of a public banking account out of the Colony. The Act is to be deemed part of " The Public Revenues Act, 1867." No. 26. The Public Trust Office Act provides for the custody and management of certain property held in trust within the Colony. Provision is made for the appointment of a Public Trustee by the Governor, and the Act defines his duties and powers. A Board consisting of the Colonial Treasurer, the Government Annuities Commissioner, the Attorney-General, the Commissioners of Audit, and the Public Trustee, are invested with certain controlling powers in tho working of the Act. No. 27. The Resident Magistrates Act Amendment Act amends the existing Acts relating to Resident Magistrates' Courts. The costs of appeal to the Supreme Court are fixed, and enactments are made remedying defects in the present practice on Appeals. Other technical defects are remedied. No. 28. The Criminal Law Amendment Act contains provisions with respect to the statement of venue in indictments. What shall be deemed a sufficient statement of venue is defined. No. 29. The Trustees Powers Delegation Act 1869 Amendment Act has been passed to amend an Act passed in 1869. Trustees in the Colony, but about to leave same, may delegate their powers. The execution of certain powers of attorney prior to the Act of 1869 is declared valid. No. 30. The Commissioners Powers Act 1867 Amendment Act amends an Act passed in 1867 enabling Commissioners appointed by tho Governor in Council to take evidence on oath. It is provided that a witness shall not be liable to any penalty unless payment of expenses tendered. Tho distances witnesses are to bo required to travel when summoned, and provisions respecting the payment of their expenses, are declared by the Act. No. 81. Wardens Courts Proceedings Validation Act is an Act passed to validate the proceedings of Wardens' Courts held under the Guld Fields Acts in certain cases, and to indemnify the AVardens and Officers of such Courts from proceedings in respect of any illegality in the holding of such Courts. The causes which have rendered this Act necessary are fully explained in the preamble, and the particular defects there referred to are b} r this Act avoided for the future. No. 32. The Gold Fields Act Amendment Act more clearly defines the respective functions of the Wardens and Assessors in cases occurring under "The Gold Fields Act, 1866." Provision is made giving power to AVardens to restrain working of claims on appeals to higher Courts, and giving power to stay proceedings in certain cases. No. 33. The Mining Companies Act is an Act regulating the incorporation and management of Mining Companies, and all previous legislation on the subject is repealed, with a saving clause. No. 34. Tlie Limited Liability Joint Stock Companies Dissolution Act has been passed to provide a more speedy mode of dissolving Joint Stock Companies. Tho Registrar of the Supreme Court is empowered to declare a company dissolved in certain cases. No. 35. The Quartz Crushing Machines Regulation and Inspection Act empowers the Governor to make rules for licensing crushing machines, and compelling tho owners to keep true records of ore and mineral substances containing gold delivered to or purchased by such owners, or melted or retorted, &c. Also for compelling the persons delivering or selling such ore or mineral containing gold to any machine owner to furnish certain particulars respecting it; and also for requiring owners of machines and others to furnish accurate returns of work done by machines, for the inspection of machinery, and generally for giving effect to Act Penalties are inflicted for a breach of'the rules. No. 36. The Miners' Rights Extension Act authorizes tho holders of miners' rights issued in the Province of Nelson or the County of Westland to exercise the same within the gold fields proclaimed in either of these divisions of the Colony. No. 37. The Lands Clauses Consolidation Act Amendment Act amends a clerical error in " The Lands Clauses Consolidation Act Amendment Act, 1866," and provides that the costs of arbitrations under the original Act may be taxed. No. 38. The Highway Boards Act amends an Act of tho like title passed in 1871. Proviso to section 6 of that Act is amended, and all rates are to be levied upon the annual value of land and buildings, or upon their value for sale. 2—A. 1.
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No. 39. The Otago Waste Lands Act consolidates and amends the law relating to the sale, letting, and occupation of Waste Lands of the Crown in the Province of Otago. No. 40. The Nelson Waste Lands Act 1863 Amendment Act amends an Act relating to waste lands, passed in 1863. Provision is made by the amending Act for granting lands to persons constructing public works; and also contains special provisions respecting certain public works on the gold fields of the Province of Nelson. No. 41. The Nelson Crown Lands Leasing Act Amendment Act repeals a part of clause 4 of " The Nelson Crown Lands Leasing Act Amendment Act, 1871." No. 42. The Nelson Special Settlement Act provides for the setting apart of land in the Province of Nelson for the purpose of special settlement, and also provides for the sale of such land. No. 43. The Hawke's Bay Special Settlement Act provides for the sale of land in the Province of Hawke's Bay, on deferred payments, according to the mode and on the terms specified, aud for setting apart of land for special settlement therein. No. 44. The Hawke's Bay Native Lands Alienation Commission Act has been passed for the purpose of constituting a Commission to inquire into and report upon complaints relative to the alienation of Native lands in the Province of, Hawke's Bay. The Commissioners who are intrusted with this duty are named in the Act, and their powers and duties are defined therein. No. 45. The Gisborne Land Act Amendment Act provides that remission certificates granted to Volunteers under "The Volunteer Land Act, 1865," shall not be exercisable with respect to the lands mentioned in the Second Schedule to " The Gisborne Land Act, 1870." No. 46. The Southland Waste Lands Act Amendment Act amends an Act of the like title passed in 1565. The 20th section of that Act is repealed, and new provision made in lieu thereof, with respect to the sale of town lands. No. 47. The Taranaki Education Reserves Act 1871 Amendment Act amends the original' Act passed in 1871. It is declared that a certain parcel of land may be granted to the Superintendent by the Governor, to be dealt with as other waste lands of the Province of Taranaki, subject to a proviso as to the reservation often acres for a blockhouse. No. 48. The Taranaki New Zealand Company's Land Claims Act has been passed for the purpose of settling certain outstanding claims to grants of land under land orders issued by the New Zealand Company. The Governor is empowered to issue land orders to claimants for purchase of Crown lands, to the amounts to be fixed by arbitration, in certain districts of the Province of Taranaki. No. 49. The Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Act Amendment Act amends an Act passed in 1871, for the purpose of encouraging the planting of forest trees, by giving free grants of rural land in certain cases. The present Act provides that, instead of getting a grant of land, persons complying with tho provisions of these Acts shall receive land orders entitling the holders to select any rural land open for sale within the Province where the trees have been planted without payment, &c. No. 50. The Church of England Lands Buildings Leases Act amends certain Acts passed in 1858 and 1868 as to trust property vested in the Bishop of New Zealand, and also an Act passed in 1865, amending the then existing law as to Religious, Educational, and Charitable Trusts. The present Act repeals " The Church Lands Building Leases Act, 1871," and gives power to trustees of Church lands to lease the same for building purposes for any term not exceeding sixty years. No. 51. The Newmarket Reserve Disposal Act revokes a grant of land originally made to the W.irdens of the Hundred of Auckland for certain purposes, and makes provision for the disposal of such land for various public purposes. No. 52. The Hawke's Bay and Marlborough Rivers Acts Amendment Act amends certain Acts with like titles passed in 1868 and 1870. The present Act authorizes rates to be levied in a different manner from that provided by the former Acts, and amends the Acts referred to, in several particulars. No. 53. The Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Act has been passed to authorize Municipal Corporations to make their debentures payable in any of the Australian Colonies. Other amendments are made in the existing law as to the summary recovery of rates due where persons are about to quit their premises. No. 54. The Municipal Corporations Waterworks Act authorizes Municipal Corporations to construct waterworks for the supply of water, and to raise the money necessary for the works. No. 55. The Dunedin Gas and Waterworks Loan Act amends " The City of Dunedin Borrowing Act, 1871," and gives authority to the Municipal Corporation of the City of Dunedin to borrow money for the purpose of constructing gasworks and waterworks for the supply of the city. No. 56. The North Otago District Public Works Loan Act authorizes the Colonial Treasurer to raise a sum of £70,000 by the issue of debentures for the purpose of constructing certain works of public utility in the northern portion of the Province of Otago. The moneys borrowed, with the interest and charges, &c, are to be charged against the revenues of the Province of Otago. No. 57. The Otago Dock Trust Debt Act empowers the Otago Dock Board to raise an additional sum, not exceeding £10,000, for the purpose of completing the Dock at Port Chalmers. The money is to be secured on the rates, dues, and real estate of the Dock Board, subject to the provisions of the Act. No. 58. The Auckland Waterworks Act authorizes the Municipal Council of the City of Auckland to raise money for the purpose of constructing waterworks for the supply of the city with water. JTo. 59. The Auckland Improvement (Albert Barracks Reserves) Act provides for the improvement of the City of Auckland by laying out the Albert Barrack Military Reserves in Auckland in streets and places of recreation. "The Auckland Military Reserves Act, 1871," so far as it relates to the land described in the First Schedule to this Act, is repealed. The improvements provided for are to be carried out by Commissioners, whose powers and duties are defined, and they are authorized to raise money on mortgage for the purposes of the Act. The moneys raised are to be charged on the lands mentioned in the First Schedule to the Act.
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No. 60. The Auckland Mechanics Institute Site Sale Act authorizes the Governor to issue a Crown grant to the Superintendent of the Province of Auckland of a piece of land described in the Schedule to the Act, upon trust for the Auckland Mechanics Institute. This site is authorized to be sold under authority of the Provincial Legislature, and provision is made for the appropriation of tho proceeds of such sale. No. 61. The Auckland Temperance Hall Site Sale Act is somewhat similar iv its provisions to tho last mentioned Act with respect to another piece of land in the City of Auckland. The land is vested in the Superintendent upon trust for the Auckland Total Abstinence Society, but may be sold under the authority of an Act of the Province, and provision is made for the appropriation of the proceeds of sale. No. 62. The Nelson City Loan Act authorizes the Nelson City Board to raise £5,000 by debentures for the purpose of constructing sewers in Nelson. Provisions are made as to the repayment of the money borrowed. No. 63. The Lyttelton Harbour Works Loan Act enables the Superintendent of the Province of Canterbury to construct harbour works in the Harbour of Lyttelton. The amount authorized to be raised is not to exceed £100,000 in the whole, and may be raised on debentures. Provision is made for a sinking fund, and the debentures are to be a first charge on the dues and rates leviable in respect of the harbour works constructed. The Act is only to come into force when the Provincial Council of Canterbury passes a resolution by an absolute majority, requesting the Superintendent to issue a Proclamation for that purpose. No. 64. The Borough of Wanganui Borrowing Act allows the Corporation of the Borough of AVanganui to raise on debentures or otherwise any sum not exceeding £30,000, for the purpose of constructing gas works, water works and drainage works. The moneys borrowed are to be charged uj.on rates leviable by the Corporation, for which power is given to them. No. 65. The Wanganui Bridge and Wharf Act has been passed for the purpose of vesting the AVanganui Bridge and the Public Wharf at AVanganui, in the Province of Wellington, in the Mayor, Councillors, and Burgesses of the Borough of AVanganui, on payment by them to the Superintendent of Wellington of £20,000, as provided by the Act. To raise this money, the Corporation are empowered to issue debentures, and the principal and interest secured are to be charged on the bridge and wharf. Tho money to be paid to the Superintendent is to be spent on certain public works specified therein. No. 66. The Wanganui Hospital Act vests the management of the Wanganui Hospital and the property thereof in the Mayor, Councillors, and Burgesses of the Borough of Wanganui. The property of tho Hospital was vested in tho Superintendent of the Province of Wellington, and this Act empowers the Superintendent to convey the same to the Mayor, &c. The powers of the latter are defined, and provision is made for giving effect to the Act, which also repeals certain existing Provincial legislation on the subject. No. 67. The Wellington College Act is an Act which provides for the management of the Wellington College, and vests certain lands in the Governors of the College upon their appointment. The Governors are to be a body corporate, certain persons are Governors ex officio, two others are to be appointed by the Governor of the Colony, and three others by the Superintendent, being eight in all. They are to have the whole control and management of the College, and the lands and property thereof, with power to lease certain parts of the same. They are also to make regulations for the course of education in the College, and the discipline thereof. No. 68. The Health Act is a general Act amending the law relating to public health. It consists of 120 sections, and is divided into four parts. In Part 11., provision is made for the constitution of Central and Local Boards of Health, the respective powers and duties of which are defined. In Part 111., full provision is made with respect to Quarantine, and the Fourth Part contains provisions respecting Vaccination. Previous legislation on the subject is repealed. No. 69. The Superintendents of Marlborough Election Act, provides that after the death or resignation of the present Superintendent of the Province of Marlborough, or on expiration or dissolution of the Provincial Council, the succeeding Superintendent shall be elected in the mode provided by the Constitution Act of the Colony, and by " The Regulation of Elections Act, 1870," respecting the election of Superintendents, instead of in the mode provided by " The New Provinces Act, 1858." Marlborough is a Province established under the latter Act. No. 70. The Schafer, McGuire, and Others Pensions Act has been passed to provide annual pensions for certain persons mentioned in the Act. The reasons which have led to the granting of these pensions are set forth in the Preamble to the Act. No. 71. The Distillation Act Amendment Act provides that wine and spirit dealers licensed under the original Act passed in 1868 shall, as from the Ist of January, 1873, observe the requirements of the Provincial Ordinances regulating the sale of spirits, wine, or fermented liquors. No. 72. The Maori Representation Act Amendment and Continuance Act has been passed to continue an Act passed for like purposes in 1867, which expired this year. The Act is continued for five years longer, and powers are given to the Governor to alter or vary the boundaries of the electoral districts in certain cases. No. 73. The Privileges Act 1866 Amendment Act amends an Act passed in 1866. The amending Act provides that members of the Assembly may obtain adjournment of civil proceedings against them in certain cases. No. 74. The Appropriation Act is the annual appropriation of the Consolidated Fund and other moneys to the service of the year ending 30th June, 1873, and appropriating the supplies granted to Her Majesty. Local and Personal Acts. No. 1. The Coromandel Tunnel Company's Act provides for the construction of a tunnel through the Tokatea Range at Coromandel, in the Province of Auckland. The rights of certain persons in
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whom was vested the right to make this tunnel is by the Act vested in the Company, with all the liabilities and privileges of the promoters, as mentioned in a deed made between them and the Superintendent of the Province of Auckland, which is set out in the Act. No. 2. The Nelson City Gas Act Amendment Act gives power to the Superintendent of the Province to change the site for the erection of gasworks authorized by an Act passed in 1871 for the site mentioned in this Act. No. 3. The North Dunedin Cemetery Act appropriates a certain part of land known as the Town Belt of the City of Dunedin for tho purpose of a public cemetery, and may set apart portion thereof for each religious denomination, and generally may make regulations for giving effect to the Act.
No. 11. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, C.G.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 98.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 16th November, 1872. I have the honor to transmit herewith a letter from the Speaker of the Legislative Council, forwarding protests by certain members of that House upon the passing of the Bill entitled " The Eailways Act, 1872," of which copies are sent by this month's mail with my Despatch No. 97. 2. At the request of my Eesponsible Advisers, I forward a Ministerial Memorandum on this question. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. E. BOWEN.
Enclosure 1 in No. 11. The Hon. Major Richardson to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. Sub,— Legislative Council, Wellington, 21th October, 1872. I have the honor to forward to your Excellency, for transmission to Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, in accordance with Standing Order of the Legislative Council No. 311, tho enclosed protest by certain lion. Members of the Council upon the passing of the Bill intituled "The Railways Act, 1872." I have, Ac, J. L. C. Richardson, His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. Speaker. (For Enclosure, vide Journals of the Legislative Council, 1872, page 187.)
Enclosure 2 in No. 11. Memorandum by Mr. AVaterhouse. Ministers have no other remark to make on the protest of certain Members of the Legislative Council to the Railways Act than that the Act itself contains no new principles and authorizes no new works. It simply places the Government in the position for completing these works in which the Parliament of the previous Session failed to place them, owing to the ascertained inefficiency of the appropriation then made, owing to the rise in the price of railway material and other causes. In the House of Representatives, the Bill was unopposed at the second reading, and, indeed, in tho representative branch of the Legislature passed through all its stages without a division. Wellington, 10th November, 1872. G. M. AVaterhouse.
No. 12. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 99.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord,— New Zealand, 16th November, 1872. Adverting to your Lordship's Circular Despatch, of the 19th April ultimo, concerning intercolonial reciprocity, and to previous correspondence on the same subject, I have the honor, at the request of my Eesponsible Advisers, to
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transmit herewith a Ministerial Minute by Mr. Waterhouse, covering a Memorandum by Mr. Julius Vogcl, C.M.G., the Colonial Treasurer of New Zealand. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimbeiiey. G. E. BOWEN.
Enclosure in No. 12. Memorandum by Mr. WiTERnorsE. Ministebs present to His Excellency for transmission to the Secretary of State, the accompanying Memorandum by the Colonial Treasurer on the Despatch from the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State on the subject of Intercolonial Reciprocity. The memorandum represents the views of Ministers. Wellington, 16th November, 1872. Gr. M. Watebhouse. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 12. Memoeandum on a Circular Despatch from tho Eight Hon. the Seceetaby of State for the Colonies on Intercolonial Eeciprocity. The Colonial Treasurer has given careful consideration to the Earl of Kimberley's Despatch, dated 19th April, 1S72, on the subject of Intercolonial Eeciprocity. Though the long correspondence on the subject has rendered inoperative the Bill passed by the New Zealand Legislature, the passage of which, in some degree, led to that correspondence, yet the Colony has no reason to complain ; since it is evident, throughout the communications of the Secretary of State, that his objections have been urged in a spirit in no sense hostile to the Colonies, but, on the contrary, in one of anxiety to do justice to all parts of the Empire. Whether or not the Colonies agree with the Secretary of State, they cannot fail to recognize the conciliatory manner in which he has dealt with the question. The Colonial Treasurer proposes to confine himself as far as possible to comments upon those portions of the present Despatch which refer to his previous Memorandum. The Secretary of State, in his Despatch of July 13th, 1871, admitted the precedent of the British North American Provinces in favour of Intercolonial reciprocity, but qualified the admission by contending that the precedent applied to exceptional conditions, and that its operation was very limited. Similarly, in the Despatch now under consideration, Lord Kimberley admits that the precedents " are to a certain extent in point," and goes on to observe that tho application of the precedent "is exceedingly limited." This point underlies the whole contention of the Colonial Treasurer, and it involves a question rather of fact than of argument. In the previous Memorandum, it was pointed out at some length that the precedent of the British American Provinces went beyond the limited operation claimed by Lord Kimberley, and, indeed, that it went beyond that for which the Australasian Colonies were asking. In support of the application of the British American precedent, the following points were relied on :— 1. That one of tho first acts of the Legislature of the Dominion of Canada was to pass such a measure as the Australasian Colonies desire to have the power to pass. 2. That the provisions in respect to reciprocity were similar to those which were in an Act of 18G6, before the Dominion was constituted ; that that Act was a reproduction of a furmer Act; and, therefore, that the legislation was not new. 3. That Lord Kimberley, in stating "that it (the Dominion Act) was passed in the expectation " that, at no distant date, the other possessions of Her Mnjesty in North America would become part " of the Dominion," and that " tho assent of Her Majesty, given to a measure passed in circumstances " so peculiar, cannot form a precedent of universal and necessary application," virtually admitted that the Dominion Act was assented to not because of any omission to reconsider the expediency of former legislation, but, on the contrary, because the legislation was approved of in the expectation that the consolidation of Her Majesty's possessions in British America would be completed; that, therefore, the Australasian Colonies could not only appeal to the precedent as one of long standing, but also could appeal to it on the ground that it was recognized as compatible with, if not leading to, that very union which it is known the Secretary of State would highly approve of, iu the case of the Australasian Colonies. 4. That it was singular " Lord Kimberley should give twe instances only of British American " legislation of the kind, and that he should assign to that legislation the character of ' dealing with a " ' limited list of raw materials and produce not imported to these Colonies from Europe.' There are other " Acts of the British American Provinces of a similar nature, but which leave to the Governor in Council " to determine the articles to be admitted. Indeed, it is difficult to understand on what grounds Lord " Kimberley considers the two clauses which he quotes from the Newfoundland Act to have the " character he assigns to them. The clause quoted from the Prince Edward Island Act professes to " deal with 'raw materials and produce,' but includes several manufactures. The clauses from the " Newfoundland Act do not even profess to exclude manufactures from the list; and the first of those " clauses, instead of not dealing with goods imported from Europe, proceeds to the length of exempting " from duties the articles mentioned, being ' the growth, produce, or manufacture of the United " Kingdom.' " 5. That tho British American Acts " contain not only a discretionary power to admit colonial " articles free, but also to admit, under similar conditions, articles from the United States." These allegations are in no way denied by Lord Kimberley, and, indeed, they are undeniably correct; but his Lordship fails to recognize that they cut at the root of some of the reasons he urges. It seems to the Colonial Treasurer that one of Lord Kimberley's objections to granting the requests of the Colonies has, throughout the correspondence, been, that to do so would invite vast changes in
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the relations of different parts of the Empire. He hints that in the United Kingdom the desire of the Colonies may be regarded as one unfriendly to Imperial interests ; that it would lead to tho necessity of adopting a particular course with future commercial treaties; and he says that Her Majesty's Government, " before so serious a step is taken, would ask the Colonists gravely to consider " the probable effects of a measure which might tend materially to affect the relations of the Colonies to " this country and to the rest of the Empire." These apprehensions are disposed of, when it is said that all that is asked is to place the Australasian Colonies in the same position as those of British America. By an accident, probably (because tho stipulation is differently worded in the case of New Zealand, and an alteration in the New Zealand Constitution Act is not necessary), words were inserted in tho Constitution Acts of some of tho Colonies, which prevent those Colonies entering into reciprocal Customs arrangements. Those words require to bo altered; and if the alteration were made, the Australasian Colonies would still have less powers than the British American Provinces have exercised for many years. But no momentous consequences have arisen from the powers exercised by the British American Provinces. It is not pretended that the exercise of those powers has retarded the progress of British America, or imperiled or injuriously affected the relations between different parts of the Empire. The Australasian Colonies ask for nothing new. They desire nothing which is not sanctioned by precedent: they wish only to know why they, more isolated than the British American Provinces, may not be allowed to make those convenient Tariff arrangements which are suitable to their condition as a group of Colonies far distant from other countries and from other parts of tho Empire. All that is asked has been granted to Canada: why should a different result follow the application of the Australasian Colonies? It would be intelligible if it were alleged that Great Britain has changed her policy ; but why predict consequences that have not arisen in the past ? Existing Treaties, it> is admitted, interpose no obstacle : why need they, in future ? If, as appears to be assumed, it is chance rather than design that has prevented existing Treaties interposing obstacles to the present proposal, surely when the conditions are more clearly understood, it is not likely that mistakes will be made in future Treaties from which accident has saved those of the past. AVhen Lord Kimberley denies the full application of the British-American precedent, his Lordship, it is submitted, fails to recollect that precisely similar questions of theory were raised in respect of the policy of those Provinces, but that the Imperial Government again and again decided not to allow theoretical objections to override obviously practical considerations. The Colonial Treasurer, in referring to the history of the question, is under the disadvantage of not having access to the whole correspondence, which extended over many years. It seems to have been admitted between the Imperial Government and the British American Governments, that the question of reciprocity was to be considered in two phases, the one as between the different Provinces themselves, and the other as between those Provinces and foreign countries. As far as the Colonial Treasurer is able to ascertain, theoretical objections were from time to time urged against the operation of reciprocal agreements, whilst the wannest possible assistance was rendered in order to bring them about. The Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for Trade were in the habit of reporting, in more or less decided terms, against such arrangements; the Canadian Government replied to the objections; and the Imperial Government accepted the Canadian view, sometimes warmly, sometimes under a species of protest. In 1850, the Canadian Legislature passed an Act empowering the Governor in Council to admit into Canada, free of duty, the products of any of the British American possessions. The then Secretary of State for the Colonies, Earl Grey, though he called attention to its provisions, did not disallow it. Various Acts of the same nature were passed, until, in 1860, it was proposed to much extend the conditions of interchange. The Board of Trade interposed an objection ; the Finance Minister of Canada replied, in a report which was adopted by the Executive Council of Canada; and after some consideration, the Duke of Newcastle intimated that Her Majesty's Government had no wish to offer " an obstacle " to any endeavour which might be made by the respective Provincial Governments to bring about a free " commercial intercourse between the North American Provinces." Nearly seven years afterwards, on the occasion of a similar Act being again passed, the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos sent out another remonstrance from the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for Trade, to which another rejoinder was made ; and no further objection appears to have been offered. A similar controversy was proceeding during the same period, concerning the principle of reciprocal arrangements between the Provinces and the United States. In this case, also, theoretical objections were from time to time stated —it could be hardly said they were urged ; but, on the other hand, the warmest aid was given towards effecting such arrangements. The Colonial Treasurer appends a Report of Sir John Rose, Minister of Finance of the Dominion, which, although marked confidential, has already elsewhere been published, in which that gentleman traces the history of the o^cstion as between the Imperial and Provincial Governments. It appears by that document, that so long ago as 1819, Lord Palmerston instructed Sir Henry Bulwer, " that Her Majesty's Government regard it as of the very highest importance, both com- " mercially and politically, that free admission to the market of the United States should be obtained " for those articles which are enumerated in an Act passed in the last Session of the Canadian Parlia- " ment, of which I enclose a copy for your information." The anxiety of the Imperial Government to arrange the Reciprocity Treaty with America is a matter of history, as is also the regret which was felt at its abrogation. When it became known that the Reciprocity Treaty was to be abrogated, the Confederate Council of Trade held a meeting at Quebec, in September, 18G5, at which the following resolution was passed: —"That, in the opinion of this Council, it would be highly desirable that application " be made to Her Majesty's Imperial Government, requesting that steps be taken to enable the British " North American Provinces to open communications with the West India Islands, with Spain and her " Colonies, and with Brazil and Mexico, for the purpose of ascertaining in what manner the traffic of the " Provinces with these countries could be extended, and placed on a more advantageous footing." The Secretary of State for the Colonies, Mr. Cardwell, cordially approved the suggestion, and promised that Her Majesty's Government would " support it by all the means in their power." Even the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for Trade expressed their approval of the proposed step, although, as was to be anticipated, they drew attention to possible difficulties that might arise from it. The
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Commissioners appointed had every facility granted to them by Her Majesty's Government; a man-of-war was placed at the command of some of their number. The offers these gentlemen made —under instructions received from the Minister of Finance of Canada, and approved by Her Majesty's Government —in the various parts of the world to which they extended their travels, were in the direction of reciprocal arrangements for the remission of Customs duties. These proposals were made not only to the Britisli West Indian Colonies, but to the Spanish "West Indian Dependencies, and to the Imperial Government of Brazil. That the Commissioners were not disinclined to make exceptional and specific arrangements, may be gathered from the following proposal, made in Cuba to the Intendente, the Count De Toledo : —" 1 venture to suggest to your Excellency, that it would be an important step in " this direction, if the Spanish Government would sanction some considerable reduction in the rates of " duty-—say on grain, flour, meal, provisions, fiish, lumber, and other productions—provided they be im- " ported from British North America, in vessels sailing under the flag of Spain." It is surely unnecessary further to urge that the Imperial Government have shown as much alacrity to aid the British American Provinces to form reciprocal alliances, as they have shown a contrary disposition in respect to the Australasian Colonies. Yet there are many records of opinion that these reciprocal arrangements were vastly beneficial to the North American Provinces; and it is in point to add, that those Imperial officers in the Australasian Colonies whose opinions are recorded, strongly recommend that the Colonies should have conceded to them the powers for which they ask. Thus the Earl of Belmore epigrammatically diposed of the objections which had been raised, when he wrote, " I am sure the true policy with regard to Australia, so far as the law permits of it, is to do everything to bring its various divisions closer together, even at the expense of a certain amount of economic theory." Governor Dv Cane has personally supported in cogent terms the representations of his Responsible Advisers on the subject. Of late, some of the Australian Colonies have narrowed their demands to a power to make reciprocal arrangements amongst themselves. But in October, lSb'B, the then Premier of New Zealand, Mr. Stafford, invited the Australian Colonies to agree to a Conference, to consider, amongst other subjects, a resolution of the House of Representatives, moved by the present writer, recommending that steps should be taken to ascertain the position of the Colony in relation to Commercial Treaties between Great Britain and Foreign Powers, and especially that authority should be sought to enable New Zealand, in connection with the Australian Colonies, to negotiate with the United States for the free admission into that country of wool, the product of the several Colonies. That invitation was favourably received by all the Colonies, although the Conference was not held, owing to an agreement not being arrived at as to the time of meeting. Resolutions were, however, in January 1870, agreed to by the Representatives of New South Wales and New Zealand, one of which was to the effect that the respective Governments should " address an earnest representation to the Secretary of State for the " Colonies, respecting the disadvantages under which the Australasian Colonies labour, in regard to the " doubts which exist as to their power to make mutual arrangements for the interchange, duty free, of " their several products and manufactures, as also in respect of the doubts which exist as to their powers " to enter into Conventions with foreign countries ; to point out that Canada for a lengthened period has " been placed on a more favourable footing; to urge that all doubts as to the right to exercise such " powers be removed; and that, in entering into arrangements with foreign countries, tho Imperial " Government should aid the Colonies. That such aid should be immediately granted in respect to " endeavouring to negotiate with the United States for the introduction into that country, duty free, " of wool, the product of the Australasian Colonies." The Colonial Treasurer does not urge that arrangements between the Colonies and foreign countries should necessarily be made by the Colonies. It would be more in consonance with an Imperial policy that such Treaties should be made for the Colonies at their desire, by the Imperial Government. Mr. Hammond, of the Foreign Office, in a letter dated November, 1865, to the Under Secretary of the Colonies, laid down an apparently very convenient mode by which such Treaties might be arranged. A copy of the letter is appended. In some way, the want of arrangements of the kind must shortly be recognized. The Imperial Government have declined to accept the cession of the Fiji group, and of other groups of islands in the Pacific. The consequence is, that, more or less near to the Australasian Colonies, foreign possessions are continuing to increase ; whilst concurrently the trade between them and the Australasian Colonies is also increasing. Thus, there are already the Fiji Islands, a jutm-independent kingdom, and the Navigator group, likely to become a United States dependency ; and of older standing, there are the French Colonies of New Caledonia and Tahiti, the independent kingdom of Hawaii, and the Dutch dependencies of Java and New Guinea. The necessity must, sooner or later, arise of regulating the relations between these countries and their Australasian neighbours; and it must be decided whether the Colonies are to act for themselves, or whether the Imperial Government is to act for them. To return to the question of simple Intercolonial Reciprocity. Lord Kimberley seems to ridicule the idea of a Customs Union comprising the whole Empire, when he writes —" It may perhaps be " thought that if it has been found impossible for adjacent communities, such as those of Australia, to " come to an agreement for a common system of Customs Duties, it is scarcely worth while to consider " the possibility of so vast a scheme as the combination of all parts of the British Empire, scattered " over the whole globe, under such widely-varying conditions of every kind, into one Customs Union." In fairness to himself, the Colonial Treasurer must point out, that Lord Kimberley scarcely does justice to the suggestions on which he comments ; and that it is hardly accurate to say that it has been found impossible for adjacent communities, such as those of Australia, to arrive at an agreement for a common system of Customs Duties. Those communities have desired to arrive at such an agreement; but the opportunity has been denied them by the Imperial Government —that is to say, the Imperial Government have refused to allow them to make reciprocal arrangements. The Colonial Treasurer is surprised that suggestions such as those made by him are considered extravagant, since the theory involved in those suggestions has been enunciated by one who was recently Her Majesty's Prime Minister, Mr. Disraeli. The Colonial Treasurer wrote —" If Great Britain wore to confederate her
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" Empire, it might and probably would be a condition, that throughout the Empire there should be a " free exchange of goods. The arguments in favour of a Customs Union between Colonies have as " much force in their application to a wider union, embracing the whole Empire." Again, " The " Colonial Treasurer submits that these questions really raise the issue, whether, iv tho original Con- " stitutions granted to them, the Colonies should have been allowed so much discretion as to fixing " their own Tariffs ; and, if this be the issue, the Treasurer admits that much may be said against the " discretion which has been granted In short, Great Britain must logically do one of two " things—either leave the Colonies unfettered discretion ; or —if she is to regulate Tariffs or reciprocal " Tariff arrangements, or to make Treaties affecting the Colonies —give to the Colonies representation "in matters affecting the Empire." Six months after the Colonial Treasurer's Memorandum was written, and within a few weeks of the date of Lord Kimberley's Despatch, Mr. Disraeli, speaking at a meeting of the National Union of Conservative and' Constitutional Associations, is reported to have said, '" I cannot conceive how our distant Colonies can have their affairs administered except by solf- " government; but, when self-government was conceded, it ought, in my opinion, to have been con- " ceded as part and parcel of a great Imperial Consolidation —it ought to have been accompanied by "an Imperial Tariff. .... It ought further to have been accompanied by the institution of " some Representative Council in the metropolis, which would have brought the Colonies into constant " and continuous relations with the Home Government In my opinion, no Minister of " this country will do his duty who neglects any opportunity of reconstructing as much as possible our " Colonial Empire, and of responding to those distant sympathies which may become the source of " incalculable strength and happiness to this land." The Colonial Treasurer is content to think that he did not mean anything more extravagant th.au was propounded by Mr. Disraeli on the occasion referred to. Lord Kimberley states —" Tho New Zealand Government seem not to have perceived tho differ- " ence in principle between tho formation of a Customs Union and tho conclusion of reciprocity " agreements. Tho Colonial Treasurer, in his former Memorandum, did not desire to assert that the principle of a Customs Uuion was the same as that of reciprocity agreements; but he wished to suggest that the power to make reciprocal arrangements might lead to the Customs Union which it is believed the Secretary of States desires. The Treasurer is unable to see how this can be questioned. There cannot be a Customs Union of the Australasian Colonies until it has been agreed what Tariff will be for their advantage, severally and collectively, or until Great Britain gives to them an Imperial Tariff. The latter, Lord Kimberley does not approve, and he questions the policy of giving to the Colonies a status which would enable them to enter into arrangements for a common Tariff. Had they the power to make reciprocal arrangements, a Tariff might bo built up by common consent — which would amount to a Customs Union, requiring for its completion a final ratification only. But whilst the Colonies are prevented making reciprocal arrangements, there is little probability of their arriving at a common Tariff. Lord Kimberley considers that the desire of the Colonies to enter into reciprocal arrangements amounts to setting up a claim " to treat tho United Kingdom itself as a foreign community, by " imposing differential duties in favour of other parts of the Empire, as against British produce." If the Secretary of Siate is entitled to consider in such a light reciprocal arrangements which the Colonies might make, he would be entitled to attach the same significance to a Customs Union of tho Colonies ; for the effect of a Customs Union, through the free interchange of goods, would be to give to different parts of the Empire — id est, to separate Colonies —an interchange of goods free of duty, whilst the same goods from other parts of the Empire would be subject to duty. It is difficult to understand why it should be supposed that such an effect would be hostile to Great Britain if it resulted from reciprocal arrangements between Colonies, whilst it would not partake of such a character if it resulted from the operation of a Customs Uuion, unless it were contemplated that tho Customs Union should be the precursor of throwing oft* the Colonies from the Empire. Upon no other supposition is it conceivable that more serious disadvantage to Great Britain could flow from reciprocal arrangements between tho Colonies than from a Customs Union. It is clear that the proposition is not a novel one ; and it can only be considered as prejudicial to the interests of the Empire, by the light of the altered policy of the Imperial country towards the Colonies. Of late years, the disintegration of the Empire has been officially treated as a possible contingency. While such a contingency is admitted, all questions between the Colonies and the Imperial country are liable to be discussed under embarrassing conditions; but if, as was the case a few years ago, no possibility of the kind was contemplated, it could not now be urged that the consideration of the means best calculated to promote the trade of the Colonies had a greater significance, or one more hostile to the Empire, than the same policy had at a period when it was warmly espoused by the Imperial Government. The change, in short, is not with the Colonies, but with those who imperially govern them. In reply to the suggestion that reciprocal arrangements would partake more of the nature of protection than would a Customs Union, the Colonial Treasurer has already pointed out, that the absence of the power to make such arrangements has led to the adoption in the Colonies of Tariffs which are not only protective but retaliatory. As pointed out by Mr. Dv Cane, in his Despatch of the 29th September, 1871, the choice lies " between a system of protection pure and simple, maintained " by each Colony against its neighbours, and a system of protection modified by Reciprocity Con- " vention," and which might ultimately result in " tho establishment of a commercial union of the " Australias and New Zealand on the basis of a common tariff." Lord Kimberley's principal objection, apparently, to giving power to the Colonies to make reciprocal arrangements is that it might be used for protective purposes; and it is not clear that he docs not consider that it is in the very nature of such arrangements that they should be antagonistic to the principles of free trade. It is right, therefore, that the Colonial Treasurer should state that his former Memorandum was adopted by the then Government of New Zealand, most of the members of which were opponents of the doctrines of protection. If it really be that the disinclination to grant to the Colonies the power of making reciprocal arrangements arises out of a desire to indoctrinate the Colonies with the free-trade ideas of Great Britain, too much stress cannot be laid upon the
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observation of the Chief Secretary of Victoria, in his Memorandum of October 7th, 1871, that "No " attempt can be more hopeless than to induce free self-governed States to adopt exactly the same " opinions on such questions as free-trade and protection which the people of England happen to " entertain at that precise moment." Great Britain has, at various times, adopted different fiscal policies, in accordance with what seemed to her rulers suitable to the circumstances of the country; and there are not wanting persons who fail to see that there is any greater guarantee against modifications of the present free trade policy, than there was against the reversal of the policy of protection which at one time had an equal hold upon the minds of the people of the United Kingdom. When it is asserted, on behalf of Great Britain, that free trade is the only wise policy, it can hardly fail to be remembered that free-trade doctrines have made very little progress in other countries. And when Lord Kimberley urges as an argument against granting to the Colonies the powers they require, that a suspicion that they mean to resort, under those powers, to a protective policy, is likely to foster an unfriendly feeling between them and Great Britain, the thought naturally suggests itself, that if agreement with Great Britain's fiscal policy is necessary to the maintenance of friendly relations with her, there is scarcely a colony or country in the world with which she can be said to be on friendly .terms. The Colonial Treasurer shares with Lord Kimberley the desire that the Colonies should avoid doing anything calculated to alienate from them the cordial feelings of friendship entertained by the people of the United Kingdom; but he cannot understand how any such result is likely to follow from reciprocal arrangements between the Colonies. Possibly, a few persons interested in manufactures might feel aggrieved by one or two items of the Tariffs which would result from such arrangements ; but the great bulk of the people of the United Kingdom would surely not judge the Colonies by any such standard. It is within the knowledge of the great- mass of tho people of the United Kingdom, that it is the desire of the Colonial Governments to promote the prosperity of the Colonists ; and that they are anxious to secure as Colonists an unlimited number of the inhabitants of the United Kingdom. AVhatever direction the legislation of the Colonies may take, that legislation is not intended more for the benefit of the present Colonists than for the benefit of those who may come to the Colony from the United Kingdom, and who, as Colonists, would be eagerly welcomed. It would be an injustice to the good feeling of the great mass of the people of the United Kingdom, to suppose that they would resent as unfriendly the honest desire of the Colonists to guide their legislation in the direction which they believe best calculated to promote the welfare of the Colonies, and—through the interests which the Imperial country has in tho Colonies —the welfare of the Empire. It, is indeed, difficult to realise why the people of the United Kingdom should be alienated by the Australasian Colonies asking for only that which the British American Provinces already possess ; or because of the Australasian Colonists holding opinions which are held by those of British North America, and which have been held by the people of the United Kingdom. The question really seems to narrow itself to this —Should the theories of a comparatively modern school of economy outweigh the teachings of actual experience in the Colonies, backed by the recommendations of able practical men, including amongst their number officers in the Imperial service ? A brief resume of the case, so far as it relates to New Zealand and the Australian Colonies, will, the Colonial Treasurer believes, convince the Secretary of State that whilst the Colonies have been patient and respectful in their demands, they are not likely to recall them. It is some years since it was first felt by the Colonies that it was desirable there should be an interchange of Colonial productions. That feeling did not arise in connection with any commodity which Great Britain could, or can, supply. It arose principally in respect to the excellent wines which Australia produces; and as to which the people of New Zealand and Tasmania felt it a great hardship that a supply should be denied them, except upon payment of the same rate of import duty as was demanded upon wines the produce of far-distant and foreign countries. AVhen the question was looked into, it was found that the Consti-ututioii Acts of the several Australian Colonies expressly prohibited the imposition of differential duties, whilst the Constitution Act of New Zealand merely prohibited the imposition of any duties inconsistent with Her Majesty's treaty obligations. It seems probable that the different scope of the enactments in question was tho result of accident; and that, iv each case, what was meant was merely to prohibit Colonial legislation inconsistent with Her Majesty's treaty engagements. This supposition is borne out by the fact that the first opposition to the Colonies making reciprocal arrangements was based upon the ground that such arrangements would be opposed to some of the conditions of Treaties between Great Britain and foreign countries. The Legislature of New Zealand, holding strongly that there would not be such opposition, passed a Reciprocity Bill, which was reserved by the Governor for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure. Upon careful inquiry, it was found that tho view taken by New Zealand was correct; that the reserved Bill did not contain anything in conflict with tho foreign Treaties of Great Britain ; and, therefore, that legally, so far as New Zealand was concerned, there was no obstacle in the way of the desired legislation. But, inasmuch as a Colony cannot reciprocate with itself, New Zealand's legislation was necessarily fruitless, unless other Colonies were relieved of their disabilities. The question therefore is—Whether the Australian Colonies shall bo shut out from powers which New Zealand possesses, which the British American Provinces have for a long time exercised, and which, it is to be assumed, the Australian Colonies did not receive through their Constitution Acts, only because somebody supposed that such legislation would conflict with Imperial Treaty obligations, which supposition, after careful investigation, has been found not to be warranted ? Iv another form, the question is—Whether, on account of a new Imperial! policy, an accidental disability affecting only some of the Colonies, shall be continued and confirmed, to the injury of them .all? A new policy has not grown up in the Colonies. They are as loyal and true to the Empire as when their Constitution Acts were granted ; and the powers they all seek are asked for in a spirit which is in no sense hostile to the Empire, and which has not grown out of any feeling which can be construed into evidence of a desire to weaken the connection, or render less friendly the relations, between the Colonies and the Mother Country. Wellington, 15th November, 1872. Julius Arogel. 3—A. 1.
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APPENDIX. I. Sir, — Foreign Office, llth November, 1865. I have laid before the Earl of Clarendon your letter of the 7th instant and its enclosures, relative to the measures proposed by the Government of Canada for the extension of the commercial relations of the British North American Provinces with the British and Spanish West Indies, and with Mexico, Brazil, and other countries, and I am to request that you will state to Mr. Secretary Cardwell that his Lordship concludes that, as regards foreign countries, the agents who may be sent from the British North American Colonies will not assume any independent character, or attempt to negotiate and conclude arrangements with the Governments of foreign countries, but will only, as proposed by tho seventh resolution of the Confederate Council on Commercial Treaties as regards negotiations with the United States, enclosed in Lord Monck's Despatch No. 185, of the 23rd of September, be authorized to confer with the British Minister in each foreign country, and to afford him information with respect to the interests of the British North American Provinces. A similar process has been adopted in various negotiations for commercial treaties in which Her Majesty's Government have recently been engaged with foreign Powers; and Lord Clarendon, on receiving from Mr. Cardwell copies of the instructions given to the Colonial delegates, will be ready to authorize Her Majesty's Minister at Madrid as regards the Spanish West Indies, and Her Majesty's Ministers on the continent of America, to communicate with these Colonial delegates, and, in the first instance, to assist them in their inquiries as to what openings there may be for extending the trade of the British Colonies, and afterwards to ascertain how far any overtures for that object would be likely to be well received by the Government to which those Ministers are accredited. Having thus obtained grounds for further proceedings, Her Majesty's Government might in the next place consider, in communication with the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for Trade, how far any proposals might be made to foreign countries in behalf of the Colonies, consistently with the general Treaty engagements of the British Crown ; and, this point being satisfactorily ascertained, instructions might be framed in this country for Her Majesty's Ministers in the countries in question, and full powers issued to them by Her Majesty, under which they would endeavour to bring into the shape of international engagements such arrangements as might be ultimately considered acceptable, not only to the Colonies themselves, but also to the foreign Powers with whom they were contracted. I have, &c, The Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office. E. Hammond. 11. (Confidential.) The Minister of Finance, to whom has been referred the Despatch of His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, under date 24th July, 1868, transmitting a copy of a letter from the Lords of the Committee of the Privy Council for Trade, on the subject of the admission of certain articles (under the provision of the recent Customs Act of the Dominion of Canada) duty free, from the British American Provinces not included in the Dominion, and on the power reserved by the same Act to admit the like articles, when the growth and product of the United States, either duty free or on reciprocal terms, so soon as the United States shall provide for the importation thereof on corresponding terms into the United States —has the honor to report -.— The first of these objects has been already fully discussed by the undersigned, in a report which he had the honor of laying before, and which was approved of by His Excellency in Council, on the 13th January last. It is believed that the special circumstances which are set forth in that report, and the important political considerations which are involved, fully outweigh any objections which may be taken to the theoretical sanction given to the imposition of discriminating duties on the articles in question. My Lords, while reiterating the views expressed by them on former occasions, on economical grounds, admit that the provisions in question are consistent with the policy heretofore pursued by the North American Provinces; and as His Grace the Colonial Secretary intimates that he is not prepared to object to that policy, this portion of the Despatch would not seem to call for further observation. The second point, as stated by His Grace, —viz., " The exclusive favour which substantially, or at " all events apparently, might be conferred on the United States, if the clause providing for the admis- " sion of certain products of that country, in the event of certain contingencies, should come into "operation," and which His Grace is pleased to say "he fears could not be acceded to," —raises a question of such deep import to the people of this Dominion that the undersigned deems it his duty to advert to the course which has hitherto been pursued by Her Majesty's Government with reference to it, in the conviction that further consideration will lead His Grace to withdraw the objections which by anticipation have been advanced. The peculiar position in which Canada and the" United States stand to each other, makes it for their mutual interest to exchange certain articles on reciprocal terms. The truth of this proposition has never been denied by Her Majesty's Government; but, on the contrary, their influence has been invariably exercised in furtherance of such reciprocal arrangements. As early as 1848, Mr. Crampton, Her Majesty's Representative at Washington, was instructed by Lord Palmerston to urge on the American Government the establishment of reciprocal free trade in natural products between Canada and the United States ; and, on the appointment of Sir Henry Bulwer, his successor, in 1849, the Imperial Government specially directed him to continue those negotiations, to the successful termination of which, in the Despatch of Lord Palmerston, it was stated Her Majesty's Government attached the very highest importance. The consideration of the subject continued to be repeatedly pressed on the American Government between that time and the year 1854.
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In the latter year, the Treaty known as the Reciprocity Treaty was finally concluded, admitting certain natural products of each country free into the other, without any qualification as to the differential or discriminating character of its provisions. On the anticipated abrogation of that Treaty by the United States in 1865, Her Majesty's Government again lent the weight of their influence in favour of its continuance, and Her Majesty's representative at AVashington was persistent in his efforts, as well to prevent its termination as subsequently to effect its renewal. Indeed, since the period of its abrogation by the action of the United States Congress, the propriety of its renewal has been an object of avowed solicitude on the part of the Imperial Government. In 1865, the delegates from Canada who visited England for the purpose of conferring with Her Majesty's Government on various important matters affecting the interests of the Dominion, were again assured that Sir Frederick Bruce, Her Majesty's Representative at Washington, had received instructions to negotiate for a renewal of the Treaty, and to act in concert with the Government of Canada to that end. It thus appears that the principle of establishing special trade relations on reciprocal terms between Canada and the United States, has been uniformly recognized and approved of by Her Majesty's Government since the year 1848. The question has, however, been raised by the Government of the United States, whether the arrangements ought properly to be effected by means of a Treaty, or in the form of reciprocal legislation. Objections were taken to the former course during the first negotiations in 1848 ; and in order to remove them, it was proposed that concurrent legislation should be had by Canada and the United States of America, under which the products of each country should be admitted free into the other. The two Bills proposed at that time, the one by Canada and the other by the United States, are almost identical in their terms with the clause to which my Lords now take exception. It is worthy of note that the object and scope of the legislation then proposed by Canada were specially brought under the notice of Her Majesty's Government at the time; and in a Despatch from Earl Grey, then Secretary of State for the Colonies, to the Governor-General of Canada, his Lordship states, " that Her Majesty's Government can have no objection to the repeal by the Provincial Legis- " lature of the duties enumerated in the Bill." On that occasion the Lords of the Privy Council of Trade were pleased to observe, in reference to the reciprocal legislation proposed by Canada, to meet the provisions of a similar Bill then before Congress, that " My Lords, considering the various interests in Canada which may be affected by the " measure, and that the questions involved in it bear more upon the welfare of Canada than of Great " Britain, recommend it to be left entirely to the decision of the Provincial Legislature." That Bill, having been passed by the Legislature, was specially transmitted for the signification of Her Miijesty's pleasure by the Governor-General; and after full deliberation by the Imperial Government, and a consideration of its provisions by the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for Trade, it was formally assented to by Her Majesty. If any further approval of the character of the legislation were needed, it will be found in a Despatch of Lord Palmerston to Sir H. Bulwer, under date the Ist November, 1849, in which his Lordship states —"That Her Majesty's Government regard it as of the very highest importance, both " commercially and politically, that free admission to the market of the United States should be " obtained for those articles which aro enumerated in an Act passed in the last session of the Canadian " Parliament, of which I enclose a copy for your information." This is the same Act as that already referred to. The exercise of the power conferred by that Bill was however prevented by the failure of Congress to pass its measure ; and before reciprocal legislation could be had, the Treaty of 1854 was entered into. That Treaty afterwards received the formal sanction of the Imperial Parliament (17th and 18th Vict. c. 3). On the expiry of the Treaty in 1865, negotiations took place for its renewal, and the question which had been originally raised by Mr. Clayton, the American Secretary of State, in 1848, as to whether trade relations might properly and constitutionally be regulated by Treaty, was again raised by the American Government. Mr. McCulloch, the distinguished Secretary of the Treasury, in his Annual Report for 1865, thus adverts to the objections : — " There are grave doubts whether Treaties of this character do not interfere with the legislative " power of Congress, and especially with the constitutional power of the House of Representatives to " originate Revenue Bills." " It is certain that, in the arrangement of our complex system of revenue through the tariff and " internal duties, the Treaty has been the source of no little embarrassment. The subject of the " revenue should not be embarrassed by Treaty stipulations, but Congress should be left to act freely " and independently. Any arrangement between the United States and the Canadas and Provinces, " that may be considered mutually beneficial, can as readily be carried out by reciprocal legislation as "by any other means. No complaint would then arise as to subsequent changes of laws, for each party " would be free to act at all times according to its discretion. "It is desirable to diminish the temptations now existing for smuggling; and if the course " suggested, of mutual legislation, should be adopted, a revenue system both internal and external, " more in harmony with our own, might justly be anticipated from the action of our neighbours, by " which this result would be most likely to be obtained." To meet the objection thus repeatedly urged by the Government of the United States, the clause in the Canada Customs Bill of 1868, to which His Grace calls attention, was inserted; the sole object of that clause being that Canada might by means of reciprocal legislation (in case the United States preferred that course) perform its part towards the accomplishment of an object which, as has been shown, Her Majesty's Government had repeatedly urged on the United States, and sanctioned, both
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by direct negotiation with that Power, by the solemnity of a Treaty, and by a formal engagement with the Canadian Delegates. The undersigned has felt it to be so important that any negotiations which may take place with the United States for the re-establishment of free commercial intercourse between them and Canada, should be untrammelled, that ho has perhaps entered at needless detail into a review of the past history of this question, and possibly gives rise to the impression that in carrying on these negotiations in the future it is intended, or that it will be necessary to disregard the sound rules of political economy adverted to by my Lords, or practically to violate the Internation.il Treaty engagements of Great Britain entitling foreign Powers to participate in any concessions which Canada may grant to the United States. If the obnoxious clause were put in operation, it would only renew in effect an almost identical provision in the Act of 1849 and in the Treaty of 1554. In the correspondence adverted to in the Despatch of His Grace, which took place on the subject of the Treaty, it was shown that its operation was not to put an end to, nor even to diminish in any sensible degree, the import from other places than the United States of articles admitted free under its provisions, nor to subject either England or foreign countries to any practical disadvantage in reference to the import of their products into Canada. Any exemptions which the United States and Canada might respectively find it for their advantage to accord, could hardly, in their very nature, influence the trade of either country with foreign nations, since they would probably be limited to the interchange of those products of the two countries which, from their proximity, each might profitably interchange with the other, but which neither would receive to any sensible extent from other nations, even if no reciprocal arrangements existed. The inquiry made by His Grace touching the articles enumerated in Schedule D, viz., " AVhether " there would be any serious inconvenience to Canada, in the application of the same exemption from '" duty to similar articles from all other foreign countries and from Great Britain," in case Canada admitted them free from the United States, will be answered by the subjoined table, which distinguishes the amount of duty collected on each of those articles, the growth aud produce of the United States, the growth and produce of Great Britain, and the growth and produce of foreign countries. In conclusion, the undersigned trusts that, as the circumstances of political exigency and the important national considerations which, as stated by Her Majesty's Government, led to the conclusion of the former Treaty of Reciprocity with the United States, still exist, —and in even a greater degree than previous to the date of the Treaty, —and as the interests of Canada continue to be seriously affected, Her Majesty's Government will not refuse to give the same weight to these considerations as before; and that in any future negotiations between Canada and the United States, in reference to their trade relations, the Dominion will receive the co-operation and influence of Her Majesty's Government. It will be the endeavour of Canada to see that they involve no substantial violation Qf tho Treaty engagements of Great Britain, nor any practical departure from those sound economical principles upon which the undersigned has already expressed his opinion they should be based. JonN Rose, Ottawa, 3rd September, 1868. Minister of Finance.
No. 13. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 101.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 2nd December, 1872. 1. I have the honor to transmit herewith six copies of the Statistical Eegister (or " Blue Book ") of New Zealand for 1871. Prefixed is the customary Eeport by the Eegistrar-General. 2. In my Despatch No. 63, of the 9th July ultimo (with which I forwarded the Blue Book for 1870), and on previous occasions, I made some remarks on the disadvantage of the delay which had taken place for several years past in the publication of the annual volume of the Statistics of this Colony. I added that I was assured by the proper local authorities that this delay had been caused principally by the difficulty of procuring certain minor details from the Provinces, but that the preparation and printing of the returns would proceed more rapidly in the future. It will be seen that this assurance has been in some degree made good this year. 3. So short a time has elapsed since the transmission of the Statistics for 1870, that I have little to add to the comments contained in my Despatches No. 63 of 1872, and No. 76 of 1871, to which I beg permission to refer. It will be perceived that the progress of New Zealand during the ten years between the Census of 1861 and the Census of 1871 has been very remarkable, especially when it is remembered that those years were for the most part a period of war and disturbance.
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* Vide Appendix to Jounml.s of the H. of R., 1872, H. No. 6.
4. This will be the last time that the Blue Book of New Zealand will be forwarded by me. It is with deep satisfaction that I am enabled to leave this Colony, to the welfare of which I have devoted all my energies throughout five anxious years, with the confident belief that there will be henceforward little or no impediment from internal disaffection or disorder to the steady development of its great and varied natural resources. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
No. 14. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 109.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 10th December, 1872. At the request of my Eesponsible Advisers, I have the honor to transmit herewith a Ministerial Memorandum by Mr. Waterhouse, inquiring on what terms the establishment in New Zealand of a branch of the Eoyal Mint would be sanctioned. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
Enclosure in No. 14. Memorandum by Mr. Waterhouse. The Report of a Select Committee appointed last Session by the House of Representatives to inquire into the advisability of taking steps for tho establishment of a branch of the Royal Mint in the Colony is forwarded to His Excellency,* and he is respectfully advised to transmit the same to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and to inquire of the Secretary of Stato upon what terms a branch of the Royal Mint would be granted to tho Colony. Wellington, 10th December, 1872. G. M. AVaterhouse.
No. 15. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 110.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, llth December, 1872. At the request of my Eesponsible Advisers, I have the honor to transmit and to recommend to favourable consideration, the enclosed Ministerial Memorandum, forwarding copies of opinions given by the Attorney-General of this Colony, relative to the practical application in New Zealand of " The Imperial Extradition Act, 1870." 2. It will be seen that a case under this Act has recently occurred here; that all due diligence was observed by the Colonial Government; and that, in the opinion of the Attorney-General, the Act requires amendment in certain points. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
Enclosure in No. 15. Memorandum by Mr Waterhouse. Mr Waterhouse has the honor to forward herewith to His Excellency copies of opinions given by the Attorney-General of this Colony relative to the practical application of the Imperial " Extradition Act, 1870," in New Zealand. His Excellency is respectfully requested to transmit these opinions to the Right Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in order that tho opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown in England may be obtained on this very important subject. Wellington, llth December, 1872. G-. M. Watebhoube.
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Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 15. (A.) Minute by the Attorney-General. The Treaty entered into between Great Britain and the German Empire for Extradition of Criminals, provides that the Treaty shall apply to the Colonies, and in such cases— 1. The " requisition" shall be by Chief Consular Officer of the German Empire in the Colony to the Governor of the Colony. 2. The requisition is to be " disposed of" subject to terms of Treaty (as nearly as may be) by the Governor. Note. —Nothing is said as to what is meant by the term " disposed of." The terms of Treaty, amongst other things, provide that if requisition is in accordance with terms of Treaty, " the competent authorities " are to arrest, and the prisoner when arrested is to be brought before a " competent Magistrate," who is to examine him, and to conduct the preliminary investigation of the case as if arrested for a crime committed in the country in which arrested. There would have been but little doubt or difficulty in carrying out the terms of this treaty, but for what appears to me to have been an error in the Extradition Act of 1870. This Act is one which may, by Order in Council, be made to apply to any Extradition Treaty. An Order in Council applies the Act to this Treaty from Bth July last. The Act, amongst other things, provides—(l.) That as to Colonies, the requisition may be by Consul-General, Consul, or Vice-Consul (so far the Act extends the Treaty which limited the power of requisition to the Chief Consular Officer). (2.) That as to Colonies, no warrant of a Secretary of State shall be required ; that all powers by the Act vested in, or acts by the Act authorized or required to be done by the Secretary of State and Police Magistrate, or either of them, may be done by Governor alone. On referring to the Act, it will be found that the powers vested in the Secretary of State and Police Magistrate respectively are as follows :— Note.—No powers are vested in or to be exercised by them jointly. (1.) Secretary of State, on receipt of requisition duly made, may, after satisfying himself that the case is one within the Treaty, issue order to a Police Magistrate, directing such Police Magistrate to issue his warrant to arrest the fugitive criminal. Note.—" Police Magistrate " means metropolitan Police Magistrate. (2.) On receipt of this order the Magistrate receives evidence, and if he thinks the evidence such as would justify the issue of a warrant if the crime were committed in the place where the arrest is made, he issues his warrant of arrest. (3.) On the criminal being brought before the Magistrate, the case is to be heard in like manner as near as may be as if prisoner were brought before him for an indictable offence committed in England. (4.) If the evidence be sufficient, the Magistrate commits the criminal to prison; if not, discharges him. If the criminal is committed, Jhis is reported to the Secretary of State. (5.) After lapse of fifteen days (allowed so as to enable proceedings by habeas corpus, to test validity of proceedings), the warrant of extradition is issued by the Secretary of State, and under that warrant the criminal is handed over to some person authorized by the requisitioning party to receive him. The term " Police Magistrate," where used in the proceedings before referred to, means a metropolitan Police Magistrate. These proceedings may be varied as follows :—The requisitioning party may, before and without getting order from Secretary of State, go before a Police Magistrate or any Justice of the Peace in any part of the United Kingdom, and lay information, &c.; and thereupon the Police Magistrate or Justice of the Peace may issue warrant for arrest. The Magistrate or Justice is to send report to Secretary of State. AVhen prisoner is arrested, he is brought before the Police Magistrate or any Justice of the Peace, in any part of tho United Kingdom, who must issue warrant for taking prisoner before the Police Magistrate —that is, a metropolitan Police Magistrate. He is then to be brought before the Police Magistrate ; but unless the Secretary of State notifies to him, by order, thathe has received a requisition, he is to discharge the criminal. After that, the proceeding continues as in the case of an arrest under a warrant issued by order of a Secretary of State. This proceeding is valuable, because it enables a criminal to be arrested in any part of England forthwith, and brought before a Justice, who then sends him up to London; and it is to be regretted that the provision should not be applicable to the Colonies. However, it is not, as no provision is made for the performance by a Colonial Justice of the Peace of the duty devolving on a Justice of Peace in any part of United Kingdom. Now, returning to the provisions applying the Act to the Colony, it would appear that the Governor, having the powers both of Secretary of State and Police Magistrate, has to issue to himself an order for issue of warrant of arrest. Then he is to issue warrant of arrest after inquiry; and then, on the criminal being brought before him, he is to inquire, and, if satisfied, to commit to prison; then ho is to report this to himself, and thereupon, after lapse of fifteen days, may issue warrant of extradition. I was surprised to find that the Imperial Act had vested the Police Magistrate's functions in the Governor, and on referring to the debate in Hansard, I find in the Attorney-General's speech, in introducing the Bill, he mentions on this head only that the powers of Secretary of State had been vested in the Governor: he does not notice that the functions of Police Magistrate were also vested in him. lam disposed to think that this provision in the Act was not intended; however, the language of the Act is incapable of any other construction.
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In passing, it may be noticed that the whole provision is loosely worded ; for, though it provides that all powers, &c, vested in the Secretary of State and Police Magistrate, or either of them, it will be found, on reference to the Act, that no powers or acts are to be exercised or done jointly, but each has distinct powers and duties. I am of opinion that this matter ought to be brought to the attention of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with a view to an alteration of the law providing — (1.) That the Secretary of State's duties only should be vested in the Governor. (2.) That in a Colony " Police Magistrate " should mean any Stipendiary Magistrate at the metropolis or seat of Government, or some such provision, or leave the Governor in Council to fix what Stipendiary Magistrates shall be deemed Police Magistrates for the purposes of the Act. (3.) Justice of the Peace, to mean any Justice of the Peace in any part of the Colony. With regard to the matter now under consideration, I think that the Governor should satisfy himself that the requisition complies with the provisions of the Treaty and the Act; that the warrant and depositions are duly authenticated ; that the offence therein charged against the fugitive comes under some one of the heads of crimes within the Treaty ; then (though this seems somewhat idle) that he should issue an order to himself to issue a warrant for arrest; the order may be as nearly as may be in the form given in the Schedule to the Act; then that the party requiring the arrest should attend before him, with his proofs, and if satisfied that there is such evidence as would justify a Magistrate in issuing a warrant for arrest in the case of an indictable offence committed here, he should issue his warrant as nearly as may be in the form given in the Schedule to the Act; no doubt the Consul will be represented by some member of the legal profession. When the fugitive is brought before him, the Governor should conduct the case in a manner similar to that in which a Magistrate would conduct a preliminary investigation of an indictable offeuce, except that the depositions, if received from Berlin, may, if duly .authenticated, be received in evidence. Tho Governor will no doubt require evidence of identity. If satisfied with the evidence, he may commit to Wellington Gaol, and fifteen days after issue warrant of surrender, if in meantime the fugitive has not been discharged under proceedings by habeas corpus. I have not yet received the evidence; when I have, I will state whether, in my opinion, the documents are duly authenticated, and whether the offence charged is within the Treaty. I need hardly observe that the Governor of a Colony ought not to be placed in such a position as that which appears to be forced upon him by the Act above referred to. No doubt judicial duties have in some cases been imposed on Governors. This has not, I think, been approved of, even in such matters as the removal of a Judge or other high officer: but in the present instance, the Governor, acting as a Police Magistrate, is placed in the position of a subordinate quasi-judicial functionary, liable to have his proceedings over-ruled by the Supreme Court on habeas corpus. James Prendergast, 31st October, 1872. Attorney-General. B. To the Resident Magistrate at Wellington, in the Province of Wellington, and Colony of New Zealand. Whereas in pursuance of an arrangement with Her Majesty and the Emperor of Germany, referred to in an Order of Her Majesty in Council dated the twenty-fifth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, a requisition has been made to me Sir George Ferguson Bowen, the Governor of New Zealand, by Henry Houghton, the Consul at Dunedin of the Emperor of Germany, for the surrender of Bernhard August Ludwig Schreiber, late of Berlin, in Germany, accused of the commission of the crime of being a fraudulent bankrupt, and of concealing and making away with certain property, and of intentionally trying to prejudice his creditors withiu the jurisdiction of the German Empire: Now, I hereby, by this my order under my hand and seal, signify to you that such requisition has been made, and require you to issue your warrant for the apprehension of such fugitive, provided that the conditions of " The Extradition Act, 1870," relating to the issue of such warrant, are in your judgment complied with. Given under the hand and seal of the undersigned, the Governor of New Zealand, at Wellington aforesaid, this fifth day of November, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two. (Seal.) G. F. Bowen. C. Sir,— RM. Court, Wellington, sth November, 1872. In the matter of the extradition of B. A. L. Schreiber, this day argued before me, and after considering the argument, particularly with regard to subsection 2, clause 17, of " The Extradition Act, 1870," I have come to the conclusion that I have no authority to act under the order received from you this day; but upon the sworn information of Mr. F. A. Krull, Consul for the German Empire, 1 have issued a warrant under my hand ordering the before-mentioned B. A. L. Schreiber, when arrested, to be brought before your Excellency. I have not time to-day to make an official report, but the information and other papers will be forwarded to you to-morrow. I have, &c, His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., James C. Crawford, R.M. Governor and Commander-in-Chief.
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Extract from the "Press," of 17th Dec, 1872. i
Extracts from tli " Otarjo Daily Times," and "Morning Star, of 23rd Dec, 1872.
No. 16. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Bight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 111.) Christchurch, Canterbury, My Lord, — New Zealand, 18th December, 1872. I have the honor to report that, having been invited by the Superintendent of the Province of Canterbury to open the Exhibition of the articles to be contributed from New Zealand to the approaching International Exhibition at Vienna, I left Wellington on the 12th instant, and landed on the following day at Lyttelton, whence I proceeded to Christchurch. 2. My reception by all classes of the community, on this as on my three previous visits to Canterbury, was extremely cordial. It will be seen from the local newspapers that, among other demonstrations of welcome, I was entertained at a public dinner by the Mayor of Christchurch, and that a public ball was also given in honor of Lady Bowen and myself. 3. I annex a full account of the Exhibition, and of the very interesting ceremony of the opening;—including the able address of the Superintendent, which contains an excellent summary of the remarkable progress during the last five years of the Colony of New Zealand in general, and of the Province of Canterbury in particular. It will be seen that towards the conclusion of my reply I spoke as follows :—" It is a suggestive fact, that this Exhibition should be " opened on the anniversary of the foundation of the Province. Exactly twenty- " two years ago, on the 16th December, 1850, the first band of Canterbury pilgrims " landed, on what was then an almost silent and solitary shore. Already this " single Province of Canterbury —like the sister Province of Otago, which is only " two years older —far exceeds in revenue, in trade, and in general importance, " the entire Colonies of Tasmania, of Guiana, as also of Jamaica, and of the other " West Indian Islands, some of which have been settled for more than two " centuries." 4t. These are facts which cannot fail to prove of interest to your Lordship, as one of those English statesmen who took an active part in the foundation of Canterbury. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. E. BOWEN.
No. 17. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. P. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 112.) Dunedin, Otago, My Lord, — New Zealand, 24th December, 1872. In continuation of my Despatch No. 111, I have the honor to report that on the 19th instant, I proceeded by land from Christchurch to the picturesque and secure harbour of Akaroa, in Banks' Peninsula; of which I gave some account in describing my previous visit to Canterbury in 1871.* 2. The distance from Christchurch to Akaroa is about fifty-six miles; and an excellent carriage road, passing through much fine scenery of forest and mountain has recently been completed. 3. On the 20th instant I left Akaroa in the Colonial Government steamer " Luna," and on the following day landed at Dunedin; where I received a most cordial welcome, as will be seen from the annexed account given in the local c journals. In the words of my letter to the Mayor—" Few public men anywhere " have ever been received in a more hearty manner than I was received here by " " the many thousands of my fellow-countrymen who thronged the quays and " lined the streets of your city. A demonstration of this kind cannot fail to be " personally gratifying; while it becomes still more satisfactory when it is con- " sidered that in self-governing colonies the Representative of the Queen is " regarded as a connecting link with the Crown and with the Mother Country, * See Governor of New Zealand to Secretary of State, No. 31, of 10th April, 1871.
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" and that, consequently, the marks of respect paid to him are proofs of national " loyalty and patriotism." 4. In my reply to the address of welcome presented to me, I further said :— " A quarter of a century has not yet elapsed since the 23rd March, 1848, when " the little band of Scotch emigrants first landed on the site of what is now a popu- " lous and well-built town, but which was then silent and uninhabited, and covered " with a thick forest; but the single Province of Otago, of which these honored men " were the founders, already far surpasses in revenue, in trade, in all the elements " of national wealth, many entire colonies, such as Jamaica, Barbadoes, and Antigua, " which have been settled for above two centuries. I congratulate you on the " remarkable progress which Dunedin, in particular, has achieved ; on its rapidly " increasing material prosperity; and on the noble provision which has been made " here for education in all its branches ; and for industrial and charitable insti- " tutions." 5. The official statistics of the Colony will be found fully to justify the above remarks. 6. On the completion of this farewell visit to the South Island, I will return to Wellington to prepare for my final departure from New Zealand. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
No. 18. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 113.) Dunedin, Otago, My Lord, — New Zealand, 26th December, 1872. At the instance of my Eesponsible Advisers, I have the honor to report that the Government of New Zealand desire that Sir Charles Clifford (a distinguished colonist, and late Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives), and Mr. I. E. Featherston (the Agent-General in England), should be appointed Commissioners to represent this Colony at the approaching International Exhibition at Vienna. I would therefore request your Lordship to cause these gentlemen to be furnished with the necessary credentials, and with recommendations to the good offices of the British Ambassador and of the Austrian authorities. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
No. 19. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 1.) Dunedin, Otago, My Lord, — New Zealand, 7th January, 1873. In continuation of my Despatch No. 112, of the 24th December ultimo, I have the honor to report that I intend to leave Dunedin to-morrow on a rapid journey through the Gold Fields and the Lake Districts of the interior of the Erovince of Otago ; to which I had long promised a visit at this season. I expect to be at Wellington by the end of this month. 2. The residence of my family and myself in Dunedin during the past fortnight has been a source of constant satisfaction and pleasure to us, —not only from the heartiness of our reception on our arrival here,* —not only from the public balls and other festivities given in our honor, —not only from the marks of respect and esteem showered upon us by all classes of the community, —-but still more from the universal aspect of great and growing prosperity by which we are here surrounded. * See Governor of New Zealand to Secretary of State, No. 112, of 21th December, 1872. 4—A. 1.
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3. It will be remembered that Otago was originally an almost purely Scotch settlement. On the Ist instant, I was invited to the annual meeting and games of the Caledonian Society, when an address of welcome was presented to me in the presence of above six thousand spectators. This seemed a good opportunity to place on record (as it were) a brief summary of the statistics showing the remarkable progress which Otago has already achieved, and also to announce the nomination as my successor of Sir James Fergusson; a nomination which has been favourably received throughout New Zealand. The address and my rej.ly were as follows : — " May it please your Excellency,—The Directors and Members of the " Caledonian Society of Otago, beg respectfully to approach your Excellency with " expressions of loyalty to the throne, and congratulations and welcome to your " Excellency and Lady Bowen on your visit to Otago. We do ourselves the honor " to lay before your Excellency the book of our constitution and rules printed for " the use of our members, from which Aye take leave to make the following extract " setting forth the objects of the Society :—'The object of the Society shall be the " 'promotion of benevolence, national literature, customs and accomplishments. " '(1.) Benevolence to be promoted by contributions to the funds of such charitable " ' institutions as the directors may determine, by giving information and advice to " ' newly arrived immigrants, and by affording for special cases of destitution such " 'temporary relief as to the directors may appear practicable and expedient. " ' (2.) Literature to be promoted by offering prizes for the greatest proficiency of " ' pupils attending the various educational institutions, and also by procuring and " ' disseminating information regarding the poetry, history, and archaeology of " ' Scotland. (3.) Customs and accomplishments to be promoted by offering " ' prizes for excellence in the performance of national feats, games, and exercises " 'to be exhibited at the annual gathering of the Society.' We rejoice to know " that our beloved Sovereign has accorded Her special patronage to similar societies " at home, and that their annual gatherings are honored by the presence of Her " Majesty and the Boyal Family, and we beg to express our gratification at your " Excellency and Lady Bowen's presence amongst us at the present gathering, " affording as it does a proof of your Excellency's belief that our Society, although " constituted on a principle of nationalty and to perpetuate national traditions, is " ever ready, as our means permit, to extend its benefits without distinction of " race or class. Eenewing our expressions of unabated loyalty, and congratulating " and welcoming your Excellency and Lady Bowen on your visit to Otago, and " respectfully soliciting the honor of enrolling the name of your Excellency as a " Batron of the Caledonian Society of Otago, we have the honor," &c. The address was signed by Mr. Keith Eamsay, President; Mr. David Baxter, ViceBresident; Mr. James Marshall, Hon. Treasurer; and Mr. W. S. Douglas, Secretary. Eeply. " Gentlemen, —I thank you for this Address, which is very gratifying to " me, in the first place on account of your expressions of loyalty to our gracious " Sovereign; and, secondly, on account of the assurance of your good will to Lady " Bowen and myself. I have read with much pleasure the Constitution and Bules " of the Caledonian Society of Otago, and cordially sympathize with its objects, " which have been carried out here with so much energy and perseverance. Indeed, " it is hardly too much to say that this Province itself was originally one great " Caledonian Society. It is certainly a noble monument of the industry and " enterprise of its founders. The official statistics prove the rapid strides with " which it has advanced since the first difficulties inseparable from a new " settlement were surmounted. It appears that the population of Otago, which " in 1860 was, in round numbers, under 25,000, is now above 75,000 ; that the " public revenue from all sources, actually raised in the Province, Avhich in " 1860 was under £100,000, now exceeds half a million sterling ; that the trade " (including exports and imports) has risen in value during the interval between " 1860 and 1872, from less than £400,000 to nearly three millions; and that " the increase in Eve stock and cultivation during the same period has
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Governor of New Zealand to Secretary of Stato. No. 109, of 3rd Sept. 1870. No. 82, of 2nd Sept. 1871. 'g Secretary of State to Governor of New Zealand. No. 101, of 14th Nov. 1870.
" been more than fivefold. Nor is it less satisfactory to observe the steady " progress of education. In IS6O, there were only 20 schools in this Erovince, " all of an elementary character. Now there are above 130 schools, including " two high schools for boys and girls respectively, four grammar schools, and a " school of art: while the University of Otago, with its able and learned " professors from the Universities of Great Britain, crowns the noble scheme of " public instruction. These are facts and figures which should be made Avidely " known in the mother country, and to Avhich I am determined to give official cir- " culation there. In this, as in the other Brovinces, a continuous stream of immi- " gration —that life-blood of a new country —is absolutely necessary for the " maintenance and extension of the progress already achieved, and for the success " of the public AVorks sanctioned by the Colonial aud Brovincial Legislatures. " In conclusion, Gentlemen, I accept, Avith much satisfaction, the honor which " you propose to confer on me, by enrolling my name as one of the Batrons of " the Caledonian Society of Otago. And here permit me to congratulate you on " the nationality of the gentleman appointed to succeed me in New Zealand on "my promotion to the Governorship of Victoria. Sir James Ecrgusson has many " personal as Avell as official claims to your respect and confidence. He is a " soldier, Avho has seen active service in the Crimea, and was Avounded at " Inkerman. He is a statesman, who has for several years been a Member of " the House of Commons, and has filled more than one Administrative office of " importance. Finally, he is a Governor of large ability and experience, whose " manifold qualifications and accomplishments will not be the less popular in this " community because they are united in a Scotchman." 4. Among the many public ceremonies at which I have been requested to preside during my present visit to Otago, one of the most important and interesting has been the opening, on the 31st ultimo, of the railway connecting Dunedin with Port Chalmers. I annex the account of the proceedings as published in the local journals. The speeches delivered at the public luncheon given on this occasion will repay perusal, especially those of Mr. Justice Chapman (one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Ncav Zealand), of Sir Francis Dillon Bell (the Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives), and of the Superintendent of the Erovince of Otago. 5. After my return to Wellington, I shall report my further proceedings by the mail of next month. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
No. 20. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 2.) Dunedin, Otago, My Lord, — New Zealand, Bth January, 1873. With reference to previous correspondence respecting the Graving Dock at Bort Chalmers (the port of Dunedin), I have the honor to report that Captain Chapman, E.N., lately docked there H.M.S. " Dido," under his command ; and expressed himself to me as entirely satisfied with the accommodation afforded, and with the manner in which the service was performed. He also expressed himself in similar terms in an official letter addressed to the Superintendent of the Erovince of Otago, of which a copy is annexed. 2. I would request your Lordship to cause a copy of this Despatch and of its onclosure to be transmitted to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. It will be seen that Her Majesty's ships in the waters of this Colony and of the South Sea Islands can now be docked in New Zealand, and that it is no longer necessary to send them for that purpose to Australia. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
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Enclosure in No. 20. Captain Chapm__n, R.N., to the Superintendent of Otago. H.M.S. " Dido," at Port Chalmers, Sir,— New Zealand, 26th December, 1872. I have much pleasure in bringing to your notice that, in conformity with an invitation received from the Otago Dock Board, I docked Her Majesty's ship under my command in the graving dock at this port, on the 19th instant, and I beg to express my great satisfaction with the dock and the manner in which the service was performed; and I am of opinion the undertaking is a very creditable one, and trust and believe it will be of great importance to the Province of Otago, and benefit to Her Majesty's ships employed on the New Zealand Station. I also consider that when the £10,000 additioinal is expended in dredging the channel deeper, and in erecting workshops, &c, it will be equal to any dock in this part of the world. I have, &c., AY. C. Chapman, His Honor the Superintendent of Otago. Captain, and Senior Officer, New Zealand Station.
No. 21. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of' Kimberley. (No. 8.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, Bth February, 1873. I have the honor to acknoAvledge the receipt on the 4th instant of your Lordship's Despatch of the 27th November ultimo, informing me that you have " had great satisfaction in submitting to the Queen the name of Mr. Francis " Dillon Bell, the Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives of New Zealand, for " the honor of Knighthood, and that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to " sanction the grant of that dignity to Mr. Bell." 2. Mr. Bell requests me to transmit the expression of his gratitude for the honor conferred on him, which has also produced a very favourable impression here among the Members of the Colonial Barliament and the public generally; for it is believed that this mark of the approval of Her Majesty has been fairly earned by Mr. Bell, not only as Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives, but also as one of the leading public men of New Zealand—almost since the foundation of the Colony. He has, moreover, been a member of several Ministries, and a Commissioner representing New Zealand in England at a critical period. 3. With reference to the concluding paragraph of the Despatch now under reply, Mr. Bell requests me to state that his London Agents, Messrs. Eedfern, Alexander, and Co., of 3, Great Winchester Street Buildings, Old Broad Street, E.C., have instructions to pay the charges on the patent of Knighthood. I have, &., The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
No. 22. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 13.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 13th February, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on the 4th instant, of your Lordship's Despatch No. 71, of the 21st November ultimo, stating as folloAvs : —" I have the satisfaction of informing you that the Queen has been " pleased to mark her sense of the success and ability Avith which you have " administered the Government of New Zealand by appointing you, upon my " recommendation, to the Government of Victoria, which is about to become " vacant by the retirement of Viscount Canterbury, on the expiration of his term " of office." 2. I would wish to express my deep and loyal sense of the favour so graciously conferred on mc by Her Majesty; and at the same time to express my
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determination to prove my gratitude to your Lordship by earnestly doing my duty, to the best of my ability and judgment, in my new office. 3. The announcement of the appointment of Sir James Eergusson as my successor in New Zealand has been very favourably received in this Colony. 4>. I have made such arrangements, in pursuance of your Lordship's instructions, as Avill enable me to enter upon the Government of Victoria very shortly after the departure of Lord Canterbury and the arrival of my new Commission. During the interval which will elapse between my leaving and Sir James Eergusson reaching New Zealand, the Government of this Colony will be administered, in the terms of the Royal Warrant, by the Chief Justice, Sir George Arney, in whose ability, experience, and discretion, your Lordship may (I would venture to observe) repose full confidence. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. E. BOWEN.
No. 23. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 14.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 18th February, 1873. With reference to my Despatch No. 20, of the 18th February, 1871, (especially paragraph 10,) I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of a Eeport by Mr. Beetham, Warden of the Lake Wakatipu Gold Fields, on the small and isolated settlement at Martin's Bay, on the West Coast of the Erovince of Otago. 2. It is the intention of the Government to provide more regular communication with this settlement. There is also a project for establishing bodies of emigrants from Norway, and also from the Shetland and Orkney Islands, on the magnificent Sounds of the West Coast and of Stewart's Island. 3. Berhaps your Lordship will direct a copy of this Despatch and of the enclosure to be forwarded to the Eoyal Geographical Society. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberlev. G. F. BOWEN.
Enclosure in No. 23. Report by Mr. Warden Beetham on Martin's Bay Settlement. Referring to my report of even date herewith, on the subject of the track to Martin's Bay, I have now the honor to forward you some information as to the present state of that settlement —its requirements, and probable future prospects. You will doubtless possess exact information, from surveys already completed, as to the extent of land available for agricultural purposes. For the purposes of this report it may be roughly estimated at from 20,000 to 30,000 acres. From the point at which the track from Lake Wakatipu enters the Hollyford A'alley to the head of Lake McKerrow, a distance of about twelve miles, the land we passed through was of the finest quality, the soil in many places being twenty feet in depth. Nearly the whole of the land is flat, covered with valuable timber, and well watered. I should estimate the average breadth of the valley at three miles ; this does not include a considerable quantity of available land in the neighbourhood of Pike Creek and Lake Alabaster. The bush presents no great difficulties as to clearing, there being very little heavy undergrowth or supplejack to deal with. The climate of this valley must be magnificent. Lying, as it does, due North and South, it has the sun all day. This, in a valley of comparatively limited extent, such as the Hollyford, would result in a semi-tropical climate, were it not for the fact that the mountain range bounding the valley on its western side is covered by a succession of enormous glaciers, which descend in some instances within 1,000 feet of the river level; many of these ice masses are more than 1,000 feet in thickness, and are probably a mile in width, by three or four miles in length. The character of the vegetation resembles very closely that of the semi-tropical valleys of the North Island. The Western Range reaches an altitude of, I should say, at least 10,000 feet, throwing its glaciers completely into the bush line. These recesses of blue ice, surrounded by the luxuriant vegetation of the valley, and pouring, by numberless cascades, their glacial streams into the Hollyford River, the whole being backed up by high mountain peaks, broken by enormous fields of pure white snow, form a scene of indescribable grandeur and beauty. The Hollyford River is, with the exception of two or three rapids, navigable for a canoe throughout its whole length, and could be used for the purpose, driving to Lake McKerrow the valuable timber which abounds in the valley. AVhere it enters the lake it is probably about 400 yards wide and 20 feet deep, with a current of, say, four miles an hour.
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From the head of Lake McKerrow to Jamestown, at ■which place the river leaves the lake for the sea, there is little or no land available for agriculture. The ranges bounding the lake are, however, covered with timber of excellent quality. From Jamestown to the sea, a distance of about five miles, the river runs through extensive flats of splendid agricultural land, heavily timbered with white, black, and red pine. It is principally on these levels that the land in Class Ais situated, and whore alone clearing has been attempted. At the date of my visit there were four families resident at Jamestown, or near it, besides other parties working singly or without families; including those settlers who were at Big Bay, occupied in gold mining, there would be about forty souls in the settlement. lam bound to pay that, in despite of its great natural advantages, the settlement appeared to be in a languishing condition. The inhabitants, while they one and all spoke in the highest terms of the spot which they had cleared as their home, appeared to be in a despondent state. It was evident, too, that, taking into consideration the length of time during which the settlers had been located at the Bay, the settlement had not made the progress which might have been fairly expected from it. I attribute this —Ist. To the utter isolation of the settlement, resulting from its uncertain and unfrequent communication with, other portions of the Province. 2nd. By reason of the unsatisfactory working of the Land Regulations, principally with reference to clause A; and 3rd. To the absence of any settled industry, by the means of which labour and capital would be introduced into the settlement. The absolute isolation of the settlement has, I think, had a great deal to do with its slow progress. Not only have the settlers been unable to obtain regular supplies, but they have actually been reduced to the very brink of starvation. This uncertain and irregular communication has exercised, in my opinion, a very depressing influence upon the settlers ; they look upon themselves as deserted and uncared for, and, as a natural consequence, they lose that push and energy without which progression is impossible. This irregularity of communication is against them in another way :it is almost a bar to future settlement. The ranks of the settlers receive from time to time very slight augmentation as to numbers. Intending emigrants will not be at all likely to visit the settlement with a view to locating themselves there, unless they see some reasonable chance of getting away again, should they find it does not suit them. Under present circumstances, a person may be set down in Martin's Bay by a chance steamer, and have to remain there for six months, unless, indeed, he undertakes an almost impassable journey overland to Wakatipu. This state of things will certainly be much improved when the track is cut; indeed, the completion of this appears to me to be an absolute necessity to the future existence of the settlement. There should be also regular communication by sea —say three times a year, at least —as it is from this source that the settlement will receive its supplies. The settlers also complain that the steamers do not bring for Bale numerous necessaries which they require. When we were there the only food obtainable was, with, perhaps a single exception, bread, tea, sugar, and salt meat, the latter of a very inferior quality, almost unfit to eat. There was not in the whole settlement a piece of fat to use either for cooking or eating. The settlers say, and with truth, that they cannot do a fair day's work on such food as this. An enfeebled condition of body results inevitably in a depression of mind, and it is not in this state that men should exist who have to fight and overcome the primeval forest of New Zealand. As to the Land Regulations, with reference to Class A. —These regulations permit a person to select and retain, as against any other selector for twelve months, fifty acres of land, he having at the same time no intention of using or improving the land, or of ultimately settling thereon. It is a fact that numbers of persons have applied for and hold frontage, and thereby valuable sections in this manner, for purely speculative purposes; and intending settlers find that in this way valuable and immediately available land is locked up for twelve months by persons who have not any intention to use it. At the expiration of tho twelve months the section becomes vacant, and is probably re-selected under the same circumstances. This is certainly inimical to the best interests of the settlement. It could, I think, bo met in the following manner: —At the time of the selection, the selector should be required to deposit a small sum, to be returned to him whenever improvements evidencing an intention to settle on or utilize the land have been made. It appears also to be understood that the conditions as to the further residence upon the land can in some way be evaded, and that a residence in the settlement itself, though not upon tho section, will be sufficient to entitle the selector to his Crown grant, even though the land may be very slightly or not at all improved. I myself saw one section which was improved to the extent of half an hour's work, the proprietor of which has never resided upon it. I understand that he expects his Crown grant at the expiration of his three years. lam not of course in a position to say whether it is intended to carry out the regulations with absolute strictness or not; but in my opinion the residence clause might, with great advantage, be wiped out altogether, and an improvement clause substituted. It is, I think, the improvement clauses which in the Agricultural Land Regulations on the gold fields have been so valuable in inducing settlement. Ground cannot be improved without labour and the expenditure of capital, which is nearly all that is required. Nearly all the settlers at Jamestown reside in the town, probably for the sake of companionship, preferring this to living on their sections, which they visit by means of boats. It is indeed questionable whether a direct sale of tho land at a moderate price, upon the system of deferred payments, with a strict improvement clause, would not be preferable to the existing regulations, which, without any officer on the spot to administer them, do not appear to be working in a satisfactory manner. One of the greatest aids to the development of the great resources of the Martin's Bay settlement would be the establishment of some permanent industry there, by means of which capital would be introduced, and an impetus given to the whole settlement. This could of course only be attempted by private enterprise; and it will, I have no doubt, before long take the direction of the establishment of saw mills, for which I feel convinced no more favourable localities could be found on the New Zealand coast. Timber of all kinds and of the finest quality is abundant, while there is sufficient water power to turn all the mills in tho Colony. The logs could be floated, by means of the lake to the mills from all parts of the settlement; while the Hollyford River could be used as a drive for tho magnificent forest on its banks. The river from the sea is easily entered by steamers of a moderate draught of water, and the Melbourne market is at hand. The benefit to the settlement by the establishment of such an industry would be incalculable; it would indeed be the key to its success.
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*13,200fcetaboT« sea leyel.
At some sixteen miles north of Martin's Bay lie the gold workings at Big Bay. They are accessible from Jamestown either by land or water, and there, during our visit, a considerable number of the settlers were working. From what I could learn they were making good wages. The workings are entirely confined to the beach, and the general opinion appears to be that if tho adjacent country waa properly prospected, a large extent of it would prove to bo payably auriferous. The country in the neighbourhood of Pike's Creek and Lake Alabaster is also spoken of as presenting good indications of auriferous deposits. Judging from the colour of the water of Pike's Creek in flood, the formation of that portion of the country is entirely different from that of the Hollyford Valley. Considering the great natural advantages possessed by the whole district, which, I think, cannot be overrated, I believe that the settlement is destined in a very few years, if it receives a moderate share of attention, to become a thickly populated and very valuable district.
No. 24. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. P. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 16.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 20th February, 1873. In continuation of my Despatch No. 1, of the 7th January ultimo, I have the honor to report that I left Dunedin on the 10th ultimo, and reached Wellington on the 4th instant, after a rapid journey through a large portion of the Provinces of Otago and Canterbury, during which I visited the Gold Fields of the former Province; its mountain lakes, exceeding in grandeur the lakes of Switzerland and Italy; and the glaciers of Mount Cook,* the Mount Blanc of the Southern Alps. 2. I transmit herewith, in duplicate, copies of the official Maps of Otago and Canterbury. The red show my routes on my late journey, and on those described in several previous Despatches. 3. I was accompanied throughout their respective Provinces by the Superintendents ; and I take this opportunity of recording my deep sense of the heartiness and hospitality of my reception everywhere, by the local authorities and by all classes of the community. I annex copies of a few of the numerous addresses of welcome presented to me ; all were in the same spirit. Among them will be found copies of two addresses from the Chinese gold diggers. It will be seen (Enclosure No. 6) that " they take this opportunity of declaring their loyalty to " Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, and their appreciation of thehappi- " ness which they have experienced during the time they have resided under British " rule; and for the consideration and protection afforded them in their various pur- " suits, by the justice and equity of the laws which here exist, and by the way in " which they are administered." 4. The pressing affairs of the North Island had prevented me from visiting the Southern Gold Eields at an earlier period of my administration; and the miners, together with the rest of the population, were aware that I was on the eve of my final departure from New Zealand. In short, I was a man whom they had never seen before, whom they knew they would never see again, and who had enjoyed no opportunity of rendering them any special services ; and yet in every district and township I was most cordially greeted, as the Representative of the Queen. Such demonstrations cannot fail to be satisfactory on public grounds; for in these self-governing Colonies the Governor is regarded as the main visible link of union with the Throne, the Mother Country, and the Empire at large, and the marks of respect paid to him are intended as proofs of national loyalty and patriotism. 5. It is of course impossible to give, within the compass of a Despatch, any adequate description of the Gold Eields of this Colony. I would, however, refer to the concise and accurate account contributed by Dr. Hector, E.ll.S., to the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute, Yol. II., pages 361-374.* The official returns show that the aggregate value of the gold hitherto exported from New Zealand exceeds in value twenty-six (26) millions sterling; and that the annual production averages between two and three millions sterling. 6. Gold mining has now become a settled industry in this country. The miners have very generally brought their wives and families with them, purchased * See the Library of the Colonial Office.
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*New Zealand, chapter 21.
land, and made for themselves comfortable homes. The good order which is everywhere maintained amid tlie temptations of so exciting a pursuit is above all praise. 7. Agriculture is fast progressing on the plainsof Canterbury, and in the valleys and loAvlands of Otago. Long-woolled sheep of several kinds, and the best breeds of cattle, have also been imported in large numbers, and thrive admirably. The hills and uplands of both Brovinces are still occupied chiefly by flocks of the merino sheep, which find there a climate and country resembling, in many respects, their original home in Castile and Estremadura. 8. It is a journey of about tAvo hundred and twenty (220) miles from Dunedin to the great inland lake of Wakatipu, which is fifty-tAvo (52) miles long, with a breadth averaging from two to five miles. It is 1,070 feet above the sea level, and is surrounded by lofty mountain ranges capped with perpetual snow, and rising precipitately from the water. Lakes Wanaka and Hawca, and the other mountain lakes of Otago, are mostly similar in physical formation and in grandeur of scenery. 9. It is a remarkable fact that Lake Wakatipu was not known to the colonists at Dunedin and elsewhere on the sea coast of Otago before 1860. There was a tradition among the Maoris of the existence of a vast mysterious lake in the interior; but an enterprising settler (Mr. William Gilbert Eees) was the first European who reached its shores, in the Jaunary of the above-mentioned year. Already there are tAvo flourishing townships (QueenstoAvn and Kingston) on Lake Wakatipu, and steamers ply regularly on its waters. The mountains and lakes of this part of New Zealand are becoming the resort of an annually increasing number of tourists from the neighbouring Colonies. In fact, they will soon be for Australasia what Switzerland is for Europe. 10. After leaving Otago, I crossed the Eiver Waitaki into Canterbury, and travelled to the foot of the glaciers on the Avestern side of Mount Cook. The distance is about one hundred and ten (110) miles from the seaport toAvn of Timaru; the first seventy (70) miles —that is, as far as Lake Tekapo—can be teiversed in a carriage, and the remainder on horseback. We encamped for two days in a tent close to the great Tasman glacier, which Dr. Hochstetter* describes as " surpassing in magnitude by far those of the Himalayas and European Alps," and which is said to be the largest in any temperate region of the world, with the exception of some glaciers recently discovered in Thibet. Moreover, the semitropical luxuriance of the foliage is another feature in which the Alps of New Zealand far surpass the mountain ranges of Europe. 11. A graphic and scientific description of the Southern Alps, explaining their geology and physical geography, Avill be found m the 21st chapter of Dr. Hochstetter's work, which embodies the researches of Dr. Hector, Dr. Haast, and other explorers and naturalists.* " The Southern Alps proper commence south of the saddle between the " Teremakau and Hurunui Elvers, on the boundary betAveen the Provinces of " Nelson and Canterbury. Here in the middle of the Southern Island, the moun- " tains attain their greatest height, and as far as Haast's Pass on the boundary of " the Province of Otago, leading from Lake Wanaka to the West Coast —a " distance of two hundred (200) miles —they form in the direction from N.E. " to S.W., a chain of towering mountains, which, as to the height of their summits, " and as to the size and extent of their snow-fields and glaciers, rival the Bennine " and Bhaetian Alps. The first navigators on the coast of New Zealand looked " already with wonder at those magnificent alpine heights clothed in perpetual " snoAV, the giant summits of which now bear the names of Cook and Tasman. " The AAdld forms of the huge rocky masses on the West Coast toAvering to the " skies, and bidding defiance to the terrific breakers, were always an object of " deep admiration to the sailors visiting these shores; but up to our times this " mountain region remained a wilderness, untrodden by the foot of man. On the " discovery of New Zealand it was uninhabited—for the Natives shunned this " solitary mountain Avilderness —and it has remained uninhabited to this very day; * I would also refer to several able papers on the same subject, contributed by these and by other learned geologists to the Journals of the Geographical and Geological Societies of Lmdon. It is understood that Mr. Scaly, of Canterbury, is about to forward to the Geographical Sociely some excellent photographs of the glaciers and snowy peaks of that Province. Lastly, I annex (under separate cover) copies of seven of Dr. Haast's reports (chiefly geological) to tho Provincial Government of Canterbury.
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* No. 37, of 35t__ April, 1871.
" incontestably one of the most remarkable and grandest objects which has been " reserved for the physico-geographical and geological investigations of our " times." 12. In a previous Despatch,* I mentioned that as members of the Alpine Club had already scaled even the peaks of the Caucasus and of North America, it is hoped that some of them may one day be induced to devote their courage, skiU, and experience to the full exploration of the Alps of New Zealand. I would repeat that the Colonial authorities would doubtless " give every assistance in " their power to an enterprise which could not fail to add largely to the general " stock of geographical, geological, and botanical knowledge." . I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley, G. F. BOWEN.
No. 25. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 18.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 24th February, 1873. I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your Lordship's information, copies of the letters which have passed between the Chancellor of the University of New Zealand and myself, respecting the foundation by me in that University of an annual prize, to bo called " The Bowen Brize," for the best English essay on a subject to be determined upon every year under Eegulations of the Council and Senate, or of the Council alone. 2. It Avill be seen that (in the words of my letter,) " I am desirous to connect " my name in this manner with the Colony of Avhich I have been Governor " during an important and critical period of its history. I yield to no permanent " colonist in affection for New Zealand, and in lively interest in its progress and " welfare." 3. The Chancellor (Mr. Henry John Tancred), in accepting my gift, writes as follows: — " Permit me, as the Council is not now in session, to take upon myself the " grateful duty of expressing my appreciation of your Excellency's kindness and " liberality in making so valuable a provision for the encouragement of learning. " I feel assured that in thus tendering my warmest thanks for this proof of regard " not only to this University, but, through it, to all in the country who are " interested in the cultivation of the mind, I am only anticipating the action of " the Council. " Such an evidence on the part of your Excellency of good-will to the ** Council, and of the well-known interest which your Excellency has always taken " in the cause which it is our duty to advance, will, I feel sure, keep your name '* in the grateful remembrance not only of the present generation, but of those " Atho in future times, when NeAV Zealand shall have become a great nation, shall " wish to recall to memory their earliest benefactors. I have, <__c., The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
Enclosure in No. 25. Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Chancellor of the New Zealand University. Sir,— Wellington, 18th February, 1873. I have the honor to forward herewith to you, as Chancellor, and to request you to recommend to the favourable consideration of the Council of the University, the accompanying Deed of Gift, which has been prepared by the Attorney-General of the Colony. It will be seen that it is formally described as a " Deed declaring Trusts of a Gift to the said University to found the ' Bowen Prize.' " It will be further perceived that the details of the regulations necessary to give effect to my gift are left to the discretion of the Council for the time being. The money has been paid by me to the account of the University at the Bank of New Zealand at Wellington, as will appear from the enclosed receipt. 5—A. 1.
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Vide Parliamentary Paper, I". No. 2.
I am desirous to connect my name in this manner with the Colony of which I have been Governor during an important and critical period of its history. I yield to no permanent colonist in affection for New Zealand, and in lively interest in its progress and welfare. I have, &c, The Chancellor of the University of New Zealand. G-. F. Bowmr.
No. 26. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Boaven, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 23.) Government House, Auckland, My Lord, — New Zealand, 15th March, 1873. At the request of my Eesponsible Advisers, I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of " Eapers relating to proposed Electric Telegraph Cables" between New Zealand and New South Wales, and also between Normantown in Queensland and Singapore. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.
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DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, A-01
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28,303DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, A-01
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