DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1876 Session I, A-01

1876. NEW ZEALAND.

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

Presented to loth Houses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis Excellency. No. 1. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 42.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 7th June, 1875. I have the honor to inform your Lordship that on the 29th ultimo I returned to Wellington, after paying an official visit to Christchurch and Dunedin. 2. My visit South was unfortunately unavoidably delayed until too late a period of the year to enable me to see the country to the best advantage; but, at the same time, I did not feel justified in postponing my visit to those great centres of population till next summer. I therefore left this on the 20th of April, and arrived in Christchurch the next day. 3. The reception which was there accorded me as Her Majesty's Representative was most gratifying, as evincing the loyalty and attachment which are entertained by the inhabitants towards the government of Her Majesty. 4. Although I had heard much of the flourishing condition of the Provinces of Canterbury and Otago, I own I was quite unprepared to witness the evidences of prosperity and advancement which presented themselves to me on every side. I have long been accustomed to see the rapid progress which takes place in young countries ; but I can assure your Lordship, that in no place have I seen so much accomplished in so short a period. 5. I landed at Port Lyttelton, and at once proceeded by railway to Christchurch. This railway is seven miles in length, and was in the first instance constructed as a provincial undertaking, but has subsequently been purchased by the General Government as a portion of the Main Trunk Line. It is a work of considerable magnitude, as the range of mountains which separates the Plains from Port Lyttelton necessitated the formation of a tunnel If miles in length. The undertaking was a bold one for so young a community, but I am happy to state that the result has proved the wisdom of the step; as not only has this ready communication with a safe and commodious harbour given to Canterbury an importance which it could otherwise never have obtained, but the railway itself is at the present moment paying far more than the interest on the cost of construction, after deducting the working expenses. 6. The town of Christchurch is well laid out with wide well-made streets, while many of the public buildings and churches are fine substantial edifices built of stone, and even in an architectural point of view possessing considerable merit; among these I may especially mention the Provincial BuilclingSj the Supreme I—A. 1.

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Court, the Normal School now in course of construction, the Wesleyan Church, and St. John's Church. A large English Cathedral is also in course of construction. The environs of the town are studded with comfortable well-built villas, the land for miles round is well farmed, and the fields are enclosed with neat well-trimmed gorse fences. The roads are also wide and well kept; and there is a general appearance of prosperity and refinement about the whole place which reminds me forcibly of a prosperous country town in England, and makes it hard to believe that the whole thing has been, the creation of only twenty-five years. 7. I remained in Christchurch for a fortnight, and during that time I visited the various public institutions and schools, which I found, upon the whole, to be in a very satisfactory condition. 8. On the 4th of May I quitted Christchurch and proceeded overland to Dunedin, where I arrived on the 7th, passing through Timaru, Oamaru, and Palmerston on my way. For the first seventy miles out of Christchurch I was enabled to proceed by railway, but after that I had to travel by road. I believe that it will take about two years before the railway is completed the whole way, although sections of it will be opened before that time. 9. If I was most agreeably surprised with the appearance of the country about Christchurch, I was certainly not less so with the general character of the country that I passed through on my journey South. I say nothing of the scenery, although that would well justify comment of the most favourable kind; but I confine myself rather to the evidences of material advancement and prosperity which presented themselves to my view in all directions. 10. On the southern portion of the Canterbury Plain the land is poor and unfit for cultivation, but it answers well for pastoral purposes. After passing Geraldine, a little to the south of the Rangitata River, however, the soil improves ; and from there to within a few miles of Dunedin one passes almost uninterruptedly through a splendid agricultural country, the whole of which is under cultivation ; and the numerous cornstacks with which the fields are studded bear ample evidence of the richness of the harvest during the last summer. I was also much struck by the manner in which the land was cultivated, which was far superior to that which is usually seen in a colony. 11. The towns of Timaru and Oamaru, through which I passed, were both of them very pretty, flourishing country towns, chiefly built of stone, and some of the buildings are large and handsome. Both towns are situated on the sea coast; but owing to the heavy surf which runs upon the shore, considerable difficulty is experienced in the shipment of goods. To obviate this, at Oamaru a large and substantial pier of concrete is being constructed, which, when completed, will afford good shelter for vessels; but at present only about 400 feet, out of the 1,200 to which it is proposed to extend it, has been built. 12. Dunedin, which is beautifully situated, is undoubtedly the largest, best built, and most important city in the colony, and presents all the appearance of a busy commercial town in an old country, and its dimensions are rapidly extending. The public buildings are all substantially and handsomely built, and the streets and the shops would do no discredit to any town in England; and various manufactories have been started, which, I am informed, are in a prosperous condition, among which I may especially mention a very fine woollen factory, where they make most excellent cloth. 13. Throughout my journey I was much struck by the magnitude of the public works that have been completed. The country in various places is intersected by large torrent rivers, all of which either are or will shortly be traversed by bridges of great length and substantial construction. These rivers are most dangerous to cross, and annually cause a considerable sacrifice of valuable life. The high roads are, generally speaking, most excellent, and equal to any high roads in England; and when once the main line of railway from Christchurch to the South is completed, there will be little left to desire for the foil development of the resources of that portion of the colony. The construction of these works has undoubtedly caused a large expenditure of public money. Much has been paid for out of the provincial revenue; but still more, especially in the construction of the trunk line of railway, has to be provided out of the general

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revenue under the Public Works and Immigration Act. At the same time, great as the expenditure undoubtedly is, and largely as the public debt has been increased, I believe that the policy which suggested it is a sound one, provided that it is not carried too far; and lam the more fortified in this opinion by observing the wonderful manner in which the various sections of railway throughout the country, as they are opened for traffic, at once bring in returns in excess of their working expenses ; and I believe that when once they are all completed, and through traffic is established, the railways will themselves pay the greater part of the interest on the money raised for their construction, even if they do not, as in Victoria, become an actual source of revenue. Be that as it may, in a country possessing the resources, the climate, and the class of population which is settled in New Zealand, I can entertain little apprehension for the future. Slight checks and reverses may, and no doubt will occur; but, with ordinary prudence in the management of affairs, the ultimate success and prosperity of the colony is, I believe, secured; and I have little doubt that, in the course of another twenty-five years, if not sooner, it will not be surpassed by any colonial possession in Her Majesty's dominions. 14. I cannot conclude this despatch without mentioning the strong feeling of loyalty and attachment to the Mother Country which I found pervading all classes of the community—a feeling which evinces itself, not only in expressions, but also in the constant endeavours to acclimatize everything that is English, and to reproduce as far as possible, in their far-distant home, the tastes, refinement, and the recollections of the Old Country ; and the reception which I received as Her Majesty's Representative was in every instance of the most cordial and hearty character. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. N ORMANBY.

No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 46.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, Bth June, 1875. Referring to your Lordship's Despatch No. 20, of the 25th February last, directing me to acquaint Major Richardson, the Speaker of the Legislative Council, that Her Majesty had been graciously pleased to approve of his appointment as a Knight Bachelor, I have now the honor to enclose to your Lordship the copy of a letter which I have received from that gentleman since closing the bag this morning. 2. Major Richardson further informs me that the Manager of the Bank of Victoria has received instructions to pay the sum of £96 14s. 6d., the amount of the necessary charges upon the appointment. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 2. My Loed, — Inyercargill, 3rd June, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of the 22nd ultimo, enclosing a copy of a letter addressed to you on the 25th February last, intimating that Her Majesty the Queen, on the recommendation of Lord Carnarvon, had been graciously pleased to confer on me the honor of Knighthood. May I request your Lordship to communicate how deeply sensible I am of this distinguished mark of Her Majesty's favour, and also of the kindness which induced Lord Carnarvon to submit my name for Her Majesty's consideration. I have, &c, J. Eichakdson. The Most Honorable the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.M.G-., &c, &c.

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No. 3. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 50.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 3rd July, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch No. 30, of the 17th April last, and to inform you that Mr. Montgomery's provisional appointment as Consul for Sweden and Norway, at Christchurch, has been duly notified in the Government Gazette. 2. I am not aware of any objection to his being appointed in that capacity. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 4. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 51.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 3rd July, 1875. On the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch No. 31, of the 17th April last, I caused the provisional appointment of Mr. Edward Pearce as Consul for Sweden and Norway, at Wellington, to be notified in the Government Gazette. 2. Mr. Pearce is one of the leading merchants here, and a member of the House of Representatives; and I am not aware of any objections to his being appointed in that capacity. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 5. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 53.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, sth July, 1875. In reply to your Lordship's Despatch No. 28, of the 6th April last, requesting me to forward Mr. Kirk's second report on, the durability of the New Zealand timbers for transmission to the Admiralty, I have the honor to inform your Lordship that, owing to the experiments not being completed, Mr. Kirk had not been able as yet to prepare the second report. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 6. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 54.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, sth July, 1875. With reference to your Lordship's circular despatches dated 12th March and Ist April, on the subject of the International Exhibition which it is proposed to hold at Philadelphia in 1876, I have the honor to inform your Lordship that I lost no time in laying these papers before my Executive Council. These despatches, together with the general regulations and the form of application for space have been published in the Neio Zealand Gazette for general information, and the Superintendents of the several provinces have already been invited to co-operate in securing exhibits of colonial productions; but it is not possible immediately to specify the amount of space that will be required for this colony. I will forward to your Lordship this information at the earliest possible time by telegraph. I have, &c, The Right H<Jn. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

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No. 7. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 55.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 6th July, 1875. I have the honor to inform your Lordship that, in order to avoid any Constitutional question that might have arisen during the Session of Parliament on account of Sir Julius Vogel holding the office of Premier while ahsent from the colony, my Government have availed themselves of the tender bf his resignation which has been forwarded to them by telegraph with discretionary power on their part to use it or not as they might consider it advisable. 2. The position in which my Government were placed by the unavoidable absence of the Premier during the Session is, as far as I am aware, unprecedented; and although I think it very probable that no real inconvenience would have arisen from it, still it would undoubtedly have invited attack on the part of the Opposition; and I think my Government acted wisely in tendering to me the resignation placed in their hands, and I at once accepted it. 3. The resignation of the Premier of course broke up the Government, and I requested Dr. Pollen to reconstruct it, which he has done by assuming himself the office of Premier, the other offices remaining exactly as they were before, with the exception, that Major Atkinson becomes Treasurer as well as Minister for Immigration, that office having been previously held by Sir Julius in conjunction with that of Postmaster-General. The latter office is still retained by Sir Julius. 4. By this means, while the number of the Executive remain exactly the same as they were before, I trust that any difficulty that was likely to have arisen on account of the prolonged absence of Sir Julius Vogel will have been obviated. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 8. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 56.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord,— New Zealand, 26th July, 1875. I have the honor to inform your Lordship that on the 20th instant I opened the Fifth Session of the Fifth Parliament of New Zealand. 2. I beg to enclose herewith a copy of the Speech* which I read on that occasion, and I also annex the Addresses in reply presented to me by both Houses of Parliament. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 9. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 58.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord,— New Zealand, 28th July, 1875. In reply to your Lordship's circular despatch dated sth December, 1874, and despatches marked "General" of the 16th'February and 17th April, 1875, relative to the withdrawal from circulation of the old British copper coin in this colony, I have the honor to inform your Lordship that a Proclamation is bein°prepared, decrying the old copper coinage as on the 31st January, 1876. I have, &c, * The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY. * Vide Journals of House of Representatives and Legislative Council, 1875.

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No. 10. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 64.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 2nd August, 1875. A question having arisen on the subject of the precedence that should be given to the Senior Officer in command of one of Her Majesty's ships in this colony, I venture to bring the subject under your Lordship's consideration, in order that the point may be definitely settled. 2. By the table of precedence in the Colonial Office Regulations, it is laid down that " the senior officer in command of the troops, if of the rank of General, " and the officer in command of Her Majesty's naval forces on the station, if of " the rank of an Admiral," shall take precedence next to the Governor, or Lieutenant-Governor; and, in like manner, " the senior officer in command of the " troops, if of the rank of Colonel or Lieutenant-Colonel, and the officer in com- " mand of Her Majesty's naval forces on the station, if of equivalent rank," is to take precedence next after the Chief Justice. 3. Abotit the position which is to be taken by the Commodore whenever he may visit the colony, there can of course be no question; and it is only as regards the precedence to be given to the officer in command of any man-of-war that may happen to be in the harbour, that I am anxious to obtain your Lordship's opinion. 4. On my arrival in this colony, I was informed that my predecessor, Sir James Fergusson, had decided, after some hesitation, that the senior officer in command of any ship of war was entitled to take rank after the Chief Justice; and as I do not attach any very great importance to the question, and have at the same time some slight doubts in my own mind as to the correct meaning of the paragraph in the table of precedence, I have myself continued the same practice, and shall continue to do so until I receive your Lordship's instructions. 5. The doubt that arises in my mind is this: It appears to me that the precedence is given not to the officer's rank as a Captain in the Royal Navy in command of one of Her Majesty's ships, but to his position as officer in command of Her Majesty's naval forces on the station. Now, New Zealand forming a portion of the Australian Station, and the Commodore being the officer in command of the naval forces on that station, the question which I would ask your Lordship is, "Does the fact of a man-of-war being detached to New Zealand give " to the senior officer of the ship or ships stationed in New Zealand waters the " position of ' The Officer Commanding Her Majesty's Naval Forces on the 11 Station'?" 6. I cannot say that it appears to me of much importance in which way this question is decided; but, at the same time, I do think that it is desirable that it should be authoritatively settled one way or the other. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 11.

Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 65.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 2nd August, 1875. I have the honor to enclose, for your Lordship's information, a copy of the Financial Statement which was delivered last Friday night hy Major Atkinson, the Colonial Treasurer, which I understood was very well received by the House, i 2. I have not as yet had time to go carefully through the Statement; but I know that it has been prepared with very great care, and with the anxious desire to place before the public in the clearest and most distinct manner the true

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financial position of the colony; and I think that it cannot fail to prove satisfactory to your Lordship and to the public. 3. I would especially call your Lordship's attention to the paragraph at the bottom of page 5, in which I think Major Atkinson most satisfactorily refutes the charge which has so frequently been made, that this colony has been in the habit of charging interest upon capital for works in the course of construction. 4. The state of the public revenue during the last year has been most satisfactory, showing an increase during the year of £184,785, and a surplus over expenditure of £120,000 —the estimated surplus for the present year amounting to £70,000, after making full provision for interest upon debt and sinking fund, and for the general service of the colony. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 12.

Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 66.) Government House, "Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 2nd August, 1575. I have the honor to enclose, for your Lordship's information, a copy of two Bills which were introduced on Friday last in the House of Representatives; the one having for its object the abolition of the present system of Provincial Government, and the other the establishment of an improved system of Local Government. 2. The desire on the part of the Government has been, while substituting the General Parliament of the colony in the place of the Provincial Legislatures, in all matters of legislation to interfere as little as possible with the rights and privileges of the people in the management of their local affairs. 3. The Bills having been so lately introduced, it is of course impossible to offer any decided opinion as to the manner in which they will be received; but I am inclined to think that they will give very general satisfaction, and be supported by a considerable majority in the Assembly. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 13.

Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 70.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 26th August, 1875. In reply to your Lordship's circular despatch, dated 25th May last, requesting a report of the correct computed area of New Zealand, stating from what data the information is obtained, I have the honor to report to your Lordship that the area of the Colony of New Zealand is estimated to be about one hundred and five thousand (105,000) square miles. This estimate has been obtained from the General Crown Lands Office, and has been compiled from the areas of the several provinces and the outlying islands, as computed by the Commissioners of Crown Lands, and Chief Surveyors in the provinces. It is, however, subject to modification hereafter, as surveys extend and more trustworthy maps are constructed. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

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No. 14. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 72. Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 30th August, 1875. I have been requested by my Government to ask your Lordship to be good enough to procure for them copies of the specifications, plans, and detail drawings of the new prison now in the course of erection at Wormwood Scrubs, near London; also, for the latest reports and other blue books relating to prisons and prison management. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 15. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 76.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 25th September, 1875. With reference to your Lordship's despatch marked " General," and dated 20th May last, transmitting an extract of memorandum by Mr. G. K. Eickards respecting the proposed repeal of certain Imperial Acts and sections of Acts, I have the honor to forward to your Lordship the enclosed report of the SolicitorGeneral. 2. The claim of the New Zealand Company having been extinguished, my Government see no objection to the repeal of the Statutes 20 and 21 Viet. chap. 52 ; and they concur with the opinion of the Solicitor-General as to the inexpediency of repealing the Statutes 20 and 25 Viet. chap. 53. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. ■ NOEMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 15. (No. 9.) Memobandtjm. The Colonial Secretary submits, for the information of His Excellency the Governor, the report of the Solicitor-General on the " Memorandum, by Mr. G. K. Rickards, respecting the proposed repeal of certain Imperial Acts and sections of Acts," transmitted with Lord Carnarvon's despatch of date 20th May ultimo. The claim of the New Zealand Company having been extinguished, Ministers see no objection to the repeal of the statute 20 and 21 Viet., c. 52. Ministers concur with the opinion of the SolicitorGeneral as to the inexpediency of repealing the statute 20 and 25 Viet., c. 53. "Wellington, 22nd September, 1875. Daniel Pollen.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 15. Honorable Colonial Seceetaby,— Eespecting the Acts noted on memorandum, prepared by Mr. G. K. Rickards, accompanying Earl Carnarvon's despatch of the 20th May last, I have to report as under : — (1.) Statute 20 and 21 Viet., c. 52. —This was the statute which authorized the payment of a sum certain to the New Zealand Company, in full of their then subsisting claim, £268,370 15s. I am informed this claim was satisfied by the payment of £200,000 raised under the colonial Act passed in 1856 ("The New Zealand Loan Act, 1856"). This can be ascertained with certainty, and if it appears the claim has been so satisfied, there can be no objection to the repeal. (2.) 20 and 21 Viet., c. 53.—This affects the Constitution of the colony, and although there may be no objection to the proposed repeal, I think it would not be expedient, under existing circumstances, to allow the repeal to be made. Besides this course is also in accordance with that followed on previous occasions with respect to repeals of this class of statute. (3.) 18 and 19 Viet., c. 54 and 55, only applied to the Colonies of Victoria and New South Wales respectively. (4.) 18 and 19 Viet., c. 56, 25 and 26 Viet., c. 11, also only affect Australian colonies. Ist September, 1875. W. S. Eeid.

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No. 16. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 77.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord,— New Zealand, 21st October, 1875. I have the honor to transmit to your Lordship a Copy of the Speech* with which I prorogued this day the Fifth Session of the Fifth Parliament of New Zealand. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 17. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 81.) Government House, "Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, sth November, 1875. In the course of an investigation which took place before a Select Committee of the Legislative Council during the past Session, it became apparent that very great carelessness existed in the mode in which gunpowder and other explosive materials have been stowed on board vessels which have recently arrived in this colony; and I now beg to bring under your Lordship's consideration a memorandum upon this subject which I have received from my Government. 2. The question is one which undoubtedly demands immediate attention; and I trust that your Lordship will bring the subject under the consideration of the Board of Trade, in order that provision may be made in the new Merchant Shipping Act which will insure such precautions being taken in the shipment of gunpowder and other explosive materials as may be considered best calculated to avert the great danger which at present undoubtedly attaches to all vessels carrying those materials. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

Enclosures in No. 17. Memorandum for His Excellency the Goveenoe. The question of the carriage of gunpowder on board ships has recently been brought before the notice of the Government. A Select Committee of the Legislative Council on the Marine Act Amendment Bill, reported that—" The necessity of making some further provision for securing the safe stowage of explosive " material has been brought prominently into notice, in connection with the circumstances that have " occurred on board vessels that have lately arrived in the colony, and your Committee recommends " that the Government should ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies to move the Imperial " Parliament to embody the clause marked ' A,' appended herewith, in a new Act amending the present " law." A copy of the clause here referred to is attached hereto. The Commissioner of Customs would draw His Excellency's attention to the fact that, within a short period, several instances have occurred which show the necessity of legislating for the purpose of securing more adequate protection to life and property than that provided by owners or charterers under the present system. Attached is an extract from a Dunedin newspaper, containing correspondence between the Secretary to the Underwriters' Association at Dunedin, a marine surveyor at that port, and the master of the ship " Altcar," in which the ships "Knight of Snowdown" and "Altcar" are referred to, as showing the insecure and dangerous manner in which powder is stowed. The ship " Strathmore," mentioned in Captain Harvey's letter, is known to have had a considerable quantity of gunpowder on board as cargo; and, as she is now long overdue, it is feared here that the explosion has taken place, and there is no one left to tell the tale. The ship " City of Auckland " arrived lately at Auckland with powder, and in her case the powder appears to have been stowed without any special protection beyond canvas being spread below, and even of that there is some doubt. A case of broaching cargo occurred on the voyage, and it is shown, by the evidence taken at the Auckland Police Court, that the thieves, in order to get at the brandy stolen, had crawled over the powder with a lighted lantern. The " Border Chief," which recently

* Vide Journals of House of Representatives and Legislative Council, 1875. 2—A. 1.

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arrived here from London, had a quantity of powder stowed just under the main-hatch, with miscellaneous cargo all about it, the only protection being canvas placed below to prevent loose powder from getting amongst the cargo. During the voyage the cargo got adrift, and it became necessary to throw the powder overboard. From these cases, the Commissioner of Customs thinks that there is no doubt that it would be exceedingly desirable that some provision should be made by law to compel masters pf vessels to stow powder in a proper manner; and he therefore recommends that Hia Excellency should communicate with the Secretary of State for the Colonies hereon, in order that, should he consider it necessary, a clause somewhat similar to that proposed by the Committee should be inserted in the next Merchant Shipping Bill introduced into Parliament. "William 11. Reynolds. Customs Department (Marine Branch), Wellington, 30th October, 1875.

A.

1. From and after the day of , 1876, no gunpowder shall be received or taken on board any ship or vessel at any port or place beyond the limits of New Zealand, for shipment to any port or place in New Zealand, unless such gunpowder shall be contained in packages or barrels closely joined or hooped, without any iron about them, or in copper, zinc, or tin cases or canisters, enclosed in wooden boxes or barrels, without any iron about them, and not containing in any one package or barrel more than 100 pounds in weight; and the said packages or barrels shall be securely and carefully stowed in some part of such ship or vessel, in a compartment or magazine which shall be lock-fast, and lawfully accessible only by means of a key or keys, to be kept by the master of such ship or vessel in his personal possession; and no other goods shall be stowed or kept in such compartment or magazine upon any pretence whatever. For the purposes of this section, and the next succeeding section, the term " gunpowder " shall include gun-cotton, and any explosive material or substance used for blasting or exploding mines or quarries, or other like purposes. 2. If any ship or vessel shall arrive in the colony, having on board gunpowder so shipped as aforesaid, and which is not packed and stowed in compliance with this Act, the master of every such ship or vessel shall be liable to a penalty of not less than fifty pounds (£5O) nor more than five hundred pounds (£500). If any such master or any other person lands, or attempts to land, at any port or place in the colony, any gunpowder which has not been packed or stowed as required by this Act, such gunpowder shall be forfeited, in like manner as goods the importation whereof is prohibited by the Acts relating to the Customs are liable to be forfeited; and the person so offending shall be liable to the penalties imposed on persons importing or attempting to import goods the importation whereof is prohibited by the Acts relating to the Customs, and such forfeiture shall be without prejudice to any proceedings under this Act, but so that no person shall be punished twice for the same offence.

Stowage of Gunpowder.

The following correspondence on this subject has been placed at our disposal far publication :— Dear Sie— Dunedin, 4th December, 1875. I have been informed that in many of the ships in which gunpowder has been imported from England to this port during the last two years, the necessary precautions have not been adopted in the stowage of such very dangerous cargo. As you are daily in the habit of inspecting the stowage of cargo while being discharged, would you be kind enough to furnish me with a report on this matter, for the use of the Underwriters' Association here, stating whether, according to your judgment and experience as a surveyor, proper means have been taken for the safety of the ship and prevention of accidents ? I am, <fcc, Captain Cumming, • James U. Russell, Marine Surveyor, Port Chalmers. • Surveyor to Association.

Deae Sie, — Port Chalmers, Bth September, 1875. At your request, I furnish you with a report of the stowage of gunpowder on board the last vessels that arrived here, and my experience, as Marine Surveyor, of stowage of gunpowder on board vessels arrived at this port these last two years. On the 19th August, 1875, surveyed the main hatches of the ship " Knight of Snowdown," Captain Richardson, from London, with 200 kegs of gunpowder on board ; found the kegs in good order, stowed against a plain f-inch bulk-head, that divided off the passengers' berths from the cargo, being about twenty feet aft the main-hatch, stowed on top of case goods, without any old sail under or over the kegs. On the 30th August, 1875, surveyed the main hatches of the ship " Altcar," Captain Harvey, from London, with 400 kegs blasting powder and 20 cases of canister powder on board ; found the kegs and cases of powder stowed in and around the main-hatchway, in separate lots. Some packages of other cargo having got adrift on the passage, broke nine kegs and two cases of powder, completely smashing four of the kegs, and allowing the contents of the whole nine kegs to get mixed with the cargo, and finding its way down into the lower hold, there being no old sail under or over the kegs to save or protect the powder. Some time in 1874 (I forget the name of the vessel) had four kegs smashed, the contents getting down the lower hold for want of an old sail under the kegs ; and only in one instance have I seen that precaution taken, but never found them covered over or stowed in a bin. John W. Cumming, Captain Russell. Marine Surveyor.

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Sib,— Ship "Altcar," Port Chalmers, 17th September, 1875, I deem it my duty to inform you, for the information of the local Insurance Offices, of the dangerous manner in which gunpowder is put on board and (so called) stowed in London. It is brought alongside, taken in, and stowed by the shippers' agents, the master and crew of the vessel having no control over it in any way. Now, the stowing of these parties consists in dropping the various packages into any opening or crevice that presents itself. The powder in my vessel consisted of 400 barrels and 24 cases, and was placed in main-hatchway and on both sides of same, amongst a general cargo consisting of wines, spirits, oils, painis, matches, rod and bar iron, &c, &c. The hatches were then secured, and nothing more was seen until arrival. We had the usual amount of heavy weather during the voyage. LTpon opening hatches, in presence of Surveyor, we found the powder adrift, and some eight barrels and three cases smashed. In consequence, daily, during our discharge, we have been sweeping and packing up powder from amongst the iron, &c, it (the loose powder) having reached down even to the skin of ship. Now, any practical man will perceive we have been momentarily exposed to explosion, more especially from the friction of the iron, and have been most mercifully spared from an imminent and deadly peril. In carrying powder for the Government, it is placed in a magazine specially prepared, into which not a particle of iron is allowed to enter. I begged for one in London, but was not listened to by the charterers. Powder is not allowed to be carried at all in emigrant vessels ; but it is allowed, it seems, to be put on board passenger ships. Surely the lives of these, and of myself, wife, and crew, are as dear to us as to emigrants. As the Government appear to take no cognizance of these matters, but confine their attention to frivolous and vexatious rules and regulations, my object is to persuade the Insurance Offices to refuse to underwrite a single package in vessels carrying powder, unless in a proper magazine, which for a few pounds could be erected. While I am writing, we all regret the non-appearance of the " Strathmore," a new vessel, with some ninety souls on board. Being informed she carried 30 tons powder, and, judging from my experience, I —and I shall rejoice to find I am wrong—never expect to see her. Surely, Sir, under these circumstances, the Insurance Offices will not hesitate a moment to put a stop, as far as lies in their power, to this disgraceful and wanton practice, whereby most valuable vessels, their cargoes, and the lives of all on board, are so manifestly imperilled. I have, &c, J. W. Haevey, The Secretary, Underwriters' Association. Master of ship " Altcar."

No. 18. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hen. the Marquis of Normandy to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 82.) Government House, Wellington, My Loud, — New Zealand, Bth December, 1875. I have the honor to transmit to your Lordship copies of all the Acts passed by the General Assembly during their late Session; together with synopsis of the same, prepared by the Attorney-General. I have, &c.j The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 18. Synopsis of tiie Acts passed by the Geneeal Assembly of New Zealand in the Session of Pabmament held in the yeab 1875. No. 1. The Imprest Supply Act authorizes an advance of £250,000 out of the Public Account by way of imprest for the service of the year ending 30th June, 1876. This money is to be charged in the manner expressed in the annual Appropriation Act of the Session appropriating the same. No. 2. The Immigration Expenditure Indemnity Act indemnifies the Colonial Treasurer and others for the expenditure of £84,040 15s. 6d. in the introduction of immigrants into New Zealand in excess of the sum appropriated by Parliament for that purpose during the financial year ending on the 30th June, 1875 ; and directs that the said sum shall be charged in the accounts of that financial year. No. 3. The Invercargill Gas Loan Act 1874 Amendment Act amends " The Invercargill Gas Loan Act, 1874," and gives power to the Municipal Council of the Town of Invercargill to raise by debentures or otherwise £16,000, such moneys to be applied in the construction or purchase of gasworks for the supply of the Town of Invercargill with gas. No. 4. The Queenstoicn Waterworks Act gives power to the Municipal Council of the Town of Queenstown to borrow £8,000, and apply the same in the construction or purchase of waterworks for the supply of the Town of Queenstown with water. No. 5. The Presbyterian Church of Otago Incorporation Act incorporates all the Trustees acting under " The Presbyterian Church of Otago Lands Act, 1866," and their successors in office, under the name and style of " The Otago Presbyterian Church Board of Property," and vests certain lands in the Board. The Act also provides for the Government of the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland.

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No. 6. The University of Otago Site Act vests certain lands in the University of Otago, subject to the provisions of an Ordinance passed by the Legislature of the Province of Otago in the year 1869 for incorporating the University. No. 7. The Otago University Site Exchange Act authorizes the Superintendent of the Province of Otago to exchange part of the Cemetery Reserve at Dunedin for a reserve in the Town of Dunedin held for public recreation purposes, and to change the purposes of the latter piece of ground to a site for the University of Otago. No. 8. The New Zealand University Act 1874 Amendment Act repeals section 23 of " The New Zealand University Act, 187-1," and provides for the granting of certain degrees. No. 9. The New Zealand Presbyterian Church Act defines the legal position of the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand, and provides for the conveyance of property held in trust for purposes connected with the Presbyterian Church in certain cases. No. 10. The Auckland Institute Act authorizes the Superintendent of Auckland to mortgage a certain piece of land held by him as a reserve for an Auckland Institute, and to pay the moneys raised to the Committee of the Institute, to be applied in the building and fitting up a Public Museum and Library. No. 11. The Wellington Athenceum and Mechanics' Institute Incorporation Act constitutes the members of the Wellington Athenfoum and Mechanics' Institute a body corporate, defines the objects and purposes of the body, and provides for the government thereof. No. 12. The Southland Waste Lands Act Amendment Act authorizes the Southland Waste Lands Board to withdraw from sale any land notwithstanding application has been made for it, and also to grant licenses for cutting timber and other purposes. No. 13. The Registration of Mining Companies Validation Act provides that the registration and incorporation of any mining company shall be valid, though the same may have been made at the Supreme Court Offices in Auckland, Nelson, and Dunedin before they were appointed to be Registrars' Offices in the manner required by " The Mining Companies Act, 1872." No. 14. The Inspection of Machinery Act Amendment Act amends " The Inspection of Machinery Act, 1874," contains further provisions for the inspection of boilers and machinery, and gives power to hold inquiries into causes of accidents. No. 15. The Palmerston Waterworks Act empowers the Municipal Council of the Town of Palmerston to borrow £10,000 for the purposes of supplying the Town of Palmerston with water. No. IG. The Neiv River Harbour Board Land Act empowers the Governor to grant certain lands to the New River Harbour Board, to be held subject to the provisions of an Ordinance passed by the Legislature of the Province of Otago called " The New River Harbour Board Ordinance, 1874." No. 17. The Kakanui Harbour Board Act declares that the Kakanui Harbour Board shall have all the power it would have had if the Kakanui Harbour had been declared a port at the time of the passing of an Ordinance passed by the Legislature of the Province of Otago called " The Kakanui Harbour Board Ordinance, 1873." No. 18. The Protection of Animals Act Amendment Act provides for the protection of seals during certain months, and amends the 17th section of " The Protection of Animals Act, 1873." No. 19. The Imprest Supply Act No. 2 authorizes an advance of £430,000 out of the Public Account by way of imprest for the service of the year ending 30th June, 1876. This money is to be charged in the manner expressed in the annual Appropriation Act of the Session on appropriating the same. No. 20. The Parliamentary Privileges Act 1865 Amendment Act provides that witnesses sworn before either the Legislative Council or House of Representatives, or before Committees of the Council or House, are to have same immunities as witnesses sworn and examined in the Supreme Court. No. 21. The Abolition of Provinces Act (a separate synopsis of this Act has already been transmitted).. No. 22. The Marriage Act Amendment Act provides for the appointment of a Deputy RegistrarGeneral, for the keeping of certain indexes, and amends the 7th section of " Tra Marriage Act, 1854." No. 23. The Registration of Births and Deaths Act repeals the existing Statutes relating to this subject, from Ist January, 1876, and consolidates and amends them into one Act. No. 24. The Highway Boards Empowering Act 1871 Amendment Act provides that if any road is continued up to the boundary of a district into another, the Board may give notice to treat, with respect to repair the road, with other Boards, and that in certain cases the Judge of the District or Supreme Court may apportion the work of maintaining aud repairing the road between the Boards. No. 25. The Highway Boards Empowering Act No.'2 provides for the levying of special lighting rates within highway districts. No. 26. The Christchurch District Drainage Act provides for the improvement of the drainage of the City of Christchurch and lands surrounding the city, the constitution of a Drainage Board, the levying of rates, &c, and gives power to the Board to borrow money on the security of the rates. No. 27. The Campbelllown Athenceum Act incorporates an institute called the Campbelltown Athenaeum, vests certain lands in the Aihenasum, and provides for the management of the affairs of that, institution. No. 28. The Nelson City Loan Act empowers the Corporation of the City of Nelson to borrow £10,000, to be applied towards the extension and construction of gasworks and waterworks within and about the City of Nelson. No. 29. The Oamaru Waterwork Act empowers the Municipal Council of the Town of Oamaru to borrow £60,000, to be applied towards the construction or purchase of waterworks for the supply of the Town of Oamaru with water. No. 30. The Oamaru Oas Works Act empowers the Municipal Council of the Town of Oamaru to borrow £10,000, to be applied towards the construction of works for supplying the said town with gas.

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No. 31. The Timaru Municipal Council Waterworks Loan Act empowers the Council of the Borough of Timaru to borrow £15,000, to be applied in the construction or purchase of waterworks for the supply of the Town of Timaru with water. No. 32. The Napier Municipal Council Empowering and Waterworks Loan Act empowers the Municipal Council of the Borough of Napier to borrow £10,000, to be applied in the construction and purchase of waterworks for the supply of the Town of Napier with water. No. 33. The Clyde Waterworks Empowering Act empowers tho Municipal Council of the Town of Clyde to borrow £5,000, to be applied in the construction or purchase of waterworks for the supply of the Town of Clyde with water. No. 34. The Auckland City Endowments and Reserves Act vests certain lands in the Corporation of the City of Auckland, as an endowment for the improvement and benefit of the said city. No. 35. The Plans of Towns Regulation Act provides that in the laying out of towns after the Ist January, 1876, streets must be of a certain width. Reserves are to be made for recreation grounds, &c, and streets must bo laid out in a particular way. No. 36. The Public Health Act Amendment Act, 1875, provides that orders under the Public Health Act with respect to provisions twenty to forty-five are to continue in force till revoked. No. 37. The Gold Fields Acts Amendment Act, No. 2, repeals certain sections of " The Gold Fields Act, 1866," and provides that agricultural leaseholders are not required to hold business licenses. No. 38. The Government Apprentices Act provides for the manner in which persons may be apprenticed in certain departments where arts or trades are carried on by tho Government; certain sections of " Tho Master and Apprentices Act, 1805," are repealed. The Act contains clauses regulating the form of contract between the Government and apprentices. No. 39. The Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Act Amendment Act declares that Registrars and Deputy Registrars, in the absence of the Judges of the Supreme Court, are to have all the powers given such Judges with regard to the arrest of defendants about to quit New Zealand. No. 40. The Bills of Sale Act Amendment Act provides for the registration of bills of sale and renewal thereof. This Act is founded on the Imperial Statute, 29 and 30 Viet, c. 96. No. 41. The Neglected and Criminal Children Act Amendment Act amends the 3rd section of " The Neglected Children's Act, 1873," by the substitution of the words " under the age of 21 years " for " nonage," which for the purposes of that Act was 15 years, and empowers the Governor to proclaim certain schools " Industrial Schools." No. 42. The Anatomy Act authorizes tho establishment of Schools of Anatomy, and provides for the manner in which the practice of anatomy is to be regulated thereat. Its provisions are mainly taken from the Imperial Act of 2 and 3 Will. IV., cap. 75. No. 43. The Public Debts Sinking Funds Act Amendment Act declares the persons who are to be the Commissioners of the Public Debts Sinking Funds. No. 44. The Electric Telegraph Act consolidates the existing Statutes relating to electric telegraphs, and confers on tho Telegraph Commissioner certain additional powers for removing obstructions to lines. No. 45. The Westport Municipal Reserve Act confirms a grant from the Crown of certain lands to the Corporation of tho Borough of Westport. No. 46. The Anne Hood Grant Act repeals a Crown grant which had by a mistake been made in the name of George Hood and Anne Hood, and authorizes the issue of a Crown grant to Anne Hood, in the name of Anne Murch, the person in whose favour the same should originally have been made. No. 47. The Chubbin Land Purchase Act authorizes the Governor to execute a conveyance to John Chubbin, of certain pieces of land in the Province of Tacanaki. No. 48. " The TaranaM Waste Lands Act 1874 Amendment Act," amends " The Taranaki Waste Lands Act, 1874," and provides for the disposal of lands of special value for industrial purposes. No. 49. The Wellington Toll Gates Act removes doubts as to the tolls to be taken under certain Ordinances passed by the Legislature of the Province of Wellington. No. 50. The Wellington Hospital Loan Act authorizes the proceeds of the sale of certain lands in or near the City of Wellington to be spent in making roads ; and empowers the Trustees of the Wellington Hospital to exchange certain lands. No. 51. The Wellington Hospital Loan Act Amendment Act, No. 2, amends the last-mentioned Act, and authorizes persons in whom lands required by the Trustees are vested to sell the same to the Trustees. No. 52. The Wellington Reclaimed Land Act authorizes the Corporation of the City of Wellington to exchange certain lands for others. No. 53. The Wellington Education Reserves Act authorizes the Governor to grant certain lands in the Province of Wellington to the Education Board of the Province of Wellington. No. 54. The Wellington Rivers Act provides for the management of certain rivers in the Province of Wellington, and for the making, repairing, and maintaining of protective works, to lessen the damage occasioned by the overflow of such rivers. No. 55. The Clutha River Conservators Board Act constitutes a Harbour Board for the Clutha River District, and vests certain lands in the Board so constituted. No. 56. The Qreytoiun and Masterton Public Park and Cemetery Reserve Management Act authorizes the Superintendent of the Province of Wellington to set apart certain lands as reserves for a cemetery and public park or recreation ground, provides for the appointment of Trustees, and for vesting in them such reserves. No. 57. The Municipal Corporations Acts Amendment Act amends " The Municipal Corporations Act, 1867," and certain Acts amending it, chiefly as the same relate to the making of by-laws and the election of Mayors. No. SS. The Dunedin Corporation Borrowing Powers Extension and Debentures Act incorporates certain provisions of divers Ordinances passed by the Legislature of the Province of Otago relating to

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the City of Dunedin, and empowers the Council of the City of Dunedin to borrow £300,000 on the credit of the rates, and the form and mode of enforcing securities taken under the Act. No. 59. The Oamaru Town Hall and Gasworks Sites and Recreation Reserves Act authorizes the Governor to make grants of certain lands to the Municipal Corporation of the Town of Oamaru, to be held for certain purposes of a public character, and also as the site for gasworks. No. 60. The New Zealand University Reserves Act removes doubts as to the legality of certain reserves made for a Colonial University, and declares that such reserves shall be held under the 30th section of " The New Zealand University Act, 1874." No. 61. The Onehunga Reserves Act empowers the Governor to make grants to governing body of the Town of Onehunga of certain reserves laying waste there. No. 62. The Auckland Harbour Foreshore Grant Act empowers the Governor, with the consent of the Executive, to grant to the Auckland Harbour Board certain portions of the soil of the Harbour Board of Auckland. No. r63. The Otago Harbour Board Empowering Act confers additional powers on the Otago Harbour "Board, as constituted by Ordinances passed by the Legislature of the Province of Otago, and vests certain lands in the Board. No. 64. The Moeraki Harbour Board Act constitutes a Harbour Board for the Harbour of Moeraki, and authorizes the Provincial Treasurer of the Province of Otago to pay to the Board £3,000, raised under " The North Otago District Public Works Loan Act, 1872." No. 65. The Napier Harbour Board Act constitutes a Harbour Board for the Port of Napier, and defines the powers and duties of such Board. No. 66. The Invercargill Municipal Council Empowering and Waterworks Loan Act brings " The Municipal Corporations Waterworks Act, 1872," into operation in the Borough of Invercargill, and authorizes the Council of the Borough of Invercargill to borrow £50,000. No. 67. The Otago Waste Lands Act 1572 Amendment Act amends " The Otago Waste Lands Act, 1872," and provides that a depasturing license may be cancelled upon the discovery of any mineral or metal or valuable stone on lands leased. No. 68. The Auckland Waste Lands Act 1874 Amendment Act amends " The Auckland Waste Lands Act, 1874," contains provision respecting the purchase of unsurveyed waste lands, and reserves right to lay out roads over rural lands within certain periods. No. 69. The Gold Fields Act Amendment Act, No. 1, provides that the Governor may declare any watercourse shall bo a watercourse into which mining debris may be discharged, and contains provisions for the compensation of owners of land through which water flows that has been fouled by mining debris. No. 70. The Gold Mining District Act Amendment Act amends the Act of like title passed in 1873. The present Act contains provisions for the amalgamation of mining claims with other claims after the license has been held a certain time. No. 71. The Otttram Electric Telegraph Station Reserve Act vests in the Crown a provincial reserve for the purposes of a Telegraph Station. No. 72. The Invercargill Public Offices Site Act vests in the Crown a Provincial Government building reserve for the purposes of public offices, and authorizes the Invercargill Athenaium to exchange a piece of land held by them for part of the land so vested in the Crown. No. 73. The Stamp Act which comes into operation on the Ist January, 1876, repeals all the existing Acts relating to stamp duties, and to consolidate the law as to stamp duties into one Act. No. 74. The Stamp Fee Act provides that after the bringing into operation of the Act, duties fines and penalties payable in money in any public department or office are to be collected by means of stamps. No. 75. The Registration of Electors Act provides that Clerks of Municipal Corporations, Highway Boards, &c, are to prepare lists of ratepayers and forward these to Registration Officer, who is to treat the lists as claims to be inserted on the list of voters for the electoral districts. No. 76. The Lodgers' Franchise Act extends electoral franchise to lodgers occupying lodgings of value of £10 per annum. No. 77. The Representation Act provides that the House of Eepresentatives shall consist of 84 members over and above the 4 Maori members, and makes provision for the preparation of electoral rolls in the new districts constituted by Act. No. 78. The Disqualification Act Amendment Act amends "The Disqualification Act, 1870." The amending Act disqualifies members of either House from sitting or voting if concerned or interested in any contract though made while Parliament is not in Session, and indemnifies members from any penalties or incapacity to vote that they might have become liable to owing to breaches of " The Disqualification Act, 1870." No. 79. The Debtors and Creditors Act, which comes into operation on the Ist January, 1876, repeals ■ all the existing Statutes relating to bankruptcy, and, amongst other things, provides for the winding up of a bankrupt's estate without the intervention of the Court. No. 80. The Fraudulent Debtors Act constitutes certain offences against the last-mentioned Act misdemeanours, punishable with imprisonment for two years. No. 81. The Evidence Further Amendment Act is a transcript of the Imperial Statute, " The Evidence Further Amendment Act, 1869," with the exception of the sth section, which provides that, in criminal summary proceedings punishable by fine or imprisonment, persons charged, and their husband and wives respectively, are competent but not compellable to give evidence whether for or against himself or herself. No. 82. The Commissioners of the Supreme Court Act empowers the Judges of the Supreme Court to appoint Commissioners to take affidavits, &c, out of the colony, and also to appoint Commissioners for taking acknowldgements of deeds by married women out of the colony. No. 83. The Religious, Charitable, and Educational Trusts Act Amendment Act provides that certain Eoman Catholic Bishops shall be included in the term " office-bearers " in the construction of "The Eeligious, Charitable, and Educational Trusts Act, 1856."

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No. 84. The Friendly Societies Act Amendment Act provides that Treasurers of Friendly Societies are . to be deemed the servants of the Trustees of such societies within the meaning of " The Larceny Act, 1867," so as to render them punishable for embezzlement. No. 85. The New Zealand Presbyterian Church Act, No. 2, corrects an error in the preamble of the first Act of the title passed in the late Session of Parliament. No. 86. The Railway Companies Act contains provisions enabling Joint Stock Companies formed for the purpose of constructing railways to construct branch railways and to maintain them, and incorporates certain sections of the Imperial Act, " The Railway Clauses Consolidation Act, 1845." The Act also provides for the management of such lines of railway, and gives certain pre-emptive rights to the Government of the colony on the terms stated in the Act. No. 87. The Licensing Amendment Act provides that at certaiu Quarterly Licensing Meetings no licenses are to be granted to applicants who have been refused a license as unsuitable persons, and that no wholesale license shall be issued unless approved by the Licensing Court. No. 88. The Public Libraries Powers Act contains provisions whereby Public Libraries, Mechanics' Institutes, and other like literary or scientific bodies may become incorporated, and when incorporated, are to possess certain privileges. No. 89. The Employment of Females Act Amendment Act amends the existing laws as to the employment of females, and contains certain provisions taken from the Imperial Factory Acts, provides that females may be employed in certain woollen, cloth, flannel, or hose factories for eight hours a day between the hours of 6 o'clock in the morning and 6 o'clock in the evening, that the Acts are not to apply to saleswomen in retail places of business, or to females employed in printing offices on Saturdays. No. 90. The Davides Succession Act constitutes David Davides the heir-at-law of his half-caste daughter, who had been legitimatized by the operation of " The Half-caste Disability Eemoval Act, 1860." No. 91. The Martin Grant Act empowers the Governor to make a Crown grant of a piece of land to Walter Lawrence Martin. No. 92. The Riddell Grant Act empowers the Governor to make a Crown grant of 600 acres to James Riddel], in exchange for other lands belonging to James Riddell, in the possession of which James Riddell has been disturbed by certain Natives. No. 93. The Imbecile Passengers Act Amendment Act extends the time during which the owner or charterer of a ship may be called upon to enter into a bond for the maintenance of imbecile passengers. No. 94. The Immigration and Public Works Act contains additional powers as to railways, provides for certain offences on railways, repeals the 12th section of " The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1871," and in lieu contains certain provisions as to railways, the cost and equipment of which is to be charged against a province, empowers the Governor to proclaim places where tramways may be made, imposes penalties for injury to roads, vests the Kawakawa Railway in the Crown, and constitutes the colliery reserve at Westporfc Crown land. No. 95. The Immigrants Land Act Amendment Act enables the Governor, in cases where he is satisfied that persons claiming the benefits of " The Immigrant Land Act, 1873," have substantially complied with its provisions, to extend the provisions, of that Act to such persons. No. 96. The Public Revenues Act repeals certain sections of " The Public Revenues Act, 1867," the whole of " The Public Revenues Act, 1869, No. 2," certain sections of " The Public Revenues Act, 1869," and of " The Public Revenues Acts, 1870, and 1872," makes temporary provision in case of the death of the Agent-General, constitutes the revenue from confiscated lands Land Fund, and authorizes the Commissioners of Audit to recover debts to the Crown. No. 97. The Provincial Appropriation Extension Act extends the appropriation Acts or Ordinances of the several provinces until the 30th September, 1876, expenditure on public works to same date, and the expenditure of excess of revenue, and provides for an advance in aid of the revenue of the Provinces of Auckland and Westland. This Act has been rendered necessarv by the passing of " The Abolition of Provinces Act, 1875." No. 98. The Immigration and Public Works Appropriation repeals certain appropriations made by former Acts, authorizes the Colonial Treasurer to issue and apply £3,587,662 10s. Bd., arising out of various funds mentioned, and apply the same in manner mentioned in Act, and authorizes the Colonial Treasurer to make temporary advances to Defence Loan. No. 99. The Appropriation Act is the annual appropriation of the Consolidated Fund and other moneys to the service of the year ending 30th June, 1876, and appropriating the supplies granted to Her Majesty, amounting to £1,072,637 2s. Local and Personal. No. 1. The Auckland Improvement Amendment Act provides that on non-payment of the interest on the debentures issued under "The Auckland Improvement Act, 1873," certain lands may be sold. No. 2. The Kaitangata Railway and Coal Company {Limited) Empowering Act authorizes the Company to construct a railway connecting the Dunedin and Clutha Railway with the Township of Kaitangata and the coal mines adjacent thereto. No. 3. The Napier Gas Company Act contains provisions enabling the Napier Gas Company (Limited) to supply the Town of Napier with gas. No. 4. The Napier Swamp Nuisance Act empowers the Corporation of the Borough of Napier to fill in and reclaim certain swamp lands. No. 5. The Dunedin Waterworks Extension Act is a supplementary Act to " The Dunedin Waterworks Act, 1874," and contains provisions whereby the Corporation of the City of Dunedin are empowered to take, divert, and impound the water flowing into the stream called " The Water of Leith," and to lay down pipes, &c.

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No. 19. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 83.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, Bth December, 1875. Your Lordship's telegram, dated London, 21st October, as follows — " Two thousand square feet floor space in main building Philadelphia Exhibition, " inclusive of passages, allotted to New Zealand " —has been duly received by me, and I have had the same communicated to the Commissioners for that Exhibition. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NOEMANBY.

No. 20. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 84.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 9th December, 1575. Eeferring to your Lordship's Despatch No. 5, of the 22nd January last, in which your Lordship pointed out certain amendments in " The New Zealand University Act, 1874," which Her Majesty's Government considered necessary, before advising Her Majesty to issue Letters Patent recognizing the degree of Bachelor and Master in Arts, and Bachelor and Doctor in Law, Medicine, and Music, conferred by the University of New Zealand, I have now the honor to enclose the copy of a short Act, passed during the last Session of Parliament, for the purpose of making those amendments; and I trust that your Lordship will now be enabled to advise Her Majesty to grant the usual Letters Patent to the University of New Zealand. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NOEMANBY.

No. 21. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 85.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 10th December, 1875. I have the honor to forward to your Lordship copies of a Eeport* of the Government Insurance Commissioner, believing that it will be interesting to your Lordship to learn from an official source the progress of the Government Life Insurance Department, which was first established in this colony in the latter part of 1869. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NOEMANBY.

No. 22. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 86.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand. 11th December, 1875. I have the honor to inform your Lordship that, by the advice of my Eesponsible Advisers I dissolved the Eifth Parliament of New Zealand on the 6th instant, and the new writs will be returnable on the 2nd day of Eebruary next. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NOEMANBY. Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, H.—No. 17.

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No. 23. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon.

(No, 91.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 15th December, 1875.

"With reference to your Lordship's circular despatch dated 21st August last, transmitting copies of Pacific Islanders Protection Act, passed during the last Session of the Imperial Parliament, I have the honor to inform your Lordship that I yesterday signed a Proclamation bringing the above-named Act into force in this colony. I have, &c,

The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NOEMANBY.

No. 24. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon.

(No. 94.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 15th December, 1875.

In reply to your Lordship's circular despatch of 29th September, 1875, received by last mail, transmitting a letter from His Grace the Duke of Eichmond on the subject of a building which it is proposed to erect in the grounds of the Philadelphia Exhibition, to be used as Executive offices, I have the honor to inform your Lordship that, having consulted my Executive Council upon the subject, they are of opinion that it would be impossible for them to define correctly how often and to what extent this temporary accommodation would be required by this colony, and therefore while accepting with thanks the proffered accommodation, they beg me to inform your Lordship that Dr. Hector, who is now in England, has been appointed a Commissioner for this colony to attend the Philadelphia Exhibition under Letters Patent (a copy of which commission I now enclose), and that they will communicate with him by this mail, directing him to make all the necessary arrangements, and to furnish your Lordship with the information required. 2. I shall feel grateful to your Lordship if you would accord to Dr. Hector, as Commissioner for New Zealand, an introduction to His Grace the Duke of Eichmond.

I have, &c,

The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NOEMANBY.

No. 25. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon.

(No. 2.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 13th January, 1876. I have the honor to forward to your Lordship copies of the Statistics of the Colony of New Zealand for the year 1874. I have, &c,

The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NOEMANBY.

No. 26.

Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon.

(No. 4.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 13th January, 1876. I beg to bring under your Lordship's notice a memorandum which has been presented to me by my Government on the subject of the position which is at present held by a Judge o£ the Supreme Court on his retirement from the Bench. 3—A. 1.

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2. The question has arisen on account of Messrs. Justice Gresson and Chapman having lately accepted their pensions and retired, after long and faithful service on the Bench. These gentlemen are much respected; and it is felt that it is hardly desirable, considering the high position they have so long held in the colony, that they should now be deprived of all recognition of their former rank and precedence. 3. The number of gentlemen who are ever likely at any one time to hold the position of a retired Judge of the Supreme Court must necessarily be very small; and I would venture to express a hope that your Lordship may see no objection to advising Her Majesty to direct that in the case of Messrs. Gresson and Chapman, and in similar cases in future, a Judge of the Supreme Court on his retirement, shall be permitted to retain the title of Judge, and that he shall take precedence after the existing Judges of that Court. 4. I have the less hesitation in suggesting such a course in consequence of the rule which now exists as regards the office of Executive Councillor, by which gentlemen who have held that office are, under certain circumstances, permitted to retain the title of Honorable, and to take precedence after existing Executive Councillors ; and it appears to me that the same principle might well be applied to retired Judges of the Supreme Court. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 26.

Memobandtjm for His Excellency.

(No. 13.) Now that two retired Judges are residing in the colony, one in Canterbury and the other in Otago, the question of their social status, and of the precedence which should be accorded to them, has been naturally raised. Both of the gentlemen in question, Messrs. Gresson and Chapman, have held and still hold a very high position in the estimation of the public, and it is with regret that people have observed how on public occasions they now have no precedence whatever, and that there is no official recognition of their former position. Ministers think that such a change of status is not fair to gentlemen who have long served the public in an onerous and dignified position ; and that, further, it is not advisable on public grounds that any portion of the dignity and respect which visibly surround gentlemen holding high judicial position should appear to fail them when they have closed their active career on the Bench, and sought a wellearned retirement.

Ministers respectfully suggest that retired. Judges should retain their official titles and precedence according to their seniority, as though they had not retired ; and hope that His Excellency will be pleased to lay the matter before the Imperial Government, with a view to obtaining Her Majesty's sanction for such precedence. "Wellington, 3rd January, IB7G. Chables C. Bowen.

No. 27. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanbt to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon.

(No. 5.) Government House, Wellington, Mi Lord, — New Zealand, 14th January, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's telegram through the Governor of South Australia—viz., " Please inform all colonies that " Pacific Railroad rescinds agreement to carry goods free to Philadelphia Exhibi- " tion, and all charge full rates coming and free returned." I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 28. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanbt to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon.

(No. 6.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 3rd February, 1876. In reply to your Lordship's Despatch No. 64, dated 13th November, 1875, informing me that the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have decided

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not to press further the objections raised in their letter dated 26th May last to the Act of the New Zealand Legislature No. 25 of 1874, and also their Lordships' desire to be furnished with a report of the Auditor-General of New Zealand relative to the sum of £200,000, the balance of £1,000,000, to which the Imperial guarantee had been given; I beg herewith to enclose to your Lordship a copy of a certificate by the Auditor-General of the expenditure of the General Government of New Zealand on immigration, roads, and communications during the years 1872, 1873, and 1874, from which your Lordship will see that no less a sum than £3,982,672 19s. Bd. has been expended. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 28. • Memoeandtjm for His Excellency the Goyebnob. (No. 14.) The Honorable the Colonial Treasurer has the honor to transmit the enclosed certificate by the Auditor-General, of the expenditure of the General Government of New Zealand on Immigration, Eoads, and Communications during the years 1872, 1873, and 1874, with a request that His Excellency the Governor will forward the same to the Eight Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies. H. A. Atkinson. Wellington, 31st January, 1876.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 28. I certify that the expenditure of the General Government of New Zealand, on Immigration, Eoads, and Communications, during the years 1872, 1873, and 1874, was as follows, viz.:— £ s. d. During the year 1872 ... ... ... ... ... 617,907 15 1 „ 1873 ... ... ... ... ... 1,199,516 4 2 „ 1874 2,165,249 0 5 Chakles Knight, 28th January, 1876. Auditor-General.

No. 29. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 8.) Government House, Auckland, My Lord,— New Zealand, Bth March, 1876. I have the honor to inform your Lordship that, in consequence of the return of Sir Julius Vogel to this colony, the Hon. Dr. Pollen, to whom I had intrusted the re-formation of the Government in July last —a step which had been rendered necessary by the prolonged absence of Sir Julius in England —tendered to me his resignation as leader of the Government. 2. On receiving Dr. Pollen's resignation, I at once requested Sir Julius to resume his position as head of the Government, when he submitted to me the following distribution of the various offices, of which I approved: — The Hon. Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G.. Premier and Colonial Treasurer. The Hon. Sir Donald McLean, K.C.M.G., Minister for Native and Defence. The Hon. Daniel Pollen, Colonial Secretary. The Hon. Edward Richardson, Minister for Public Works. The Hon. Harry Albert Atkinson, Minister for Crown Lands. The Hon. Charles C. Bowen, Minister for Justice and Commissioner of Stamp Duties. 3. Your Lordship will observe that this reconstruction of the Government has no political signification whatever, being simply caused by the return to the colony of Sir Julius Vogel. Although there is some modification in the allotment of the offices, the members of the Government remain the same, with the exception of Mr. Reynolds, who has retired from the Government. His retirement, however, was brought about by entirely private considerations, and would probably

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have taken place sooner had he not delayed tendering his resignation at the request of his colleagues. His place in the Executive has not as yet been filled up, but it will be so in a short time. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 30. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 9.) Government House, Auckland, My Lord, — New Zealand, 11th March, 1876. I ha^e the honor to inform your Lordship that I have this day, hy the advice of my Government, appointed Mr. William Swainson a Member of the Executive Council, without office. 2. Mr. Swainson was formerly for some years connected with the government of this colony, and now holds a pension; and it has been usual to appoint him to a seat in the Executive, as it facilitates the formation of a quorum during the residence of the Governor in Auckland. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NOEMANBY. . By Authority: Geobge Didsbuby, GtoTernment Printer, Wellington.—lB76. Price Is.]