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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1880 Session I, A-01

zV«' a X

1880. 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 His Excellency,

No. 1. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 35.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 20th July, 1878. In reply to your Despatch No. 12, of 25th February, 1878, enclosing a letter from the Board of Trade relating to certain practices connected with the engagement of seamen at the ports in New Zealand, New South Wales, and Victoria, I have now the honor to enclose the copy of a memorandum which I have received from my Government, together with a report from the Customs Department, giving full details on the subject; by which you will see that the statement made by a discharged seaman to the Consul at Noumea, to the effect that his discharge certificate would be taken away from him on his reshipping in New Zealand, and that a charge of five shillings would be made, is not correct. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 1. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to the Marquis of Normanby, and has the honor to state that inquiries made have shown that complaints, through the British Consul at Noumea, to the Board of Trade—referred to in Sir Michael Hicks Beach's Despatch No. 12, of 25th February, 1878—as to certain alleged practices at Australasian ports respecting the engagement of seamen, do not apply to New Zealand. Copy of a memorandum for the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs, stating all necessary details, for the information of the Board of Trade, is enclosed. Wellington, 10th July, 1878. G. Grey.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 1. The Secretary of Customs to the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs. The information supplied to H.B.M. Consul at Noumea by a seaman on his being discharged from a New Zealand vessel, to the effect that the form of discharge given to him in pursuance of the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act would be taken away from him on his shipping again in New Zealand, and a fee of ss. charged to him for permission to ship, is not correct. I have heard, however, that the Shipping-master in Newcastle, N.S. Wales, deprives seamen of their discharges and retains them in his office. Certificates of discharge, of which a specimen is annexed, similar to those sanctioned by the Board of Trade, are in use in New Zealand. These are not withdrawn from the seaman, as they are specially designed to be retained by him to show his whole service extending over a long period. They are always carefully preserved and highly prized by seamen of good character. I—A. 1.

A.—l

2

When a seaman offers himself for engagement, and is unable to produce a certificate of discharge from his last ship, it is lawful, under the Bth section of " The Merchant Shipping Act, 1869," to grant him a permit to ship. (Copy of this section is appended hereto.) A fee of ss. for these permits is authorized by an Order in Council made on the 24th of January, 1870, under authority of the 6th section of the Colonial Act already quoted. The provision as to permits was copied from Victoria when these documents were in use, having been adopted, it was understood, with a view to assist in checking the desertion of seamen from their ships. Their use in New Zealand has not been found of any practical value in this direction, and therefore the provision regarding them was not introduced into the Shipping and Seamen's Act passed last session and reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon. William Seed, Customs Department, Wellington, sth June, 1878. Secretary of Customs.

" The Merchant Shipping Acts Adoption Act, 1869." " Section 8. In case any seaman shall be unable to produce a certificate of discharge from his last ship, it shall be lawful for the Superintendent of any Mercantile Marine Office, or any officer of Customs, on being satisfied of the fact of such inability, and upon payment of such fee as may be fixed by the Governor in Council, to grant to such seaman a permit to engage himself in any foreign-going ship; or, if any seaman shall prove to the satisfaction of such officer that without any fault of his own he has lost or been deprived of his certificate of discharge, such officer may grant a permit as aforesaid to such seaman to ship in any home-trade ship."

No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 36.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 26th July, 1878. I have the honor to inform you that I opened the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of New Zealand this day. I beg to enclose herewith a copy of the Speech I read, and I also annex the Addresses in Reply presented to me by both Houses of Parliament. I have, &c., The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

No. 3. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 37.) Government House, Wellington, Sni, — New Zealand, Bth August, 1878. I have the honor to transmit six copies of the Financial Statement of the Colonial Treasurer, the Hon. J. Ballance, which he delivered in the House of Representatives on the 6th of August instant. I have, &c.j The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

No. 4 Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 38.) Government House, Wellington, SI Rj — New Zealand, 9th August, 1878. In reply to your circular of the Bth of April, 1878, I have the honor to enclose a copy of a memorandum I have received from Sir George Grey, by which you will see that my Government have directed that the books recommended to the Board of Trade by the Assistant-Principal Examiners in Navigation and Seamanship shall be used in this colony. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

3

A.—l

Enclosure in No. 4. Memorandum for His Excellency. Sir George Grey presents his respectful compliments to the Marquis of Normanby, and has the honor to advise that His Excellency's reply to the circular letter returned herewith be to the effect that the Marine Department will procure, and cause to be used in the colony, the books recommended to the Board of Trade by the Assistant-Principal Examiners in Navigation and Seamanship. Wellington, 30th June, 1878. G. Grey.

No. 5. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 39.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 12th August, 1878. In reply to your Despatch No. 17, of the 20th April, I have the honor to enclose the copy of a memorandum received from my Government, by which you will see that they do not admit of any responsibility for loss incurred by the destroying of the clothes and bedding of the crew of the vessel " Zealandia." I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 5. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Colonial Secretary presents his compliments to His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby, and, in reference to the letter from Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co. to the Secretary of State, enclosed in the despatch from Sir M. Hicks Beach of the 20th of April, desires to inform His Excellency that the ship " Zealandia " was placed in quarantine, as stated by her owners, by reason of small-pox having broken out among the crew. Owing to careful management on board, the disease was confined to the forecastle, and did not appear among any of the passengers, so that, after fourteen days' isolation at the Quarantine Station, the latter were admitted to pratique without it being found necessary to destroy any of their clothes or bedding. In order to expedite the release of the vessel, and consequently in the interests of the owners, the destruction of the men's clothes and bedding was insisted upon by the Superintendent of Quarantine as an indispensable condition. The Colonial Government therefore do not admit any responsibility for loss incurred by the owners for their own advantage. Wellington, 19th July, 1878. G. S. Whitmore.

No. 6. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 41.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 15th August, 1878. I have the honor to enclose printed copies of a correspondence which has taken place between myself and Sir George Grey on the subject of your cypher telegram, dated sth of August, in reply to a telegram from Sir George Grey to Lord Beaconsfield. You will observe that this correspondence has been laid upon the table of the House at the request of Sir George Grey. I have, &c., The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

Zj.»""^X

4

No. 7. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 42.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 16th August, 1878. In reply to your circular of the 14th of February, 1878,1 have the honor to enclose the copy of a return showing the various amounts subscribed in aid of the Indian Famine Relief Fund in different districts in New Zealand. I regret that so much delay has taken place in furnishing this return; but some difficulty has occurred in obtaining it, in consequence of the subscription having been raised and transmitted locally, without the aid of any general committee, which has rendered it necessary to obtain the information from all the minor districts. The return now enclosed is, I believe, substantially correct, though it is possible that some small subscriptions may have been omitted. I have, &c., The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 7. Amounts Collected in the various Boroughs in New Zealand in aid of the Indian Famine Relief Fund. Auckland, £1,985 lis. 5d.; Hamilton, £28 7s. 6d.j Thames, £230; Napier, £1,488 10s. lid. (including surrounding districts) ; New Plymouth, £440 10s. 4d.; Wellington, £1,994 ss. id.; Palmerston North, £30; Masterton, £54; Wanganui, £517 3s. 7d.; Nelson, £400; Westport, £16; Hokitika, £71 175.; Akaroa, £124 12s. 5d.; Christchurch, £5,000 (including surrounding districts) ; Lyttelton, £167 65.; Timaru, £458 12s. 9d.; Arrowtown, £32 7s. 6d.; Caversham, £68 12s. 6d.; Cromwell, £44 Bs.; Clyde, £26 145.; Dunedin, £2,399 ss. 9d.; Dunedin South, £14 os. 3d.; Green Island, £32 18s. 6d.; Lawrence, £41 10s.; Milton, £96 3s. lOd.; Naseby, £67 65.; Oamaru, £657; Palmerston South, £102 lis.; Queenstown, £99 125.; Roxburgh, £80 3s. 10d.; Tapanui, £57 9s. 6d.; Winton, £22 10s.; Invercargill, £500.

No. 8. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 43.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 13th September, 1878. I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the Public Works Statement delivered by the Hon. J. Macandrew, Minister for Public Works, in the House of Representatives, on the 27th of August. I have, &c.j The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

No. 9. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 44.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 13th September, 1878. I have the honor to inform you that on Tuesday, the 3rd of September, I proceeded to Lyttelton in H.M.S. " Nyinphe," for the purpose of being present at the opening of the railway between Christchurch and Dunedin. Portions of the line have been open for some time; but the establishment of through communication between those two important cities was considered a matter of such importance to the prosperity of the colony that it was deemed advisable to make a public demonstration in celebration of the event. Eor that purpose the Houses of Legislature adjourned on Wednesday evening, the 4th instant, until Tuesday, the 10th ; and, an intimation having been made to me that

5

A.—l

Ministers were anxious that I should take part in the ceremony, I of course complied most readily with the request. A large number of the members proceeded on Wednesday night in the Government steamer to Lyttelton, and on Wednesday evening a large banquet was given by the Mayor of Christchurch, to which about two hundred and fifty people were invited; and great enthusiasm was evinced by all present. At 6 o'clock on the following morning a special train, containing about three hundred persons, started for Dunedin, stopping for a short time at Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru, and Palmerston, arriving in Dunedin shortly after 6 p.m. It was most gratifying to observe the thorough appreciation of the importance of the event which was manifested by all classes of the population throughout the whole line. Not only at the places that I have named were the stations crowded to excess by an eager population who evinced their satisfaction by constant and vigorous cheering, but even at the small stations where the train did not stop, at the roadcrossings, and even in the fields by the sides of the railway, groups of people were constantly seen collected, waiting to give the train a hearty greeting as it passed along. On the arrival of the train at Dunedin there could not have been less than ten thousand persons in and about the station. The City was illuminated; and on my declaring the line open, which I did on stepping on to the platform, the cheering was long and continuous. On the following evening I attended a banquet given by the Mayor, when about four hundred persons sat down, and the speeches which were made upon the occasion only reiterated the feelings of satisfaction which had been evinced the day before. That the event which we were assembled to commemorate was one which was well calculated to create the enthusiasm which it excited there can be no doubt. Since the commencement of the public works policy which was first initiated in 1870 by Sir Julius Vogel, the railways have been gradually progressing, large sums of money have been expended upon them, while the receipts have been small, and the fears of many have been excited as to whether the works undertaken would ultimately succeed, and whether the country would be able to bear the expense which they entailed. So long as the portions of line opened were disunited sections, which afforded little facility for traffic, of course the line could not be expected to pay. Now, however, that the main lines in the South Island at any rate are nearly completed, I think there are evidences to show that, both directly and indirectly, the colony will receive an ample return for the money that has been expended. Even last year, when through communication was still incomplete, the receipts from the railways in the South Island produced something over 2-| per cent, over working expenses upon the whole of the money expended tipon railway construction in that Island. Now the line is open from Amberley to Dunedin, a distance of 262 miles, and, with the exception of a short break of twenty miles, from Dunedin to Kingston. In about two months this small gap will be completed, and there will then be an unbroken line of 488 miles from Amberley to Kingston, exclusive of several branch lines. During the first eight weeks of the present financial year the receipts from the Canterbury sections alone have increased very nearly £14,000, or at the rate of nearly £2,000 a week above the receipts of the corresponding weeks last year; and there is therefore every reason in hoping that the railway in the South will before long cease to be a burden upon the resources of the colony. While the prospects of the direct advantages to be derived from the railways are thus bright, the indirect advantages are equally hopeful. The value of land in the vicinity of the railways has, in the last three or four years, doubled, quadrupled, and in some instances increased more than tenfold. Large tracts of land, which formerly, from want of cheap transport, could only be used for pastoral purposes, are now under cultivation and producing large crops of grain and root crops; and this colony, which until very recently was mainly dependent upon South Australia for its wheat, is now a large exporter of grain, 145,600 tons having passed through the Christchurch Station alone for exportation.

A.—l

6

With facts such as these before one, I think that little fear need be entertained as to the future of New Zealand. At the same time, there is no doubt that the debt incurred is a very large one, and that it will, for the time at any rate, necessitate caution ; but, as the productive powers of the railways increase, and the revenue of the country is thus released from the payment of the interest on the debt, I trust that the main lines will be pressed forward with as little delay as is consistent with the caution which is required. There are at present 1,058 miles of railway open for traffic in the two Islands —741 in the South Island and 311 in this Island; and I trust that, before many years have elapsed, through communication will be established from Auckland to Wellington, and from either Nelson or Picton to the Bluff, thus opening out the country from one end of the colony to the other. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

No. 10. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 45.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 13th September, 1878. I have the honor to forward to you the copy of an Address to Her Majesty which has been passed by the Legislative Council of New Zealand relative to the Congress lately held in Berlin. The Address was passed on the 23rd ultimo, and it was expected that it would have been properly engrossed in time for transmission by this mail; but, unfortunately, there has been some unavoidable delay. I therefore enclose a copy signed by the Speaker of the Council, and I will forward the engrossed copy by next mail. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

No. 11. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 47.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 7th October, 1878. In reply to your circular of the sth of June, 1878, I have the honor to inform you that my Goveimment see no reason for desiring that New Zealand should be excluded from the operations of the proposed Treaty between Great Britain and Roumania. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

No. 12. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 49.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 12th October, 1878. Referring to my despatch by last mail, No. 45, of the 13th September, I have now the honor to enclose the engrossed copy of the Address to Her Majesty, congratulating Her Majesty upon the result of the late Congress at Berlin. You will observe that this copy is signed by the Hon. Major Richmond, the Acting-Speaker of the Council, instead of Sir John Richardson, the Speaker, who I regret to say has been obliged to obtain leave of absence on account of ill health. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

7

A.—l

No. 13. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 51.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 2nd Novejuber, 1878. I have the honor to inform you that I have this day prorogued, by Commission, the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of New Zealand. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

No. 14. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 53.) Governrnejit House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 2nd November, 1878. In reply to your predecessor's circular of the 31st December, 1877, enclosing a series of questions respecting Australian trees, which have been drawn up by the Society of Agriculture of Algiers, I have now r the honor to forward to you the information required, as far as they relate to trees indigenous to this colony. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

No. 15. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 54.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 3rd November, 1878. I have much pleasure in enclosing the copy of a memorandum which has been forwarded to me by Sir George Grey, by which you will see I am requested to bring under your notice the gallant conduct of William Jenkins, and to request that you will bo good enough to submit his name, together with the names of those who assisted him, under the consideration of the Royal Humane Society. You will not fail to observe that twice within the short period of a few weeks this gallant old man has been instrumental in saving life from shipwreck, at considerable risk to his own life —first, in the instance of the "Felixstowe," when he succeeded in rescuing Mrs. Piggott, the wife of the captain of that ship, her husband being drowned at the time by the upsetting of another boat; and, secondly, in the case of the " City of Auckland," aii emigrant ship, which unfortunately went on. shore near the same spot on the 23rd of last month, when by his skill and gallantry he was instrumental in saving the lives of over one hundred women and children. From all I have heard of the case it is one which is well deserving the consideration of the Royal Humane Society, and I trust that they may see fit to mark their approbation of such gallant conduct, not only on the part of Mr. Jenkins, but also of those who so nobly seconded him in his humane and dangerous enterprise. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 15. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier has the honor to transmit to His Excellency the Governor copy of a letter and an enclosure thereto, which he has received from the Speaker of the House of Representatives^

A.—l.

8

respecting the gallant daring of William Jenkins, an old whaler, in bringing ashore, amidst circumstances of the greatest difficulty, upwards of one hundred Avomen and children from the wrecked immigrant ship the "City of Auckland." 2. Not long before Jenkins showed himself so bravely successful in this case, when not a life wras lost, the " Felixstowe," a coal-laden barque, was wrecked upon the same beach, near Otaki, on the south-west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. From her, Jenkins, with a boat's crew consisting of Hector McDonall and three Maoris (named Pitoitoi, Wi Neera, and Maaka), rescued Mrs. Piggott, the wife of the captain. Jenkins's services, in leading and inspiriting his companions on this occasion, have been brought to the notice of the Government by the Coroner and jury who held inquests on the bodies of some of the drowned sailors. 3. The recommendation of the Coroner and jury, that the Government should give a " token of their approbation " to Jenkins and his crew, as well as to a second crew, consisting of Thomas Seymour, John Harvey, F. Skipwith, and James Ransfield, who did gallant service at the wreck of the "Felixstowe," is under consideration. But the Premier believes that His Excellency will have pleasure in being enabled at once to forward to the Secretary of State for the Colonies the accompanying copy of Mr. Speaker's letter and its enclosure, as well as of the recommendation of the Coroner and jury, with a view to the documents being submitted to the Royal Humane Society, in order that that Society may, as it will no doubt desire to do, bestow upon Jenkins and the others concerned such recognition of their services as it may consider to be deserved. Wellington, Ist November, 1878. G. Grey.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 15. The Speaker of the House of Representatives to Sir George Grey. My dear Sir George,— Wellington, 31st October, 1878. I enclose a letter from Mr. Braithwaite, my nephew, a Justice of the Peace, respecting the brave conduct of Jenkins in rescuing the women from the immigrant ship " City of Auckland," wrecked on the beach at Otaki. I thiDk conduct such as this deserving of the medal of the Royal Humane Society. I have, &c, The Hon. Sir George Grey, K.C.B. William Fitzherbert.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 15. Mr. A. Braithwaite to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Dear Sir William,— Hutt, 29th October, 1878. May I call your attention to the gallant conduct of William Jenkins (and his boat's crew of volunteers, Morgan Carkeek, surveyor, and two half-castes, named Marks and Hammond) at the recent shipwreck on the West Coast ? W Then the "City of Auckland" was discovered on Wednesday morning ashore on the beach of Otaki, William Jenkins went off to the vessel, steering his boat through a very heavy surf and broken sea, and commenced bringing ashore the women; he made several trips, and landed over one hundred women and children, immigrants, without an accident. He began at 9 o'clock a.m., and it was nearly 3 o'clock in the afternoon before they were all ashore. William Jenkins is an old settler, about sixty-five years of age, and the skilful way in which he handled his boat through the heavy surf (being twice washed from his post) was worthy of admiration. The cool daring of the old man gave confidence, and I consider the safe landing of the shipwrecked people from the "City of Auckland" due to the noble conduct of William and his brave crew. I have, &c, Arthur Braithwaite, J.P.

Sub-Enclosure 3 to Enclosure in No. 15. The Coroner and Foreman of the Jury to the Hon. the Minister of Justice. Sir,— Otaki, 16th October, 1878. We, the undersigned, feel it incumbent on us to make honorable mention of William Jenkins, Hector McDonald, Toitoi,* Wi Nayler,f and Mark, J the crew of a boat who succeeded in rescuing Mrs. Piggott, the wife of the captain of the ship " Felixstowe ;" and of Thomas Seymour, John Harvey, F. Skipwith, and James Ransfield, who gallantly and freely exposed their lives to imminent danger with the humane view of trying to save the life of Captain Piggott and his crew; and hope that the Government will in its clemency award them a token of its approbation. Charles Hewson, Coroner. The Hon. the Minister of Justice. W. H. Simcox, Foreman of the Jury.

* Pitoitoi. t Wi Neira. J Maaka.

9

A.—l

No. 16. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 55.) GoA^ernment House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 2nd December, 1878. I have the honor to transmit to you copies of all Acts passed by the General Assembly during their late session, together with a synopsis of the same prepared by the Solicitor-General. The Administration Act has been reserved for Her Majesty's assent, as it may affect the estates of persons residing out of the colony. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

Enclosure 1 in No. 16. Administration Act. This Bill is reserved for the signification of the Royal assent, in accordance with the terms of the Royal Instructions to His Excellency the Governor of the 6th November, 1874. The Royal prerogative is directly affected, and the Bill may affect the estates of persons residing out of the colony. This Bill repeals "The Real Estate Descent Act, 1874," which originally had been reserved for and subsequently received the Royal assent. Provision is made that probate or administration of both the real and personal estate of any deceased person may be granted ; that the real estate of a deceased person shall vest in the executor or administrator; that such real estate shall be assets in the hands of the executor or administrator, w rith power to sell, lease, or mortgage it, to pay succession duties, fees, and debts. In equity suits relating to the real estate, the executor or administrator represents the real estate to the same extent that the executor or administrator does in suits concerning the personal estate. Subject to the provisions of the Act, the executor or administrator holds the real estate as provided by the 10th section. By the 2nd subsection it will be seen that, so far as relates to persons dying intestate after the Act comes into operation, his real estate is distributed as personal property, thus placing the real and personal property of a person who dies intestate after the Act comes into operation in the same position. Provision is also made for the succession of real and personal estate of a male illegitimate dying intestate and without issue, and also for the succession to the real estate of a female intestate who dies leaving no husband or legitimate children or their issue surviving. The Act has been compiled from two sources —namely, "The Administration Act, 1872," of the Colony of Victoria, and " The Real Estate Descent Act, 1874," of this colony. Sections 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34 are nearly identical with sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 of the Victorian statute; sections 8, 11, 23, 25, and 26 with sections 13, 14, 16, and 17 of "The Real Estate Descent Act, 1874." Similar provisions to these in the Act, as to the disposal of the property of illegitimate persons, are law in New York. (See the New York Civil Code.) And in New Zealand it has been found that the expense of holding inquiries under "The Escheat Act, 1868," is great, and that in the end the Government generally give the property to the persons that would obtain it under this Act. It has been found that " The Real Estate Descent Act, 1874," being an Act that only dealt with the descent of real property in the case of male persons dying leaving wife, children, or lineal descendants surviving, has led to some difficulty and confusion. This Act gets rid of the anomaly of having two kinds of descents for real property. The costs incurred before real property can be made available for the payment of debts are at present very large, and the delays troublesome. The provisions of this Act place real and personal property in the same position. It is believed the provisions of this Act will prove of great value in the administration of real property in the colony.

Enclosure 2 in No. 16. Synopsis on the Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand in the Session of Parliament held in the Year 1878.

The Public General Statutes. No. 1. The Native Land Act 1873 Amendment Act confers upon the Native Land Court and its Judges the same powers as the Supreme Court for compelling the attendance of witnesses. and production of documents. 2—A. 1.

A.-i

10

No. 2. 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, 1879 : the money to be charged in the manner expressed in the Appropriation Act of the session appropriating the same. No. 3. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 2) similarly authorizes a further advance of £250,000. No. 4. The Mercantile Law Further Amendment Act provides that the signature of the drawee on a bill of exchange shall not be considered an insufficient acceptance thereof. No. 5. The Reprint of Statutes Act provides for the appointment of Commissioners to supervise the publishing of a revised edition of the Public General Statutes of the colony. No. 6. The Sale of Food and Drugs Amendment Act provides for the payment of the cost of analyses by persons convicted of trafficking in adulterated articles. No. 7. The Cruelty to Animals Act is an adaptation of the Imperial statute on the same subject; provides for the infliction, in certain cases of gross cruelty, of imprisonment and hard labour without option of fine. No. 8. The Trade Union Act is an adaptation of the Imperial Acts for the regulation and management of trades unions. No. 9. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 2>) authorizes a further advance of £250,000 by way of imprest for the year 1878-79. No. 10. The Fraudulent Debtors Act, repealing former Acts, substitutes amended provisions for the prevention of frauds by bankrupts and others engaged in trade. No. 11. The Savings-Bank Profits Act authorizes the payment to charitable institutions of the profits of any bank when they exceed a sum of 10 per cent, on deposits. The Act only applies to savings-banks in the Provincial District of Otago. No. 12. The Civil Service Acts Amendment Act more specifically defines the persons who may and who may not claim the benefits of the said Acts in respect of pensions. No. 13. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 4) authorizes a further advance of £250,000 by way of imprest for the year 1878-79. No. 14. The Interpretation Act is for the shortening of the language used in Acts of the Assembly; makes provisions, subject to which all Acts shall be construed, to render unnecessary the repetition in every Act of certain stereotyped phrases. No. 15. The Land Claims Act requires to be advertised in London; provides that persons who do not prosecute any claims they may have before 31st December, 1879, will be barred, the Land Claims Court established in 1856 having now been upwards of twenty years in operation. No. 16. The Privileges Act 1866 Amendment Act extends to certain officers not named in the original Act exemption from attendance on Courts of law during the session of Parliament. No. 17. The Customs Tariff Act repeals the duties on certain articles, and readjusts others, substituting in certain cases a specific duty instead of an ad valorem duty; also reduces the import duty on Australian wines. No. 18. The Land-Tax Act imposes a duty of one-halfpenny in the pound on the capital value of all land over and above the value of £500. Native land occupied by Natives is exempted, and also lands used for public purposes of health, education, charity, or religion. No. 19. The Public Revenues Act consolidates and amends the law relating to the public moneys, and the control and audit of the public accounts. No. 20. The Juries Act Amendment Act provides for the ballot of special jurors in criminal cases in the same manner as common juries, and in civil cases provides for the hearing of cases before a special jury of four men if both parties agree; also abolishes the exemption of special jurors from serving on petty juries. No. 21. The District Railways Act 1877 Amendment Act provides amended and additional provisions for the better working of the said Act, which have been found necessary. No. 22. The Dangerous Goods Act Amendment Act makes provision for the better working of the original Act by local authorities, and authorizes the entry on premises for procuring samples of oil for testing. No. 23. The Friendly Societies Act Amendment Act provides amended provisions in the original Act, which have been found necessary for the better administration thereon. No. 24. The Gold-Mining District Act 1873 Amendment Act extends the term "water-race" to include races that are used for purposes other than mining purposes — e.g., irrigation, milldriving, &c. No. 25. The Bank Holidays Amendment Act establishes six additional bank holidays in the year, and provides for the proclamation of bank half-holidays on special occasions. No. 26. The Debtors and Creditors Act Amendment Act is supplementary to the original Act; makes further provisions for the better administration thereof. No. 27. The Laiv Amendment Act is mostly an adaptation of the Imperial Judicature Acts; provides for the simplification of procedure in the Courts, and empowers the Judges to frame rules for the assimilation of practice to that of England. No. 28. The Repeal Act is a transcript of one of the Imperial Statute Law Revision Acts, and is passed as an ancillary to the reprint of a revised edition of the statutes; embraces in one Act all enactments that arc obsolete or repealed.

11

A.—l

No. 29. The Temporary Powers Act enables the Governor in Council, until the next session of Parliament, to frame regulations in supplement of certain Acts mentioned in the Schedule for the more effectual administration of such Acts in their practical parts. No. 30. The Disqualification Act, repealing former Acts, defines moi-e clearly such engagements and offices as would render the holders thereof incapable of sitting in either House of the General Assembly. No. 31. The Sheep Act is a consolidating Act, providing a uniform administration for the eradication of scab in sheep. No. 32. The Native Licensing Act is to provide a more effectual means of checking illicit sale of spirits to Natives, and enables Natives in their own districts to introduce a total prohibition of the sale of intoxicating liquors therein. No. 33. The Public Reserves Sale Act authorizes the disposal, in manner prescribed, of certain public reserves no longer required for the purposes for which they were set apart. No. 31. The Public Reserves Act Amendment Act provides a classification of all reserves heretofore made, and prescribes more definitely the mode in which such reserves may respectively be dealt with; prohibits any dealings with reserves made for Native purposes except by special Act. No. 35. The Harbours Act is a general measure for the constitution of Harbour Boards and the management of harbours, the construction of harbour works, the control of the harbour lights, pilotage, &c. Where there is no Harbour Board the Governor exercises the functions. It is also provided that the Act shall in no way affect " The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877." No. 36. The District Laiu Societies Act empowers the legal practitioners within any judicial district to form themselves into a district law society, in the same manner as the practitioners of the colony are incorporated as the New Zealand Law Society, with similar powers and functions. No. 37. The Waikato Crown Lands Sale Act authorizes the sale of certain Crown lands for the providing of a fund in support of the higher education of the Natives. No. 38. The Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Act is an amendment of the original Act in certain particulars for the better administration thereof, and provides additional enactments for the same purpose. No. 39. The Rating Act Amendment Act is for the purpose of rendering the provisions of the original Act more applicable in newly-formed districts, and in districts where a different mode of rating had previously been in force. No. 40. The Native Land Act Amendment Act (No. 2) is for the modification of the procedure in the Native Land Court in certain matters, and for the better protection of Native lands ; prohibits all mortgages of land by Natives; provides that lessees may pay rents to credit of Native lessors in certain cases; and makes further provision for the administration of the property of Native minors. No. 41. The Government Native Land Purchases Act Amendment Act provides that, where the Queen has entered into negotiations with the Natives for land, and the same is proclaimed, Her Majesty, as against all persons except the aboriginal owners of the land, shall have the powers of an owner for prevention of and prosecution for trespass. No. 42. The Special Poivers and Contracts Act authorizes the issue of grants of land to certain Natives, in fulfilment of promises made to them. No. 43. The Fisheries (Dynamite) Act is a transcript of the Imperial Act for the prohibition of the use of explosive substances in fisheries. No. 44. The Seals Fisheries Protection Act is for the purpose of preventing the wanton destruction and possible extermination of seals, enabling the Governor to open and close the hunting season in different parts as may seem necessary. No. 45. The Public Works Act 1876 Amendment Act provides additional machinery for the more effective administration of the original Act. No. 46. The Railways Construction Act prescribes conditions under which certain railways enumerated in the Act may be contracted for and constructed. No. 47. The Financial Arrangements Act makes provision for the support of hospitals and charitable institutions, and otherwise directs the application of moneys in execution of certain public works. No. 48. The Immigration and Public Works Appropriation Act appropriates, out of the ways and means enumerated, the sum of £2,910,921 3s. 7d. for construction of public works and immigration for the year ending 30th June, 1879. No. 49. The Appropriation Act —the annual Appropriation Act. Amounts appropriated : Total, £2,364,608 15s. Bd. Reserved Bill. No. 50. The Administration Act repeals " The Real Estate Descent Act, 1874," and makes other provisions respecting the administration of the estates of deceased persons. [This Bill is reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon, for reasons stated in a separate memorandum relating to the measure.]

A.—l.

12

The Local and Personal Acts. No. 1. The Southland Boys' and Girls' High Schools Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1878, validates an election for the Board of Governors for the said schools, although not made within the prescribed time. No. 2. The Martin's Annuity Act Amendment Act, 1878, is for the increase of the annuity granted to Sir W. Martin, formerly Chief Justice of the colony. No. 3. The Catlin's River Cemetery Act, 1878, appropriates certain lands, part of an education reserve, for the purposes of a public cemetery. No. 4. The Wyndham Recreation Reserve Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1878, extends the powers of the Trustees in respect of leasing the reserve. No. 5. The Mataura Reserve Act, 1878, in substitution of an Act passed in the last session, transfers to Trustees an unused ferry reserve for purposes of public recreation, and portion thereof for purposes of an agricultural society. No. 6. The Oamaru Waterworks Act 1875 Amendment Act, 1878, authorizes the Borough Council of Oamaru to borroAV moneys necessary for completing works for the supply of water to the borough. No. 7. The Oamaru Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute Act, 1878, authorizes the sale of land belonging to the Institute, and the acquisition of more suitable land in lieu thereof. No. 8. The Wellington Local Boards Empowering Act, 1878, empowers local Boards incorporated under a Provincial Ordinance to make by-laws, and declares valid certain elections in the past as to which some doubts had arisen. No. 9. The Patumahoe Hall Site Act, 1878, vesting a parcel of land in trustees for the use of Volunteers and the public generally. No. 10. The Timaru Post and Telegraph Offices Site Sale Act, 1878, authorizes the sale of a reserve of land no longer required for the purposes for which it was set apart, and applies proceeds of sale for building new post and telegraph offices. No. 11. The Invercargill Waterworks Loan Act, 1878, authorizes the borrowing of money for the supply of water to the Borough of Invercargill. No. 12. The Incorporation of Campbelltown Act, 1878, provides for the special incorporation of that borough. No. 13. The Mount Ida Water-race Trust Act, 1878, provides for the constitution of a local trust for the management of the water-race at present vested in the Crown. No. 14. The Wyndham Cemetery Act, 1878, nominates the first Trustees for the management of the cemetery, and provides for the management of the cemetery. No. 15. The Bluff Harbour Endow-ment Act, 1878, vests certain lands in the Bluff Harbour Board for purposes connected with the harbour. No. 16. The Milton Athenaeum Endowment Act, 1878, makes a further grant to the Trustees of the Athenaeum for the endowment and maintenance of the institute. No. 17. The Waitaki High School Act, 1878, incorporates a body of Governors for the management of a High School within the County of Waitaki. No. 18. The Riverton Harbour Endowment and Borrowing Act, 1878, endows the Riverton Harbour Board with certain lands, and authorizes a loan for the purposes of the harbour. No. 19. The North Otago Benevolent Society Act, 1878, incorporates certain persons associated for benevolent purposes in the County of Waitaki, and vests certain lands in such persons for the benefit of the association and its purposes. No. 20. The Otago School Commissioners Empoivering Act, 1878, authorizes the Otago School Commissioners to dispose of certain lands vested in them, that are required for other specified public purposes. No. 21. The Otago University Act, 1878, empowers the University to lease certain portions of its endowments. No. 22. The Inch Clutha Act, 1878, constitutes the Island of Inch Clutha a separate riding of itself, and provides for the control of road and river works within the same. No. 23. The Clyde (Vincent County) Athenaeum and Public Library Act, 1878, vests certain lands in the Trustees of the Athenamm for the benefit of the institute. No. 24. The Oamaru Harbour Board Ordinance Amendment Act, 1878, authorizes the raising of further moneys for the construction of harbour works. No. 25. The Malvern Water-race Transfer Act, 1878, authorizes the transfer of irrigation works to the county, with power to extend and enlarge the same. No. 26. The Timaru High School Act, 1878, incorporates a Board of Governors for the management of a High School at Timaru, aud vests certain lands in the Board for the purposes of the school. No. 27. The Lyttelton Harbour Board Act, 1878, authorizes the raising of further moneys for the completion of harbour works. No. 28. The Church Trust Property at Little River Exchange Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1878, grants an extension of twelve months' time for completing an authorized exchange of land. No. 29. The Christchurch Racecourse Reserve Act, 1878, vests certain land in a Board of Trustees, and incorporates the Trustees for the control of the reserve. No. 30. The Christchurch Boys' High School Act, 1878, provides for the management of a Boys'

13

A.—l

High School at Christchurch by the Board of the Canterbury College Governors, and for vesting certain reserves in the Board for the purposes of the school. No. 31. The Timaru Harbour Board Endowment Act, 1878, vests certain lands in the Harbour Board as an endowment. No. 32. The Greymouth Racecourse Reserve Act, 1878, vests certain land in a Board of Trustees, and incorporates Trustees for the control of the reserve. No. 33. The Hokitika Harbour Board Endowment Act, 1878, vests certain endowments in the Harbour Board, with power to utilize the same for purposes of the harbour. No. 34. The Taranaki County Council Loan Act, 1878, authorizes the raising of a loan for the construction of a public road. No. 35. The Ormond Military Grants Act, 1878, establishes a Commission for the determination of the title of persons claimiug lands awarded to certain settlers in respect of military services rendered by them. No. 36. The Mount Cook Reserve Sale Act, 1878, authorizes the sale of a certain portion of the land previously used as a site for barracks, but not further required for the purpose. No. 37. The Patea Harbour Board Act, 1878, authorizes the raising of a loan for the construction of harbour works. No. 38. The Norsewood Mechanics' Institute Site Act, 1878, incorporates Trustees and vests in them certain lands for the purposes of a mechanics' institute. No. 39. The Napier Harbour Board Act, 1878, vests in the Harbour Board certain lands for the use of the harbour. No. 40. The Wellington College Acts Amendment Act, 1878, authorizes the Governors of the College to establish a High School for girls at Wellington," vests certain reserves in the Governors for the purposes of such school, and otherwise enables the Governors to lease certain College lands for the benefit of the College. No. 41. The Foxton Reserves Act, 1878, authorizes a grant of land to the local Board of Foxton for a public park and other public purposes. No. 42. The Wanganui High School Act, 1878, incorporates a Board of Governors for the control of a High School at Wanganui, and enables certain land to be granted to the Board for the purposes of the school. No. 43. The Parnell Reserve Act, 1878, authorizes a transfer of a certain portion of a public reserve to the Corporation of the Borough of Parnell, and vests certain other portions of such reserve in the Education Board of the Education District of Auckland. The Act specifies the purposes for which these Boards are to hold the lands. No. 44. The Hamilton Volunteer Hall Site Act, 1878, incorporates Trustees, in whom is vested certain lands for the use of Volunteer corps and the public generally. No. 45. The Newmarket Reserve Act, 1878, changing the purpose of a public reserve, vests the same in the local Board for public recreation. No. 46. The New River Harbour Endowment and Borrowing Act, 1878, vests certain lands in the Harbour Board, and authorizes money to be raised for harbour works in the port. No. 47. The Otago and Southland Education Reserves Leasing Act, 1878, authorizes a subdivision of the education reserves on pastoral runs, and the leasing thereof in farms of convenient size, the pastoral tenant receiving compensation for the determination of his lease. No. 48. The Lyttelton Waterworks Transfer Act, 1878, transfers the said works from Her Majesty to the Corporation of Lyttelton, with power to extend and enlarge the works. No. 49. The Ashburton High School Act, 1878, incorporates a Board of Governors for the control of a High School at Ashburton, and provides for vesting certain property in such Board. No. 50. The Wellington College Reserves Confirmation Act, 1878, vests in the Governors of the College certain reserves of land set apart for the College by the former Superintendent of the province. No. 51. The Wellington City Boundaries Act, 1878, extends the seaward boundary of the city so as to embrace reclamations from the sea, and the wharves constructed in the harbour within the city for municipal purposes. No. 52. The New Plymouth High School Act, 1878, is for the establishment of a High School at New Plymouth under the control of the Education Board of the district, and vests certain lands in the Board for the purpose. No. 53. The Thames Harbour Board Act, 1878, authorizes a grant of land below high-water mark, subject to the rights of the Natives therein, which are to be ascertained by a Court established under the Act, and authorizes the borrowing of money for the construction of harbour works. No. 54. The Thames Boys' and Girls' High School Act, 1878, incorporates a Board of Governors for the control of a High School at the Thames, and vests certain land in such Board for the school purposes. No. 55. The Auckland Girls' High School Act, 1878, provides for the establishment of a High School for girls at Auckland. No. 56. The Milford Harbour Board Act, 1878, is for the constitution of a Harbour Board at Milford, and for the endowment of the same, with power to borrow money for the harbour works,

A.—l

14

No. 57. The Wairoa Harbour Board Act, 1878, like the foregoing, is for the constitution of a Harbour Board at the Wairoa. No. 58. The Nelson Harbour Board Act, 1878, is also for the constitution of a Harbour Board at Nelson, and for the endowment of the same, with power to borrow money for harbour works. No. 59. The Borough of Christchurch Reserves Act, 1878, transfers to the Corporation certain public lands for sanitary purposes. No. 60. The Oamaru Market Reserve Act, 1878, authorizes the leasing of a portion of the reserve for the erection thereon of a corn exchange. No. 61. The Dunedin Waterworks Extension Act 1875 Amendment Act, 1878, authorizes the inhabitants of any suburb of Dunedin who have been incorporated as a separate borough to construct their own waterworks, and to draw supplies of water from the Dunedin Reservoirs, &c, paying therefor a fixed sum per thousand gallons. No. 62. The Whakatane Grants Validation Act, 1878, is for removing doubts as to the validity of certain grants to Natives made under the provisions of an Act which had expired previous to the issue of the grants. No. 63. The Whangarei High School Act, 1878, incorporates a Board of Governors for the control of a High School at Whangarei, and vests certain land in the Board for the purposes of the school. Recapitulation. Public General Statutes — Assented to - .. . . .. .. 49 Reserved . . „. . . . . 1 — 50 Local and Personal Acts .. .. .. 63 Total .. .. .. .. ..113

No. 17. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 1.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, —■ New Zealand, 29th January, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that, in compliance Avith your directions, I have submitted your circular, dated 3rd September, 1878, together with a draft of a Bill to make further provision for the removal of prisoners from Her Majesty's possessions abroad which accompanied it, to the consideration of my Government; and I have now the honor to enclose the copy of a memorandum on the subject, which has been addressed to me by the Government. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 17. Memorandum for His Excellency. Ministers present their respectful compliments to His Excellency, and return the circular letter from the Colonial Office, dated 3rd September, respecting a proposed Imperial Act " to make further Provision for the Removal of Prisoners from Her Majesty's Possessions Abroad." As to the scope and policy of such a measure, Ministers agree with the opinions stated by the Attorney-General, in a memorandum copies of which they have the honor to forward to His Excellency herewith. J. Ballance, (in the absence of the Premier.)

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 17. Memorandum from the Hon. the Attorney-General. The proposed Act will give power to a Secretary of State, with the concurrence of the Governments of the possessions concerned, to send prisoners undergoing sentence in one possession to any other. It is true that the Bill does not provide for the transfer of prisoners from the United Kingdom to the colonies; but making the provision I have mentioned raises the question whether one country should ever be made the receptacle of the criminal class of another.

.-1.

It is not necessary that I should repeat the arguments that have been used so often against a course of action such as that now proposed. Those arguments are well known, and have been held to be conclusive. I do not think it can be for the interest of any of the Australasian Colonies that prisoners should —even with the concurrence of the Governments of the possessions concerned—be moved about as this Bill proposes to allow the Secretary of State to move them. 10th December, 1878. Robert Stout.

No. 18. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 2.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 30th January, 1879. In reply to your circular of 16th October, 1878, asking for information relative to the monetary legislation now in force in this colony, I have the honor to enclose copy of memorandum on the subject, which I have received from my Government. The only currency in existence in New Zealand are English coins, and banknotes payable on demand, issued by the various banks under the provisions of their charter. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 18. Memorandum for His Excellency. Ministers have the honor to forward to His Excellency copy of a memorandum by the SolicitorGeneral, from which it will be seen that New Zealand cannot furnish documentary or other information relative to monetary legislation, such as the French Minister of Finance has requested Her Majesty's Government to obtain. J. Ballance, Wellington, 3rd January, 1879. (in the absence of the Premier.)

No. 19. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 3.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 31st January, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that I have received from Sir George Grey the copy of a letter which ho states he has forwarded to you direct. This letter is a reply to your Despatch No. 45, of 26th September, 1878, on the subject of South Africa; and I should of course have forwarded to you a copy of the letter had it not been that Sir George Grey has not only made no request that I should do so, but has also distinctly objected, in the letter which he has addressed to you, to forward the communication through the Governor of the colony, as directed in your Despatch No. 45. Under these circumstances, I think it only necessary that I should inform you that a copy of these letters, dated Wellington, 17th January, 1879, has been received by me. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 19. Sir George Grey to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord, — Government Offices, Wellington, 17th January, 1879. I have the honor to transmit, for your Excellency's information, copy of a letter I have this day addressed to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach, Bart. I have, &c, His Excellency the Governor. G. Grey.

15

A.—i

16

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 19. Sir George Grey to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. Sir, — Wellington, New Zealand, 17th January, 1879. I have had the honor of receiving from the Marquis of Normanby a despatch (No. 45), which you addressed to him on the 26th September last, respecting an alleged agreement between Sir Theophilus Shepstone and Ketchwayo, the King of the Zulus, to attack, under certain circumstances, the late Transvaal Republic. 2. I do not know if you are aware that, since I wrote to Lord Beaeonsfield, a statement was published in a South African newspaper in defence of Sir Theophilus Shepstone by a relative of his, which contended that the story was altogether improbable. As well as I remember, there was no absolute denial of the fact. The Zulu authority for the story, in reply, affirmed its correctness, and asked for the examination of certain witnesses, who were named, alleging also other evidences in proof of his assertion. 3. I cannot think that a British officer entering a small republic of Europeans, which had no standing force whatever, and which it was believed he was commissioned to annex to the British dominions, accompanied by a force of twenty-five mounted policemen, part of a most efficient corps, could have been regarded as entering that country upon a friendly mission. If the country was friendly, and the mission friendly, whence the necessity of the force ? It is not usual to enter a friendly territory accompanied by an armed force, and the fact of such a thing being done was, I believe, likely to have made a.sagacious people think that, though the smallness of the force might tempt resistance, the power of a great empire was behind, and that probably arrangements had been made for the immediate punishment of any attempt that might be made to resist an armed force of that Power, however small such force might be. 4. I am satisfied the circumstances, taken as a whole, will produce a great and lasting impression upon the native mind, and also upon the mind of the European inhabitants of many parts of South Africa, and I remain of opinion that it should be inquired into, and be formally contradicted in some authoritative manner. 5. With regard to your observation, that I ought to forward any communication, of the nature of that which I transmitted to Lord Beaeonsfield, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies through the Governor of the colony in which I may be, I beg to state that the constitutional custom pursued for many years has been this : that, when a person who has held high office wishes to make representations to the Government upon any matter of importance in which the honor or welfare of the Empire is, in his belief, concerned, he makes such representations to the Prime Minister, in order that a certainty may exist that the head of the Government has had his attention called to the subject in the exact form in which it is wished to represent it. A reference "to the correspondence of former Ministries would show this. Any person acquainted with the correspondence of the Aberdeen Ministry, for instance, would know that, at the breaking out of the Crimean War, letters of the nature I allude to were addressed to the Prime Minister by leading men of the day, and were courteously answered by him. It also would be manifestly wrong that persons residing in a colony should be only permitted to address the Imperial Government through the Governor of that colony, on matters regarding which he could have no knowledge or acquaintance whatever, and which had no relation to the colony of which he was Governor. 6. Out of courtesy to the Marquis of Normanby, I have done myself the honor of transmitting him a copy of this letter. I have, &c., The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach, Bart., G. Grey. Secretary of State, Colonial Office, Downing Street, London.

No. 20. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 5.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 14th February, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that I have made my arrangements for leaving Wellington on Monday, the 17th, and that I take my final departure from New Zealand at the Bluff on the 20th instant. I hope to arrive in Melbourne on the 26th instant. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. NORMANBY.

A.-l

17

No. 21. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 6.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 21st Eebruary, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that yesterday His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby, the Governor of New Zealand, departed from New Zealand for Melbourne, in Victoria, in order to assume the government of that colony. 2. The Marquis of Normanby prior to his departure delivered to me, as Chief Justice of New Zealand, Her Majesty's Commission to administer the government in his absence; and I have this day, having first taken the required oaths in the presence of several members of the Executive Council, assumed the government of this colony, pending the arrival of His Excellency Sir Hercules Robinson. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 22. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 7.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 28th Eebruary, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that, in compliance with your directions, received by telegraphic despatch delivered here last night, I have written to Sir George Grey, conveying your thanks for his suggestions as to Natal, and stating that they would receive attention. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 23. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 9.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, Ist March, 1879. In reply to your Despatch No. 50, of the 18th October last, I have the honor to inform you that my Government will, in compliance with the request therein contained, forward as soon as possible to Messrs. Mac Arthur and Co., of Auckland, a copy of that despatch and its enclosures. 2. I enclose also printed copies of a memorandum by Sir George Grey, which I have the honor to transmit to you at the request of my Government. 3. I have not thought it necessary to make any observations on the matters referred to in this memorandum other than to remark that some immediate action is expedient, with a view to giving jurisdictioji to the Courts of this colony over British subjects committing grave offences in the Pacific Islands beyond the jurisdiction of this colony. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 23. (Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, 1879, Vol. 1., A.-6.) 3—A. 1.

A.—i

18

No. 24. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 11.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 20th March, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that a copy of a treaty between Her Majesty and the King of Spain, for the mutual surrender of fugitive criminals, as well as a copy of the Order in Council of the 27th of November, for carrying the treaty into effect, enclosed with your circular despatch dated the 6th of December, 1878, has been duly published in the New Zealand Government Gazette, dated the 6th of March, 1879. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 25. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 13.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 20th March, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch dated the 4th January last, No. 1, requesting me to convey to the citizens of Auckland Her Majesty's gracious appreciation and recognition of the expression of their heartfelt sympathy in her bereavement by the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse-Darmstadt, and I have now the honor to state that the command of Her Majesty has been obeyed. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 26. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 14.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 20th March, 1879. Since the despatch of my letter of the Ist of March instant, No. 9, transmitting a memorandum by Sir George Grey on the subject, amongst others, of crimes committed by British subjects in the Pacific Islands, I have received a memorandum by the Attorney-General of New Zealand on the same subject, a copy of which, upon the advice of Ministers, I now have the honor to forward to you, together with six printed copies of the newspaper report of the proceedings before the Magistrate in the case of Thomas Rennell, referred to in the memorandum of the Attorney-General; and also six printed copies of the report of the judgment of Mr. Justice Gillies in the Supreme Court in the same case. I enclose a copy of a New Zealander newspaper, containing matter on the same subject. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 26. Memorandum by the Attorney-General, and Copy of Newspaper Report (New Zealand Herald, 20th December, 1878), and Report of the Judgment of Judge Gillies. (Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, Vol. 1., A.-3.)

19

A.—l

No. 27. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 16.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 20th March, 1879. In reference to your despatch to the Marquis of Normanby, dated the 10th of October, 1878, and numbered 48, I have now the honor, at the request of Ministers, to forward to you six printed copies of a memorandum by Sir George Grey, and also a copy of a memorandum by the Attorney-General of New Zealand. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure 1 in No. 27. Memorandum on Secretary of State's Despatch, 10th October, 1878. (Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, 1879, Vol. 1., A.-5.)

Enclosure 2 in No. 27. Memorandum from the Attorney-General. I think it is to be regretted that the Imperial Government has come to the conclusion mentioned in this despatch (No. 48). Might not the Secretary of State for the Colonies be asked if the Government would permit New Zealand to obtain and have the management of the New Hebrides ? Robert Stout. 15 th January, 1879.

No. 28. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Bight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 1.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 27th March, 1879. I have the honor to report that I arrived here late last night, and have to-day been duly sworn-in as Administrator of the Government of this colony. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 29. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 4.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 31st March, 1879. Your circular despatch of the 17th January last having been laid by the Acting-Governor before Ministers, I have now the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which has been addressed to me by the Hon. the Treasurer, in the absence of the Premier, stating that arrangeiuejits have been made by this Government for the conveyance of mails between Auckland and San Erancisco until 1883, and intimating that the Agent-General of this colony will, as desired by you, be appointed to negotiate with Her Majesty's Government upon the subjects referred to in your despatch. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

A.—l

20

Enclosure in No. 29. Memorandum for His Excellency. The enclosed memorandum by the Secretary of the Post Office is, in compliance with the wish of the Postmaster-General, respectfully forwarded to His Excellency the Administrator of the Government, for the purposes of a reply, as far as it is at present possible, to the circular dated 17th January, respecting mail service. J. Ballancb, Wellington, 26th March, 1879. (in the absence of the Premier.)

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 29. Memorandum by the Secretary 'to the Post Office. 22nd March, 1879. It will not be possible to prepare, in time for the outgoing mail, a memorandum for His Excellency the Administrator of the Government for transmission to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in reply to the attached circular despatch; but it is submitted that, with reference to the concluding paragraph of the despatch, His Excellency be informed what arrangements have been entered into by the colony for the carriage of mails after the Ist of February, 1880, to any place on the Homeward route. The reply is, that this colony (in conjunction with that of New South Wales) entered into a contract in 1875, for a period of eight years, for the conveyance of mails between Sydney, Auckland, and San Francisco, and therefore the service does not expire until 1883. The Secretary of State also desires that some person may be instructed to represent the colony in London, fully empowered to conduct negotiations with Her Majesty's Government, and to conclude whatever agreement may be arrived at, in Conference, with respect to future postage payments by the Imperial Treasury to the Australasian Colonies in the matter of ocean mail services. The Postmaster-General having decided that the Agent-General shall be empowered to act on behalf of the colony, it is submitted that His Excellency be informed that that gentleman will be appointed, and fully advised of the views of the Government in reference to the circular despatch of the Secretary of State for the Colonies of the 17th January last. The Hon. the Postmaster-General. W. Gray.

No. 30. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Bight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 5.) Government House, 'Wellington, Sir, —■ New Zealand, 2nd April, 1879. I have the honor to report to you that I have this day received from the Governor of South Australia a telegraphic message, of which the following is a copy :— " Received following message from Secretary of State : ' London, thirty-first. " —Convenient if your Government could telegraph instructions on my despatch " January seventeenth, last sentence. Please send this to other colonies except " Victoria.' " I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 31. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 6.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 9th April, 1879. I have the honor to report that I have to-day received from the Governor of New South Wales a telegraphic message, of which the following is a copy:— " Have received cablegram from the Secretary of State, 7th April: ' Cable to " South Africa urgently needed; can be constructed if Governments consent use " duplicate Australian cable of Eastern Extension Company. Company ask eight (! months for laying Australian cable. Should count from first July instead of from

21

A.—l

" date of signing contract, and offer half rates Government telegrams, and quarter " rates press messages, over their system from date of signing contract instead of " from commencement of subsidy. Please repeat to NeAV Zealand, and reply.' " I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 32. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules PuObinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 7.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 9th April, 1879. I have the honor to report that, having laid your telegraphic message of the 31st March before Ministers, I have this day received a memorandum from the Premier informing me that, in compliance with your wishes, a telegram has this day been transmitted to the Agent-General, empowering him to represent this Government in the proposed negotiations with the Imperial authorities respecting the future division of Imperial postal receipts. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 33. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 8.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 10th April, 1879. I have the honor to report that I have this day transmitted a telegraphic despatch to you of which the following is a copy : — " 10th April.—Your message of 7th April received. This Government con- " sents to duplicate Australian cable being used for South Africa under terms " named." I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 34. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 9.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 12th April, 1879. I have the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Premier, Sir George Grey, explaining, more fully than could be done in my telegraphic despatch to you of the 10th instant, how readily this Government relinquished its claim upon the second cable to Australia from an earnest desire to assist Great Britain in the present South African difficulty. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 34. Memorandum for His Excellency. Sir George Grey presents his respectful compliments to Sir Hercules Robinson. 2. Sir George Grey wishes to say that he sent the other day the draft of a telegram to the Home Government stating that the Colony of New Zealand relinquished its claim upon the

A.—l

22

second cable to Australia, for the purpose of enabling that cable to be used in completing communication with South Africa and England. 3. On that occasion Sir George Grey made his remarks as short as possible, for the purpose of telegraphic communication. He now wishes to add that the New Zealand Government immediately assented to the proposal regarding the cable from an earnest desire to assist Great Britain in the present South African difficulty. Sir George Grey is well aware that the feeling of loyalty in this colony is so strong that no Government could stand here which did not, upon every occasion of difficulty which may arise in the Empire, instantly render all the aid in its power to the Home Government in any direction which might present the probability of lessening such a difficulty, or of bringing it to a speedy and satisfactory conclusion. 4. Sir George Grey requests that His Excellency will be so good as to communicate a copy of this memorandum to the British Government. Wellington, 12th April, 1879. G. Grey.

No. 35. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 10.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 16th April, 1879. Having laid before Ministers your unnumbered despatch of the 7th Eebruary, drawing attention to your circular despatch of 30th May, 1877, relative to the repatriation of pauper lunatics, to which no reply from this Government had been received, I have this day received from the Premier (Sir George Grey) a memorandum on the subject, a copy of which I have the honor to enclose. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 35. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier has the honor to state, in reply to His Excellency's memorandum respecting the unanswered circular from the Colonial Office on the subject of repatriation of pauper lunatics, that the Government decided last year that it was undesirable an answer should be sent until the matter had been considered by Parliament. Through an accident the papers were then mislaid, and when they were re-submitted to the Premier, the Assembly had been prorogued ; but the Government still think it desirable that they should be printed, and presented next session. Wellington, 16th April, 1879. G. Grey.

No. 36. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 11.) Government Office, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 17th April, 1879. I have the honor to report that I have this day assumed the administration of the government of New Zealand as Governor and Commander-in-Chief under the Commission and Letters Patent which accompanied your despatch marked " General," of the 27th Eebruary, 1879. In compliance with the request contained in that despatch, I now return, for the purpose of being cancelled, the Commissions of the 7th November, 1874, and the 19th December, 1878, appointing Administrators of the Government of New Zealand. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

23

A.—l

No. 37. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 15.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 13th May, 1879. In compliance Avith the request contained in your circular despatch of the 11th Eebruary last, I have the honor to forward copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, covering a report from the Collector of Customs, containing the information desired by the Italian Government respecting the production and manufacture of tobacco in this colony, as well as the rates of duty to which it is subject. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 37. Memorandum for His Excellency. Ministers have the honor to forward to His Excellency three copies of a memorandum by the Secretary of Customs supplying information respecting tobacco, for which information the Italian Government recently asked, through the Colonial Office, as explained in circular dated 11th February, 1879. G. S. Whitmore, Wellington, 9th May, 1879. (in the absence of the Premier.)

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 37. Memorandum for the Colonial Secretary. Tobacco has not yet been, cultivated to any great extent in New Zealand. Nearly the whole of the tobacco consumed in the colony is imported from the United States of America, either by direct shipments or through Sydney or Melbourne. There are no regulations in force respecting its production and manufacture. There is a Customs import duty of 2s. 6d. per lb. on manufactured and unmanufactured tobacco, and of ss. per lb. on cigars. William Seed, Secretary of Customs.

No. 38. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 16.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 13th May, 1879. I have the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which I have received from Sir George Grey, requesting me to transmit a petition to the Queen from the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Council of the University of Otago, praying for a grant of Letters Patent, giving general recognition throughout Her Majesty's dominions to the degrees of the University of Otago, and stating that Ministers desire to support with their recommendation the prayer of the petition. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 38. Memorandum for His Excellency. Ministers respectfully request His Excellency to transmit the enclosed petition, from the University of Otago to the Queen. Ministers venture to add that, in compliance with the request of the petitioners, they respectfully support with their recommendation the prayer of the petition. G. Grey.

24

A.—l

No. 39. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 17.) . Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 14th May, 1879. With reference to your circular despatch of the sth February last, requesting an expression of my opinion as to whether clause 151 of the Commissariat Regulations gives sufficient protection to colonial revenues, I have now the honor to inform you that, having submitted the matter to my Ministers, I have received a memorandum from the Premier, a copy of which I enclose. 2. It will be seen from this memorandum that, in the opinion of the Customs authorities here, the protection of the colonial Customs revenue would be best secured by adopting the alternative, suggested in your circular, of charging duty on all goods imported by contractors for the use of Her Majesty's troops, and granting rebate on delivery to the Commissariat Department. I have, &c.j HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 39. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to Sir Hercules Robinson, and returns herewith the Colonial Office circular dated sth February, covering a proposed addition to the Imperial Commissariat Regulations. 2. The circular having been referred to the Secretary of Customs, the Premier learns that, in the opinion of the Customs authorities, it is very doubtful whether the proposed clause would give sufficient protection to the colonial revenue ; and that such protection would be best secured by requiring contractors to pay duty on all dutiable goods imported by them for the supply of Her Majesty's forces, the colony refunding the contractors, upon certificates from the proper Commissariat officer, the amounts of duty paid on the goods actually delivered. 3. This course, the Premier is informed, was adopted in New Zealand some years ago; and it worked satisfactorily when large numbers of Imperial troops were stationed in the colony. Wellington, 17th April, 1879. G. Grey.

No. 40. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 19.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 16th May, 1879. I have the honor to report that, on the 15th instant, I received a telegraphic despatch from the Governor of South Australia, of which the following is a copy:— " Received following telegram from Secretary of State : ' London, 13th May. " —Inform other Governors Treasury will continue present arrangements carriage "of mails; but, after first February next, will retain twopence, instead of penny. " —Hicks Beach.' " I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 41. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.0.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 21.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 20th May, 1879. In connection with my Despatch No. 16, of the 13tb May, I have now the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the

25

A.—l

Hon. the Colonial Secretary, covering for transmission to you the following documents : — (1.) Petition to the Queen from the Governors of Canterbury College, praying Her Majesty not to grant a charter to any educational body in New Zealand other than the New Zealand University. (2.) Copy of resolutions adopted by the Senate of the University of New Zealand, expressing the opinion of the Senate that it is undesirable that the power to confer University degrees should be possessed by more than one institution in the colony. 2. Since writing my Despatch No. 16, of 13th May, 1879, I have read an address on Education recently delivered by the Attorney-General, the Hon. Robert Stout; and I think it may be convenient for me to forward to you a printed copy of the paper, as it gives a clear and concise history of the New Zealand and Otago Universities, and of the agreement come to between these bodies in 1874, which the authorities of the Otago University now seek to annul. 3. I learn from Mr. Stout's remarks the fact, of which I was not before aware, that a Royal Commission is at present inquiring here into the question of higher education, in order that Parliament may have the fullest information before dealing with the subject. I think, therefore, that it would be premature for Her Majesty's Government to come to any decision upon the petition of the Otago University until the report of the Commission upon the question at issue between the two Universities, which may shortly be looked for, has been received and laid before Parliament. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 41. Memorandum for His Excellency. Ministers have the honor to advise His Excellency to forward for presentation the accompanying petition from the Governors of the Canterbury College, praying Her Majesty not to grant a Royal Charter to the University of Otago. 2. Copies of resolutions adopted by the Senate of the University of New Zealand on the same subject are enclosed. 3. Ministers have already advised His Excellency that " they respectfully support with their recommendation the prayer of the petition" received from the governing body of the Otago University, that a charter be granted. G. S. Whitmore, Wellington, 15th May, 1879. (in the absence of the Premier.)

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 41. Resolutions of Senate of New Zealand University. 1. That, in the opinion of this University, it is undesirable, under the existing circumstances of the colony, that the power to confer University degrees should be possessed by more than one institution in the colony. 2. That this resolution be forwarded to the Governor, with the request that it may be brought under the attention of the proper authority in Great Britain, in conjunction with any petition which may be proposed by any local body for power to grant degrees independently of this University.

No. 42. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 22.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 21st May, 1879. In connection with my predecessor's Despatches Nos. 9 and 14, of the Ist and 20th March, I have now the honor to forward you a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, in the absence of the Premier, requesting me to forward to you a copy of a memorandum from the Attorney-General, expressing the opinion that, notwithstanding an explanation which has been received from Mr. Gorrie, the Acting High Commissioner, it 4—A. 1.

./V-*~~~l

26

remains in his view very desirable that jurisdiction over British subjects who may commit offences in the Pacific should be conferred upon the Supreme Court of New Zealand. 2. I enclose also, for facility of reference, a copy of a letter from Mr. Gorrie referred to in the accompanying memoranda ; and also copies of the New Zealand Gazette of the Ist instant, in which extracts from the Western Pacific Order in Council of 1877 have been published for general information. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 42. Memorandum for His Excellency.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 42. Memorandum by the Attorney-General.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 42. Letter from Mr. Gorrie. (Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, 1879, A 7ol. L, A.-3.)

No. 43. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 35.) Govcrnmejit House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 24th June, 1879. Having forwarded your Despatch No. 18, of the 13th April last, to Sir George Grey for his perusal, I have this day received from him a letter, a copy of which I enclose, requesting me to transmit to you a letter which he states he has thought it his duty to address to you. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 43. The Hon. the Premier to His Excellency the Governor. Sir,— Wellington, New Zealand, 18th June, 1879. I have the honor to request that Your Excellency will be so good as to forward to Sir M. E. Hicks Beach the enclosed letter, which I thought it my duty to address to him. I have, &c, His Excellency the Governor. G. Grey.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 43. The Hon. the Premier to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. Sir,— Wellington, New Zealand, 18th June, 1879. I have just had forwarded to me, by the Governor of this colony, your Despatch No. 18, of the 13th Aprii last, in which you are pleased to state as follows : " I shall be obliged if you will also intimate to him [Sir George Grey] that I prefer to continue the ordinary course of communicating through the Governor with any gentleman residing in a colony, notwithstanding that he may hold a high and exceptional position, as there might be much inconvenience in establishing a precedent for direct correspondence between. Her Majesty's Government and any one except the Governor." 2. I beg to state, in reply, that, from fear of causing embarrassment, I very unwillingly continue a correspondence upon this subject; but I feel satisfied that the rule you are attempting to enforce will cause great dissatisfaction, and will ultimately prove prejudicial to the Colonial Department itself. You will, therefore, I trust, pardon me for what I shall now write. 3. The rule which you lay down, and which you desire that I will follow, is no doubt applicable to all cases in which any matter or correspondence arises which, directly or indirectly, relates to the affairs of New Zealand. But I hold that any inhabitant of this colony has a right

27

A.—l

to address direct a Minister in England (that is, Her Majesty's Government) upon any question which does not relate to New Zealand. A reference to the rules and regulations of the Colonial Department will show that such is the case, because the object of requiring a communication to be sent through the Governor of a colony is that it may be reported upon by him before it reaches the Secretary of State. Now, clearly, if an emergency arises in any other portion of the Empire, regarding which the Governor of this colony may have no personal knowledge -whatever, and regarding which no information exists in the colonial records, it would be a mere embarrassment to the public service to require that such a communication should be sent to the Governor, and should be delayed in its transmission to the Secretary of State until the Governor has reported upon it, especially as, when his report has been made, it may possibly be worthless. Moreover, the Governor of this colony is often absent from the seat of Government. A delay, extending to many days, might therefore result from the necessity of forwarding such a communication through him. 4. In further illustration of what I mean, I would put the following case: Supposing, that, at the moment the excitement about the disasters in Zululand was at its height, the Secretary of State for the Colonies enforced a rule in Great Britain that he would not receive and submit for the consideration of the Governor and High Commissioner of the Cape of Good Hope any suggestions or opinions from any individual in Great Britain regarding Zulu affairs, unless such opinions or suggestions were sent, in the first instance, to some person in Great Britain nominated by the Secretary of State —the object being that the individual so appointed might report thereon. It might be well known that this person was often absent and difficult to get at, was wholly unacquainted with South African affairs, the nature of the country, and the character of the populations, and that a long delay must necessarily take place before such report was drawn up and received, and that it then would probably be of no value. But instant action might be necessary in Zululand. This is virtually what you have done in reference to the inhabitants of New Zealand. It seems impossible but that the promulgation and enforcement of such a rule in this country must make its inhabitants seriously reflect whether the form of government under which such a rule can be established and enforced, without their knowledge and consent, is that one which is the best that can be devised for their welfare and security. It is evident that, if dreadful disasters at any time occur here, the same rule might then be enforced to their manifest injury and disadvantage. 5. I might adduce many other reasons in favour of the course which I consider inhabitants of this colony have a right to adopt. I feel satisfied, however, that the consideration of the regulations of your own department alone will convince you that I am right, and that the reprimand which you have virtually addressed to myself was unnecessary, undeserved, and, I may add, inexpedient. My sole desire was to promote the good of the public service, and that in a manner which has never been previously objected to by any Minister of the Crown, although in past years I have known the course I have followed to be frequently adopted. The obvious rule was followed in such cases—namely, the Home Government, if they considered there was anything of worth in the recommendations made to them, forwarded a copy of the communication to the Governor of the colony to which the correspondence referred, for his report, accompanied, if necessary, with an intimation that, if he approved of the plan, Her Majesty's Government were prepared to aid him in its execution. 6. I believe that it is unwise to enforce rules of the kind now attempted to be established. The Colonial Office Rules and Regulations represent the will of a single man. These rules may possibly, as in the present case, take from subjects rights which they constitutionally possess of communicating with the Crown through the Government, or in other ways interfere with the rights of British subjects. It cannot be believed that great free communities, with Parliaments and representative institutions, will long submit to be bound by such rules if rigidly enforced. I think that such communities will say that the Secretary of State is only known to them through the Royal Instructions and Constitution Acts, and will contend that such rules and regulations can only apply to themselves when they have been laid before their Legislatures, and received the approval or confirmation of the local Parliaments. 7. I assure you that nothing was further from my thoughts than to cause you any annoyance. Pardon me for expressing my belief that this, as I regard it, error in judgment, if persisted in, will hereafter be the cause of serious complications between Great Britain and her colonial possessions I have, &c., The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. G. Grey.

No. 44. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Rirfit Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 36.) Government House, Auckland, Sib, — New Zealand, 26th June, 1879. Upon the receipt of your Despatch No. 50, of the 18th October last, Lord Normanby laid it with its enclosures before his Ministers for their in-

A.—l

28

formation, and it was not until the papers were returned to me a few days since that I ascertained that the matter referred to in them had not been brought under the consideration of Messrs. Mac Arthur and Co., of Auckland, as desired by you. I accordingly requested the Colonial Secretary to transmit a printed copy of your despatch to the firm, which was done; and, on my arrival here last week, I received a letter from Mr. Larkins, the resident partner in the firm, a copy of which I now enclose. 2. I gave Mr. Larkins the interview he asked for, when he satisfied me that the plantation on Samoa, on which the cruelties to Polynesian labourers referred to in your despatch took place, is not the property of his firm ; and that Mr. Cornwall, who works the estate, is not an agent of Messrs. Mac Arthur and Co., but merely a customer, purchasing goods from the firm, and paying for them either in money or produce. 3. Mr. Larkins at the same time informed me that, although he has no control whatever over Mr. Cornwall, he intends to intimate to him that, if there should be any repetition of the cruelties complained of upon plantations worked by him, Messrs. Mac Arthur and Co. will decline to transact business with him. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 44. (Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, 1879, Vol. 1., A.-6, page 10.)

No. 45. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Roblnscn, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 38.) Government House, Wellington, SIR— New Zealand, 15th July, 1879. I have the honor to forward a copy of a letter which I have received from Sir George Grey, covering two letters which he has addressed to you —one in continuation of previous correspondence respecting the retention of the title of "Honorable" by retired Judges of the Supreme Court within the limits of New Zealand, and the other urging, with reference to the distinctions recently conferred upon Sir W. Eox and Sir E. Stafford, that in a colony with a representative Constitution the Crown cannot, in his opinion, constitutionally bestow honors for political or administrative services of a local character without the advice of Ministers who are responsible to the people of this colony. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 45. The Hon. the Premier to His Excellency the Governor. Sir, — Government Offices, Wellington, 7th July, 1879. I have the honor to request that your Excellency will be so good as to forward to the Secretary of State for the Colonies the enclosed two letters—one referring to the conferring of titles or honors upon residents in New Zealand, and the other being in continuation of correspondence respecting the title of "Honorable" being borne, within the colony, by retired Judges of the Supreme Court and others. I have, &c, His Excellency the Governor. G. Grey.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 45. The Hon. the Premier to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. Sir, — Wellington, New Zealand, 2nd July, 1879. I have the honor to bring under your notice that, in your despatch to the Marquis of Normanby of the 16th September last, you state that you entertain no doubt that the Crown

29

A.—l

has the power of conferring an honor and title, to bo borne only within the limits of New Zealand, without the consent of the Parliament of that colony being previously obtained. 2. I still feel it my duty respectfully to submit that the Crown has no power to confer upon any British subject any title or honoi", to bo borne solely in New Zealand, without the authority of the New Zealand Parliament, as that Parliament is entitled to make all laws necessary for its peace, order, and good government. I believe, in so far as lam at present aware, that no such right has ever been claimed until the last few years. 3. I urge this matter so persistently, on an apparently trifling point, because there is no apparent limit to the claim thus set up; and I fear that the carrying out of such claims would be likely ultimately to lead to great ill-feeling, as each act performed in pursuance thereof would appear to be a distinct act of legislation by the Crown, by virtue of its prerogative, without the consent of the Legislature of the country. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. G-. Grey.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 45. The Hon. the Premier to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State. (Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, 1879, Vol. 1., A.-9.)

No. 46. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 39.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 15th July, 1879. I have the honor to forward to you a copy of the Speech with which I this day opened the Eourth Session of the Sixth Parliament of New Zealand. The Addresses in Reply will not be taken into consideration until the 18th instant, and so I shall not he able to transmit copies of them by the present mail. I have, &c , HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 46. (Vide New Zealand Gazette Extraordinary, 15th July, 1879.)

No. 47. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 40.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 17th July, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 8, of the 28th February last, informing me that Her Majesty would not be advised to exercise her power of disallowance with respect to certain Acts of the Legislature of New Zealand, and pointing out some defects in the reserved Bill, No. 49, of 1878, entitled " An Act to amend the Law relating to the Administration of the Estates of Deceased Persons," which had caused you to refrain from submitting the Bill for Her Majesty's assent 2. Having laid your despatch before Ministers for their consideration, I am informed by the Premier, in reply, that a new Bill has been prepared for submission to the Legislature, embodying the suggestions contained in your despatch. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

A.—l

30

No. 48. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 43.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, Bth August, 1879. In continuation of my Despatch No. 39, of 15th July, I have the honor to forward copies of the Addresses presented to me by the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives, in reply to my Opening Speech, together with copies of my rejoinders. It will be seen that the Address from the House of Representatives contained an expression of want of confidence in Ministers. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure 1 in No. 48. Address from the Legislative Council. (Vide Journals of Legislative Council, 25th July, 1879.)

Enclosure 2 in No. 48. Address from the House of Representatives. (Vide Journals of House of Representatives, 29th July, 1879.)

No. 49. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 44.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 9th August, 1879. I have to forward you an address which I have received from the House of Representatives, requesting me to transmit to you an address of condolence to Her Majesty on the occasion of the lamented death of the Princess Alice. I have, &c, HERCUEES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 49. Address of Condolence from the House of Representatives to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Quren, on the Death of Her Royal Highness Princess Alice. We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the House of Representatives of New Zealand, in Parliament assembled, take the first opportunity of humbly submitting to Your Majesty the expression of our sincere condolence for the loss which Your Majesty has sustained by the death of Her Royal Highness the Princess Alice. We humbly beg to assure Your Majesty that our feelings of devoted loyalty to Your Majesty's Throne, and of affectionate attachment to Your Majesty's person, lead us to feel deep interest in all that concerns Your Majesty's domestic relations, and to pray earnestly for the happiness of Your Majesty and Your Majesty's family.

No. 50. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 45.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 11th August, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that I have this day prorogued by Commission the Eourth Session of the Sixth Parliament of New Zealand, with a view to its immediate dissolution. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

31

A.—l.

No. 51. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hecules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 46.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 12th August, 1879. I have the honor to transmit to you copies of all Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand during their late session, together with a synopsis of the same, prepared by the Solicitor-General. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 51. Synopsis on the Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand in the Session of Parliament held in the Months of July and August of the Year 1879. The Public General Statutes. No. 1. The Imprest Supply Act authorizes an advance of .€300,000 by way of imprest for the service of the year ending 30th June, 1880, the money to be charged in manner expressed in the Appropriation Act of the session appropriating the same. No. 2. The New Zealand Loan Act authorizes the borrowing and raising of not exceeding €5,000,000, for immigration and construction of public works, and for other purposes. No. 3. The Maori Prisoners' Trials Act is passed for the purposes sufficiently expressed in the preamble to the Act. It remains in force only until thirty days after the commencement of the next session of the Parliament. No. 4. The Appropriation Act appropriates a total sum of €1,589,827 for the public service for the three months ending 30th September, 1879, the said sum to be finally charged in manner to be expressed in the Appropriation Act to be passed in the next ensuing session of the Parliament.

No. 52. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 47.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 14th August, 1879. In reply to your circular despatch of 6th May, 1879, transmitting a copy of a letter from the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, requesting information as to the course pursued in the colonies "on the death of intestates without kin," and in which you also ask me to furnish you with copies of any laws in force in this colony dealing with this matter, as well as with any other information on the subject which may appear likely to be useful to their Lordships in connection with this question, I have now the honor to transmit to you a copy of a memorandum upon the subject, addressed to me by the Premier, forwarding a copy of a memorandum by the Public Trustee of the colojiy, giving details respecting the course pursued.in New Zealand, and also copies of colonial Acts upon the subject. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 52. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier has the honor to forward to His Excellency the Governor copy of a memorandum by the Public Trustee of the colony, giving details respecting the course pursued in New Zealand "on the death of intestates without known kin," which information was asked for by the Secretary of State for the Colonies in a despatch dated May 6th. Copies of colonial Acts relating to the subject are also forwarded, as requested by the Secretary of State. G, Grey. Wellington, 14th August, 1879.

A.—l

32

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 52. Memorandum from the Public Trustee. The charge of the estates of intestate persons dying in the Colony of New Zealand is entirely in the hands of the Public Trustee,* who administers without order if the amount be less than £50, or in pursuance of order of administration granted by the Supreme Court in the case of estates the value of which is £50 or upwards. Such orders are granted on application when three months have elapsed from the date of death, or earlier on cause being shown.f In either case administration may be granted subsequently to persons entitled to administer. Real estate belonging to male persons who leave a widow or child becomes personalty. J The English Statute of Distributions is the law for the distribution of estates among the next of kin, with the following exception —namely, that where the next of kin is the widow of the deceased, having children all under the age of fifteen years, the whole residue may be paid to the ■widow by the Public Trustee if the amount does not exceed £50, or, if exceeding that sum, may be paid to the widow under an order of a Judge of the Supreme Court.§ J. Woodward, Public Trust Office, Wellington, 26th July, 1879. Public Trustee.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 52. " The Public Trust Office Act Amendment Act, 1873." (Vide Supplement to New Zealand Gazette No. 56, of 25th September, 1873.)

Sub-Enclosure 3 to Enclosure in No. 52. "The Real Estate Descent Act, 1874." (Vide Supplement to New Zealand Gazette No. 50, of 17th September, 1874.)

Sub-Enclosure 4 to Enclosure in No. 52. "The Public Trust Office Act, 1876." (Vide Supplement to New Zealand Gazette No. 56, of 19th October, 1876.)

No. 53. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 48.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 15th August, 1879. I have the honor to report that I have, upon advice of Ministers, this day dissolved the General Assembly of New Zealand. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 54. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 49.) Government House, Wellington, Sib, — New Zealand, 15th August, 1879. At the desire of the Legislative Council of New Zealand, I have the honor to forward to you, for presentation to Her Majesty, an address of condolence on the occasion of the lamented death of Her Royal Highness the Princess Alice. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 54. To Her Most Excellent Majesty Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India. Most Gracious Sovereign,— We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the members of the Legislative Council of New Zealand in Parliament assembled, take an early opportunity of humbly submit-

* Act No. 27, of 1873. + Act No. 43, of 1876. J Act No. 84, of 1874. § Act No. 43, of 1876, eecs. 6 and 7.

33

A.—l.

ting to Your Majesty the expression of our sincere condolence for the loss which Your Majestyhas sustained by the death of Her Royal Highness the Princess Alice. We humbly beg to assure Your Majesty that our feelings of devoted loyalty to Your Majesty's Throne, and of affectionate attachment to Your Majesty's person, lead us to feel deep interest in all that concerns Your Majesty's domestic relations, and to pray earnestly for the happiness of Your Majesty and your family.

No. 55. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 53.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, sth September, 1879. With reference to your circular despatch of 31st January last, transmitting a copy of a letter from tbe Board of Trade, with certain forms of import and export accounts, and requesting me to cause these new forms to be substituted for those now in use in drawing up the Colonial Blue Books, I have now the honor to forward a memorandum which I have received from the Colonial Secretary upon the subject, in which he states that it would be costly and inconvenient were the suggested changes to be made during 1879, but that after this year the modified forms will be adopted by this Government. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 55. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Colonial Secretary presents his respectful compliments to the Governor, and, with reference to the Colonial Office circular, dated 31st January, enclosing modified forms for returns of imports and exports, and suggesting, on behalf of the Board of Trade, that those forms should be adopted in New Zealand, has the honor to state that it would be costly and very inconvenient were the suggested changes to be made during 1879, but that after this year the modified forms will be adopted by the Government. Wellington, 4th September, 1879. G. S. Whitmore.

No. 56. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 54.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 12th September, 1879. With reference to your Despatch No. 2, of 10th January, 1879, to Lord Normanby, transmitting a form of the Royal Humane Society, in order that the particulars required by the Society may be given, to enable them to consider the case of William Jenkins and his crew, who saved life in New Zealand, at the wrecks of the ship " City of Auckland " and the ship " Eelixstowe," I have the honor to report that the Marine Department have been constantly reminded by me of this outstanding despatch, and the reply furnished was invariably that the information desired had been called for, but that some delay was inevitable in procuring it from a distant district with which communication is difficult and intermittent. I am now informed that when the forms Avere received by William Jenkins he would not fill them up ; and it is proposed that a sum of money shall be given to him and his crew by this Government. I enclose a copy of the letter addressed to the Marine Department by William Jenkins, returning the forms. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. To the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. 5—A. 1.

A.—l

34

Enclosure in No. 56. William Jenkins to the Secretary of the Marine Department. Sir,— Otaki, 26th June, 1879. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter in reference to the rescue of some hundreds of persons from the " City of Auckland " and " Felixstowe," stranded near Otaki; but I return the Royal Humane Society's forms of application for medal unfilled, as I have never yet asked for a reward in the cases in which I have fortunately been the means of saving life, and it would ill become me now in my old age, when I have perhaps steered my last boat to the rescue, to ask for a reward for doing my duty, which if worthy of being recognized should be recognized unsolicited; and I have no doubt that the majority of the pakehas and Maoris who worked so willingly in the boats under my charge on the above occasions will share my feelings on the matter; but it would be a graceful act on the part of the Government to substantially recognize such services, especially in cases of poor men sustaining considerable loss by the destruction of their clothes in the l-ough work of landing several hundreds of persons through the surf. I have, &c., R. Johnson, Esq., Secretary. William Jenkins.

No. 57. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 58.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, Bth October, 1879. I have the honor to forward to you a copy of the Speech with which, on Thursday, 24th September, I opened the Eirst Session of the Seventh Parliament of New Zealand, together with the Addresses in Reply presented to me by both Houses of Parliament. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure 1 in No. 57. Speech of His Excellency the Governor. (Vide New Zealand Gazette Extraordinary, 25th September, 1879.)

Enclosure 2 in No. 57. Address from the Legislative Council to His Excellency the Governor. (Vide Journals of Legislative Council, Session 11., 1879.)

Enclosure 3 in No. 57. Address from the House of Representatives to His Excellency the Governor. (Vide Journals of House of Representatives, Session 11., 1879.)

No. 58. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 59.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— Wellington, Bth October, 1879. I have the honor to forward you a copy of a memorandum which I have received from Sir George Grey, stating that he thinks it his duty to bring under the notice of Her Majesty's Government the fact that the naval schooners employed in the Pacific Ocean carry no medical officers, although danger may be apprehended from fever and poisoned arrows, and requesting me to transmit the paper for the consideration of Her Majesty's Government. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

35

A.—l

Enclosure in No. 58. Memorandum for His Excellency. I think it my duty to bring under the notice of Her Majesty's Government that a great deal of fever prevails from time to time in the islands of the Pacific. The Natives in many of the islands are also armed with poisoned arrows, which generally inflict mortal wounds unless instantaneous medical precautions are taken. 2. The various naval schooners employed in the Pacific for the suppression of unlawful labour traffic have no medical officer on board, as I am informed. 3. This subject, in my belief, requires the immediate attention of Her Majesty's Government, as one of very great importance. I shall therefore be very much obliged if your Excellency will transmit this memorandum to the Secretary of State for his consideration. Wellington, 6th October, 1879. G. Grey.

No. 59. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.O, to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 60.) Government House, Wellington, Sib, — New Zealand, 9th October, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that an amendment to the Address in reply to the Opening Speech, expressive of want of confidence in the Government, was moved in the House of Representatives by Mr. John Hall, and carried, after four nights' debate, on Eriday, October 3rd, by a majority of 2, the numbers being, including pairs, 44 to 42. 2. Upon the 6th October Sir George Grey tendered his resignation, which I accepted; and I then intrusted to Mr. Hall the formation of a new Administration. 3. Mr. Hall has submitted to me the accompanying list, of which I have approved; and the gentlemen named therein, having been duly sworn in, have taken charge of their respective departments. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 59. Appointment of New Administration. (Vide New Zealand Gazette Extraordinary, Bth October, 1879.)

No. 60. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 65.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 14th October, 1879. With reference to your circular despatch of 28th July, transmitting a copy of a letter from the Indian Government on the subject of expenses incurred on account of stowaways left behind by ships in British India, with a view of obtaining information as to the course pursued by Her Majesty's colonies in such cases, I have now the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum from the Inspector of Customs, in which he says that he is not aware of any provision in New Zealand for recovering expenses incurred on account of stowaways, or for dealing with them in any way, except under the 140 th section of " The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," which is identical with section 258 of the Imperial " Merchant Shipping Act, 1854." I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

A.—l

36

Enclosure in No. 60. Memorandum from the Inspector of Customs. There is no provision in New Zealand that I am aware of for recovering expenses incurred on account of stowaways, or for dealing with them in any way, except under the 140 th section of "The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," which is identical with section 258 of the Imperial "Merchant Shipping Act, 1854," and merely provides for their punishment for secreting themselves on board ship and going to sea without the consent of the master or owner of that ship. The Hon. the Commissioner of Customs, W. Seed.

No. 61. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 67.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 4th November, 1879. I have the honor to report that on this day I transmitted a telegraphic despatch to you, of which the following is a copy :— " Ministers have no objection to the abandonment of the Southampton mail, " provided only specially-addressed correspondence for New Zealand be sent by " Brindisi, and no charge exceeding transit postage is made on the colony for "transmission throughErance and Italy." I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 62. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 68.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 7th November, 1879. I have the honor to forward to you copies of a speech made in Parliament by the Colonial Treasurer, showing the financial position of the colony ; also copies of a statement made by the Native Minister on the condition of Native affairs. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure 1 in No. 62. (Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, 8.-2, Session 11., 1879.)

Enclosure 2 in No. 62. (Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, G.-l, Session 11., 1879.)

No. 63. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 71.) Government House, Wellington, Siß,—- New Zealand, 26th November, 1879. I have the honor to transmit to you six copies of the Financial Statement of the Colonial Treasurer, the Hon. Major Atkinson, which he delivered in the House of Representatives on the 17th November last. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach,

37

A.—l

Enclosure in No. 63. Financial Statement. (Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, Session 11., 1879.)

No. 64. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 72.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, New Zealand, 27th November, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your circular despatch of the 21th September, transmitting for publication in this colony copy of an Order of Her Majesty in Council dated 11th August last, amending the Western Pacific Order in Council of the 13th August, 1877, and suggesting that it might possibly be convenient to defer the publication here of the amending order until I had been informed by Sir A. Gordon that the Proclamation bringing it into full operation had been published in the Royal Gazette of Eiji. 2. Upon the receipt of your despatch I found that the amending order had already been published here in the Neiv Zealand Gazette, and, on my inquiring how this had occurred, I was informed that the A gent-General had sent the amending order by the previous mail, in a letter dated the 11th September, specifying that it had that day been received from the Colonial Office. 3. I enclose a copy of the New Zealand Gazette containing the notification. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 64. Amendments as to Constitution, &c, under Western Pacific Order in Council of 1877. ■ (Vide New Zealand Gazette, 11th December, 1879.)

No. 65. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 71.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 3rd December, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 38, of the 31st July last, transmitting a copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's Consul in New Caledonia with reference to the conveyance of large quantities of dynamite in vessels trading to the New Hebrides, in case this Government should think it desirable to check so dangerous a practice if it should prevail in the case of vessels sailing from this colony. 2. In reply I have the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum from the Chief Inspector of Customs, to whom your despatch was referred by the Premier, and also a copy of an Order in Council which has been issued, prohibiting the exportation of dynamite from New Zealand to any of the South Sea Islands. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure 1 in No. 65. Memorandum from the Chief Inspector of Customs to the Hon. the Combiissioner of Customs. Dynamite, I find, is beginning to be exported from New Zealand to some of the South Sea Islands. During last quarter 1121b. were shipped to the Navigators, and 3001b. to Cook

A.—l

38

Islands. It is used, I understand, for fishing purposes j but so dangerous a substance is not fit to be trusted in the hands of ignorant Natives. In addition to the danger to the traders themselves which might result from the use of it by treacherous savages, as pointed out by Mr. Consul Layard, it is quite possible to imagine that it might be used by unscrupulous Europeans with devastating effect against the lives of Natives if quarrels should'arise with them when crowding round a vessel in their canoes. I submit, therefore, that it is worthy of consideration whether this dangerous explosive should not be prohibited from being exported to the Islands. This could be done by Proclamation or Order in Council, under the 123 rd section of " The Customs Regulation Act, 1858." 2nd October, 1879. W. Seed.

Enclosure 2 in No. 65. Exportation of Dynamite to South Sea Islands prohibited. Hercules Robinson, Governor. ORDER IN COUNCIL. At the Government House, at Wellington, this twenty-fifth day of November, 1879. Present: —His Excellency the Governor in Council. Whereas by "The Customs Regulation Act, 1858," it is, amongst other things, enacted that any goods whatever may, by Proclamation or Order of the Governor in Council, revocable from time to time, be prohibited to be exported, and, if any goods shall be exported from the colony contrary to any such prohibition, or be waterborne to be so exported or carried, they shall be forfeited, and any person offending against the provisions of any such Proclamation or order shall for every such offence forfeit and pay the sum of five hundred pounds: And whereas it is advisable to prohibit the exportation of dynamite to the South Sea Islands: Now, therefore, His Excellency the Governor of the Colony of New Zealand, by and with the advice of the Executive Council of the said colony, doth, in pursuance of the hereinbeforerecited provisions of the said Act, by this present order, absolutely prohibit the exportation of dynamite from New Zealand to any of the South Sea Islands. Forster Goring, Clerk of the Executive Council.

No. 66. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 75.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 2nd December, 1879. With reference to your circular despatch of 6th September last, requesting, for the information of the Secretary of State for War, a report as to what the existing law in this colony is in regard to payments on stamped receipts, I have now the honor to forward to you a memorandum from the Premier enclosing a copy of a memorandum from the Solicitor-General upon the subject, to which is appended a printed slip containing extracts from "The Stamp Act, 1875," showing the law as it at present exists in New Zealand. I have, &c., HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 66. Memorandum for His Excellency. TnE Premier presents his respectful compliments to the Governor, and has the honor, in compliance with His Excellency's request, to forward the information recently asked for by the Secretary of State as to the New Zealand law "in regard to payments on stamped receipts." Wellington, 28th November, 1879. John Hall.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 66. The Solicitor-General to the Hon. the Premier. The law relating to payments on stamped receipts is contained in sections 94 to 97, inclusive, of " The Stamp Act, 1875."

A.-1

39

I have had those sections and an extract from the Schedule of the Act printed, and forward four slips. In addition to the exemptions set out in the Schedule, the Act exempts receipts given by or on behalf of the Crown. Special exemptions from duty are made in other Acts, chiefly affecting local governing bodies. I may add that the clauses herewith are adapted from the Act of the Imperial Parliament 33 and 34 Vict., c. 97. W. S. Reid, Crown Law Office, 28th November, 1879. Solicitor-General.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 66. [Extracts from " The Stamp Act, 1875," clauses 94, 95, 96, and 97, and Schedule thereto.]

No. 67. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 79.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, sth December, 1879. I have the honor to forward the Statistics of New Zealand for the year 1878, with abstracts from the Agricultural Statistics of the Colony for the year 1879. 2. Prefixed to the volume will be found a report of the contents of it by the Registrar-General, and a table giving a statistical view of the progress of New Zealand for the last twenty-five years—namely, from 1854 to 1878, inclusive. Both the report and the table might, I think, with advantage be reproduced in the Papers relating to Her Majesty's colonial possessions usually presented to Parliament. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 67. [The Statistics of New Zealand for 1878, with Abstracts from the Agricultural Statistics for the Year 1879.]

No. 68. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 80.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, sth December, 1879. Having laid before Ministers your Despatch No. 23, of the 28th April last, covering a further letter from the Board of Trade with reference to the engagement and discharge of seamen at ports in Australia and New Zealand, I have now the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Premier on the subject, from which it will be seen that the only point in which the practice in New Zealand is not in accordance with the views of the Board of Trade is being considered, with a view to having the omission rectified. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 68. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to the Governor, and returns herewith Despatch No. 23, from the Secretary of State, relating to alleged irregularities connected with the shipment of sailors in the Australasian Colonies. It is not desirable that there should be further general comment upon the statements made by Mr. Consul Layard, in his remarks upon the reports sent from New Zealand, and from Aus-

A.-1

40

tralian Colonies, respecting his original letter ; but the points specified by Mr. Gray, on behalf of the Board of Trade, may be noticed and replied to. These points arc four in number : — (1.) Engaging seamen on board, without proper guarantees that they understand the agreement into which they enter. —In New Zealand all seamen engaged for service in foreign-going vessels have to sign articles before a Customhouse officer. (2.) Depriving seamen of their discharges.—This is not done in New Zealand. (3.) Charging fees for permits. —Since " The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," came into force this has not been done. (4.) Absence of a column in agreements for the amount of wages paid on discharge.—This will be considered, with a view to having the omission rectified. Wellington, sth December, 1879. John Hall.

No. 69. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 84.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 19th December, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that I have this day prorogued by Commission the First Session of the Seventh Parliament of New Zealand. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 70. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 85.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 20th December, 1879. I have the honor to transmit to you copies of all Acts passed by the General Assembly during their late session, together with a synopsis of the same by the Solicitor-General. The Administration Act has been reserved for Her Majesty's assent, as it may affect the estates of persons residing out of the colony. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON, The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 70. Synopsis of the Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand in the Second Session of Parliament held in the Year 1879. Note. —The numeration of fclae Acta passed in the aforesaid session is made in continuation of that of the Acts passed in the previous session of the same year. The Public General Statutes. 5. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 1) authorizes an advance of £200,000 out of the Public Account by way of imprest for the service of the year ending 30th June, 1880, the money to be charged in the manner expressed in the Appropriation Act of the session appropriating the same. 6. The Public Revenues Act 1878 Amendment Act is a temporary Act authorizing the issue of deficiency bills as security for a loan of £200,000, in augmentation of the sum of £400,000 authorized so to be borrowed under the original Act. 7. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 2) authorizes, in the same manner as the Imprest Supply Act (No. 1), a further advance of £300,000. 8. The Prisons Act Amendment Act declares all places used as public gaols or prisons at the time of the commencement of " The Prisons Act, 1873,'" to have been duly constituted public gaols or prisons. This Act is passed to remove doubts as to certain places used as prisons having originally been duly proclaimed as public prisons. 9. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 3) authorizes, in the same manner as the Imprest Supply Act (No. 1), a further advance of £300,000. 10. The Elections Validation Act validates the election of certain members of the House of Representatives, and indemnifies them from sitting as such.

41

A.—l

11. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 4) authorizes, in the same manner as the Imprest Supply Act (No. 1), a further advance of £250,000. 12. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 5) similarly authorizes a further advance of .£250,000. 13. The District Courts Proceedings Validation Act is to declare that boroughs within districts constituted under "The District Courts Act, 1858," the boundaries whereof are described by the boundaries of counties, shall be deemed to be within such districts, " The Counties Act, 1876," providing that boroughs shall not be included in counties. The Act further provides that, where there is no office of a Registrar of the Supreme Court within a District Court district, the Judge of the last-named district may grant probates and letters of administration. 14. The District Courts Act 1858 Amendment Act is to enable more than one Crown Prosecutor to be appointed within any district, and simplifies process in the Court by Corporations. 15. The Customs Tariff Act provides for an increase of the duties of Customs on certain articles mentioned therein, and exempts from any Customs duties other articles also therein mentioned; the provisions of existing Acts relating to the Customs tariff to apply to this Act. 16. The Tobacco Act permits tobacco to be manufactured in bond, subject to the control of the Commissioner of Customs, and the provisions of the Acts regulating the management and collection of the revenue of Customs ; manufactured tobacco being liable to the same duty as imported tobacco, a bonus of 6d. per lb. being remitted on tobacco manufactured within the next two years. 17. The Property Assessment Act is a general Act regulating the manner of valuing property of every description for the purposes of taxation; declares property of every kind within the colony belonging to any person exceeding £500 in value to be liable to taxation, but permits all just debts due by such person to be deducted; makes special provision in respect of the manner in which banking, loan, and insurance companies shall be taxed. To avoid intrusion on privacy, permits every one to make their own returns of property and the value thereof, the same being subject to objection by the Commissioner on behalf of the Crown, and objections may also be made to assessment by any interested person. A Board of Reviewers, consisting of three persons, is appointed, who shall hear all objections and review the assessment rolls; the decision of the Board to be final, and the assessment rolls approved by them to continue in force for three years, and to be the rolls upon which every person shall be assessed in respect of his property to the amount fixed by the Property-Tax Act. Property of the Crown, and of all local governing bodies, of eleemosynary institutions, of Churches, all public reserves, shipping, agricultural implements, and all property of Maoris is exempted from taxation under the Act. " The Laud-Tax Act, 1878," is merged in this Act, and becomes repealed as soon as the property-tax is levied hereunder. 18. The Property-Tax Act imposes a tax upon property, for the year commencing on Ist April, 1880, to the amount of one penny in the pound of the value of all real and personal property, and of thirty shillings for every one hundred pounds of premiums received during the same year by any insurance company in respect of all policies, other than life policies, issued by such company. 19. The Land-Tax Collection Act is to enable the land-tax for the past year to be collected in one sum, instead of in two equal instalments at different periods. 20. The Rating Act 1876 Amendment Act is to enable local governing bodies, instead of selling property for arrears of rates, to let such property on lease not exceeding fourteen years, and to pay themselves, out of the rent, the rates in arrear, together with interest thereon at 15 per cent, per annum; and otherwise amends the original Act in certain few particulars. 21. The Land Act 1877 Amendment Act is an Act to encourage the occupation of land by extending the system of settlement on deferred payments to lands of limited area and at a reduced price. " The Crown Lands Sale Act, 1877," is repealed, and the price of land is restored to the price originally limited by " The Land Act, 1877." Joint occupation is permitted as tenants in common, whereby the conditions of occupation may be more easily fulfilled. Village settlements along main lines of intercommunication are established to enable labourers on public works to acquire homes for themselves and their families; and special settlements are provided whereon any class of immigrants may be grouped together according to their nationality or disposition. The Act may generally be considered as being intended to place laud within the reach of the poorest, subject to the one condition that the land shall not be allowed to remain waste or uncultivated. 22. The Forest-Trees Planting Encouragement Acts Amendment Act is to extend to local governing bodies the privileges granted to persons, under the original Acts, who set apart land for plantations and cultivate the growth of forest trees. 23. The Public Reserves Sale Act authorizes the sale of certain public reserves which are no longer suitable for the purpose for which reserved. 24. The Mines Act 1877 Amendment Act provides a concession to miners who have invested large sums in their mines, that they shall not forfeit their leases if their operations are not carried on continuously, as is intended by the original Act; but they are to be protected in their leases for a certain time, to enable them to make their arrangements. It also provides that protection may be given to persons discovering gold on lands outside the mining districts, 6—A. 1.

A.—l

42

25. The Confiscated Lands Inquiry and Maori Prisoners' Trials Act is a temporary Act in exten» sion of " The Maori Prisoners'' Trials Act, 1879 " (now expired), of the last session, and reenacts the provisions of the Act last-named relating to the trials of the Maori prisoners therein referred to, and the place of their trial. This Act, however, further provides for the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into any alleged grievances the Maoris may have in relation to the lands confiscated from them, and which may have produced the troubles which have resulted in the imprisonment of the Maoris now awaiting their trial. 26. The Electric Telegraph Act Amendment Act is a technical Act substituting one official title for another used in prior Act. 27. The Harbours Act Amendment Act validates the constitution of all Harbour Boards under the original Act, and otherwise more clearly explains the said Act in certain particulars. 28. The Resident Magistrates Act 1867 Amendment Act is to facilitate process in a Magistrate's Court by Corporations; provides for appeal in interpleader cases, and extends the jurisdiction of the Court in relation to actions on lost instruments. 29. The Debtors and Creditors Act Amendment Act authorizes the election of more persons than one as creditors' trustees of a debtor's estate, enacts provisions to render the original Act more effective, and extends the time within which preferential claims for workmen's wages may be made. 30. The Patents Act Amendment Act provides for the reduction of the fees for patents, and for lessening the cost of advertisements in relation thereto. 31. The Leases and Sales of Settled Estates Act 1865 Amendment Act empowers the Court to authorize leases containing covenants to purchase the land demised, and provides for the more easy ascertainment of the assent or dissent of parties to any application made to the Court. 32. The Building Societies Act 1876 Amendment Act is for the correction of an error in the original Act. 33. The District Law Societies Act Amendment Act remodels the provision of the original Act relating to the application of the fees arising within any judicial district under the Law Practitioners Acts. 34. The Slaughterhouses Act 1877 Amendment Act is to provide that no abattoir or slaughterhouse shall be established in any place without the consent thereto of the local governing body. 35. The Fine Arts Copyright Act 1877 Amendment Act is to extend the provisions of the Imperial Acts relating to dramatic literary property to the colony, by registration of the proprietor thereof within the same. 36. The Revision of Statutes Act, in substitution of " The Reprint of Statutes Act, 1878," enlarges the powers of the Commissioners in respect of consolidation of the existing Acts, and authorizes the preparation of draft measures to be submitted to the Legislature. 87. The Sites for Working-men's Clubs Act authorizes the grant of land as sites for workingmen's clubs, subject to forfeiture in case the same is not used continuously for the granted purpose. 38. The Intercolonial Probate Act extends within New Zealand the effect of probate and letters of administration granted in the other Australasian Colonies, on the same being scaled by the Supreme Court of New Zealand. 39. The Imbecile Passengers Act Extension Act is for the purpose of subjecting the creAVS of vessels, and all persons belonging thereto, to the provisions of the original Act; cases having arisen which render such an enactment very necessary. 40. The Qualification of Electors Act defines the qualification of electors and members of the House of Representatives as being possessed of a freehold of the value of £25, or as having been twelve months resident in the colony, and six months within the district in respect whereof the franchise is claimed. All Maoris being ratepayers, or possessed of a freehold as above, are also qualified as electors in respect of European elections; but the Act does not in any way affect or alter the special representation of Maoris as now existing. 41. The Registration of Electors Act provides a new method of forming the electoral rolls, by imposing upon the Registrar of every district the duty of placing upon the roll the name of every person whom he believes to be qualified. Claims to register are no longer required, but any person may claim to be put on the roll if not thereon; the Resident Magistrate to decide upon all such claims if not admitted by the Registrar, and also upon all objections made to the names of persons on a roll, the onus of proof being with the claimant and the person objected to respectively. Provision is also made, in case of change of residence, for the transfer of the qualification from one roll to another. 42. The Electoral Acts Repeal Act provides for the specific repeal of all enactments which have been superseded by the two last foregoing Acts. 43. The Triennial Parliaments Act provides that the present Parliament, and every future Parliament, shall continue for a period of three years and no longer, instead of five years as heretofore. 44. The Public Works Act makes further provisions in amendment of and in addition to those of the original Act, which experience has proved to be necessary, especially in relation to the working of railways. The Act authorizes the modification of certain contracts and

43

A.—l.

the entering into special contracts for particular works; and sanctions aid to be given to certain companies in the construction of district railways by the guarantee of the debentures or mortgages of such companies, not exceeding 75 per cent, of their expenditure on such railway respectively; the total amount so guaranteed not to exceed £60,000. 45. The Public Revenues Act is a temporary Act declaring the duration of an annual appropriation Act, and continuing thereunder the appropriations thereof for a limited time. 46. The Treasury Bills Act authorizes the issue of Treasury bills to the amount of £1,242,000 for the redemption of deficiency bills and the renewal of bills issued heretofore, and in supplement of the supplies granted to Her Majesty. 47. The Immigration and Public Works Appropriation Act appropriates £4,117,710 12s. Id., out of ways and means mentioned in the Act, for construction of public works and for immigration for the nine months ending 31st March, 1880. The appropriations are for nine months only, dating from Ist July, 1879, and inclusive of three months' appropriations made by the Appropriation Act passed in the first session of this year. 48. The Appropriation Act (No. 2) includes the three months'' appropriations made by the Appropriation Act passed in the first session of this year, and appropriates, for the nine months ending 31st March, 1880, a total sum of £2,023,240 16s. 4d. The Reserved Act. 49. The Administration Act is a re-enactment of the Bill passed in the year 1878, and reserved for Her Majesty's assent, amended in consonance with the suggestions conveyed in the despatch from the Secretary of State dated 28th February, 1879 (No. 8). It is reserved for the royal assent for the same reasons that the measure passed in 1878 was reserved. The Local and Personal Acts. 1. The City of Auckland Loans Consolidation Act, for the purpose of consolidating its loans. Authorizes the Borough of Auckland to borrow £250,000. 2. The Auckland Harbour Board Act authorizes a lease by the Borough Corporation of lands reclaimed from the sea. 3. The Thames Harbour Board Act 1878 Amendment Act, authorizing the Board to borrow £25,000 instead of £12,000, limited by the original Act. 4. The Auckland Free Public Library Aid Act, transferring to the Borough of the City of Auckland certain libraries and other property, for conversion into a free public library. 5. The Auckland Improvement Commissioners' Transfer of Powers Act, transferring to the Borough of the City of Auckland the powers and functions of the Commissioners formerly appointed to superintend the improvement of a certain part of the city. 6. The Onehunga Water Reserves Act, vesting in the Borough of Onehunga certain lands in trust as an approach to the Water Springs, conditional on the use of the latter free of charge by the public. 7. The Onewhero Grant Empowering Act, authorizing a grant of land to certain former rebel Natives on their return to their allegiance. 8. The Hamilton Volunteer Hall Site Act 1878 Amendment Act authorizes the acquisition of a more suitable site for the purposes of a Volunteer hall. 9. The Waiuku Recreation Reserve Act, providing for the management of a public reserve for purposes of recreation and drill. 10. The Hawke's Bay Rivers Act 1876 Amendment Act, declaring a certain township to be a town within the meaning of the original Act. 11. The West Clive Public Hall Site Act, incorporating certain Trustees appointed for the management of the Public Hall. 12. The Waitara Harbour Board Land and Borrowing Act, granting certain lands to the Board, and authorizing a loan of £5,000 for harbour purposes. 13. The Wellington Harbour Board Act, constituting a Board for the Port of Wellington, and authorizing a loan of £100,000 for harbour works. 14. The Wellington Provincial District Highway Boards Act, assimilating the voting-power of electors under the local Highways Act to that prescribed by the general Rating Act of the colony. 15. The Masterton and Greytown Lands Management Act 1871 Amendment Act, providing a more convenient method of election of officers of the trust, and audit of its accounts. 16. The Wairarapa Racecourse Act authorizes a loan of £500 for works in prevention of river encroachments. 17. The Palmerston North Reserves Act authorizes the grant of land for a hospital. 18. The Wanganui Bridge Debentures Act authorizes a new loan of £20,000 in redemption of debentures falling due. 19. The Marlborough Rivers Districts Union Act authorizes the amalgamation of separate river districts within the same provincial district.

A.—l

44

20. The Hawke's Bay and Marlborough Rivers Act 1868 Amendment Act, authorizing Boards of Conservators of river districts to raise loans in the manner prescribed with respect to boroughs. 21. The Awatere Shearing Reserve Act, authorizing the sale of a reserve no longer required for the purpose, and the application of the proceeds towards the construction of a public road. 22. The Hokitika Harbour Board Endowment Act 1878 Amendment Act, for the correction of verbal errors in the original Act. 23. The Kumara Education Reserve Act, authorizing the holders of miners' rights and business licenses to exercise the same within the reserve, subject to compensation to the owners of such reserve. 24. The Christchurch Drill-shed Act, incorporating Trustees to hold and manage certain lands to be granted to them for the use of the Canterbury Volunteers. 25. The Ashburton County Council Waterworks Act, enabling the said County Council to construct waterworks for supply of water for domestic and farming purposes. 26. The Timaru Harbour Board Empowering Act authorizes the Board to provide and maintain a landing-service in the roadstead. 27. The Timaru Waterworks Act authorizes a loan of £60,000 for the construction of waterworks by the Borough Corporation. 28. Tlie Otago Roads Ordinance 1871 Amendment Act, authorizing the constitution of road districts of less area than prescribed in the original Ordinance, with power to declare that the borrowing powers contained in the last-named Ordinance shall not apply within road districts to be hereafter constituted. 29. The Otago University Reserve Leasing Act, extending the powers of leasing heretofore granted to the University. 30. The Oamaru Harbour Board Act, authorizing the Board forthwith to exercise the full powers of borrowing heretofore granted to it. 31. The Oamaru Waterworks Act 1875 Amendment Act, enlarging the borrowing powers of the Municipality of Oamaru for the completion of waterworks. 32. The Alexandra Corporation Reserve Act, amending the boundaries of the laud granted as a reserve to the Corporation. 33. The Queenstown Racecourse Reserve Act, incorporating a Board of Trustees to hold and have management of the land to be vested in them for a racecourse. 34. The Kaitangata and Wangaloa Athenaeums Reserves Act, incorporating Trustees to hold and have the management of the lands vested in them respectively for the respective Athenamms aforesaid. 35. The Bluff Harbour Foreshore Endowment Act, vesting certain lands in the Bluff Harbour Board as an endowment for harbour purposes. 36. The Neiv River Pilot Station Reserve Act, vesting certain lands in the New River Harbour Board as an endowment for harbour purposes. 37. The Oreti Bridge and Ferry Reserves Act, vesting certain reserves and a bridge over the River Oreti, with the tolls arising therefrom, in the Corporation of the Southland County, subject to existing leases thereof respectively. 38. The Riverton Drill-shed Reserve Management Act, incorporating Trustees to have the management of lands to be vested in them for the use of Volunteers in Riverton. 39. The Special Powers and Contracts Act, authorizing the Governor to do all things necessary in certain cases for the satisfaction of equitable claims, in the absence of a direct law permitting their adjustment. The Private Acts deemed to be Public Acts. 1. The New Plymouth Gas Company Act, the usual Act authorizing a joint-stock company to construct works for supplying the Borough of New Plymouth with gas. 2. The Primitive Methodist Temporal Affairs Act, creating a succession of properly-qualified Trustees of the Primitive Methodist Connexion in New Zealand, according to the usages and regulations of the Primitive Methodist Connexion in England, as declared in their model deed, and regulating the temporal affairs of the said Connexion in New Zealand. 3. The Napier Swamp Nuisance Act, enlarging the powers of the Corporation of the Borough of Napier for the recovery of moneys expended in abating the swamp nuisance within the said borough. 4. The Church Property Trust (Canterbury) Act, defining the trusts upon which certain lands are hold by the Church Property Trustees within the Diocese of Christchurch, and regulating the management of all lands now or hereafter to be vested in the said Trustees. 5. The Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company Act, giving effect in this colony to the alteration of the name of the Liverpool and London Eire and Life Insurance Company, and to enable the said Company under its new name to sue and be sued. 6. The Te Aro Reclamation Act, authorizing the reclamation of land in the Harbour of Port Nicholson, at Wellington, by the Corporation of the Borough of Wellington,

45

A.—l

Recapitulation. Public General Statutes— Assented to .. .. .. • • • • 48 Reserved .. .. .. •. .. 1 — 49 Local and Personal Acts. . .. .. . . .. 39 Private Acts deemed to be Public Acts .. .. .. 6 Total .. .. .. .. .. 94

No. 71. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 86.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 23rd December, 1879. With reference to your despatch, " General," of the 22nd October last, forwarding a letter from the Post Office, with a copy of the revised regulations and tariffs adopted by the recent International Telegraph Conference of London, and requesting that the approval of this Government might be obtained, I have now the honor to forward to you a memorandum which I have received from the Premier, intimating the approval of this Government as desired. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 71. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to the Governor, and begs that His Excellency will inform the Secretary of State for the Colonies that the New Zealand Government approves of the revised regulations and tariffs adopted by the recent International Telegraph Conference held in London, a copy of which is enclosed in Sir Michael Hicks Beach's despatch of 22nd October, 1879. Wellington, 23rd December, 1879. John Hall.

No. 72. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to tlie Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 87.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 24th December, 1879. In reply to your circular despatch of 22nd August last, transmitting copies of correspondence between the Secretary to Lloyd's and the Colonial Office, and requesting me to inform you whether this Government is prepared to issue such instructions to its Customs officers and others as the Committee of Lloyd's desire, I have now the honor to forward a memorandum which I have received from the Premier, stating that the Customs officers in this colony will be desired to report to Lloyd's agents all casualties, wrecks, &c, on the coast of New Zealand, and that the suggested forms will be used in so reporting. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 72. Memorandum for His Excellency. His Excellency the Governor is respectfully advised to reply to the circular despatch of 22nd August, that the Customs officers in this colony will be directed to report to Lloyd's agents all casualties, wrecks, &c, on the coast of New Zealand, and that the suggested forms will be used in so reporting. • John Hall.

A.—l

46

No. 73. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 88.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 24th December, 1879. With reference to your circular despatch of 12th August, 1879, pointing out that no provision at present exists for the relief and repatriation of distressed colonial seamen, shipwrecked in the United Kingdom, and that it would appear only right that they should be relieved and sent home at the expense of the respective colonies to which they belong, I am informed by the Premier that " arrangements have already been made to leave the relief of distressed seamen " belonging to this colony in the hands of the Agent-General, he having previously " addressed the Government on the subject." I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 74. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 3.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 29th January, 1880. I have the honor to report that upon the 20th instant I appointed a Commission, consisting of Sir William Eox, K.C.M.G., Sir Erancis Dillon Bell, Knight, M.L.C., and Hone Mohi Tawhai, Esq., M.H.R., to inquire into the causes of discontent amongst the Natives of the west coast of the North Island, and into the promises Avhich are said to have been jnade to them by the Government and to remain unfulfilled. 2. I enclose a supplement to the New Zealand Gazette of the 20th January, 1880, containing a copy of the Commission, and also a Proclamation which I have issued with the view of making known to the Natives the intentions and wishes of the Government. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 74. (See Supplement to Neiv Zealand Gazette of Thursday, 15th January, 1880, dated 20th January, 1880.)

No. 75. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 6.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 6th March, 1880. I have the honor to report that on the 6th March I transmitted a telegraphic despatch to you, of which the following is a copy : — " Sixth March. —Ministers request me to solicit the good offices of Her " Majesty's Government in remonstrating with the Erench Government against " making New Zealand a receptacle for liberated Communists and convicts from " New Caledonia. The recent arrival of a considerable number of such men has " caused much dissatisfaction, and demands that the colony shall legislate for its " own protection against further additions of the same kind have been made from " various quarters. " Lull particulars respecting recent arrivals in Auckland were forwarded to " Agent-General by last Er'isco mail. " Governor, Wellington," I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

47

A.—l

No. 76. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 7.) Government House, Wellington Sir,— New Zealand, 6tli March, 1880. I have the honor to forward to you a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Premier, covering a note from the Bishop of Auckland, requesting that a letter which has been addressed to him by Thomas Bacon, late private 65th Regiment, may be submitted for the consideration of the Secretary of State for "War. I have, &c., HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 76. Memorandum for His Excellency. The accompanying letter from the Bishop of Auckland to the Under-Secretary, Defence Department, is respectfully forwarded to His Excellency the Governor, as the case of Thomas Bacon, referred to by the Bishop, can only be dealt with by the War Office. Wellington, 4th March, 1880. John Hall.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 76. The Bishop of Auckland to the Under-Secretary for Defence. Sir, — Will you be so good as to consider the case of Thomas Bacon, as stated in the accompanying letter, and, if you think it desirable, submit his case to the Secretary for War in England. Yours faithfully, W. G. Auckland, Bishop.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 76. Thomas Bacon to the Bishop of Auckland. My Lord,— Parnell, Auckland, N.Z., 10th March, 1879. In reference to the interview you were pleased to grant me, I now venture, in accordance with your instructions, to lay the statement of my case before you. I was a soldier in Her Majesty's 65th Regiment, in which corps I served for 19111 years; and on the regiment being ordered Home, I applied to the commanding officer (Colonel Wyatt) to permit me to volunteer my services to any of the corps ordered to remain in the colony, in order that I might complete my period of service, but this would not be granted, a regimental order being issued at Te Awamutu, Waikato, to the effect that no man would be allowed to transfer his services. Under these circumstances I took my discharge, free, receiving a gratuity of twelve months' pay, and with right of registry to a deferred pension on attaining sixty years of age. I was in possession of four good-conduct badges at my discharge, and the commanding officer told me that next year I would receive the good-conduct medal, as there were not a sufficient number of medals that year for all who were duly entitled; but of this honorable distinction, for which I was recommended, I have never heard anything since. In the year 1872 I was informed that any man discharged from the regiment who had over eighteen years' service, would receive a permanent pension on refunding the amount of gratuity he had received on leaving the army. In June, 1872, I forwarded a petition to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for War, requesting that I might receive the same boon as had been granted to so many of my comrades. In reply I was informed that certain men of the regiment had received this indulgence, but that no more would be granted, as they had been issued through mistake. My Lord, I trust I may be pardoned if I mention that I served in New Zealand as follows: Wanganui campaign of 1847-48, under Captain J. H. Laye, 58th Foot, and Colonel W. A. McCleverty; Taranaki war, under Major-Generals Gold and Pratt, and Lieut.-General SirD. A. Cameron; and the Waikato campaigns under the last-named officer; and was present with my regiment in all the actions in which it was engaged, and believe that I earned for myself the name of a good, faithful, and gallant soldier. But, my Lord, the hardships and exposures which I endured whilst serving in the field in this colony—these, with advancing age—have told upon my constitution, and I am unable to continue my employment; and recently, as you are aware, I was discharged from the Colonial Hospital with but poor hopes of ever being able to earn even a precarious livelihood. Since my discharge I have almost always lived in the Whangarei District, and am proud to say bear the same irreproachable character that I did whilst in the army, having earned the

A.—l

48

goodwill and esteem of my neighbours, as was exemplified in their raising a subscription (totally unasked) and forwarding it to me whilst a patient in the hospital. In reference to the foregoing, my Lord, I would wish to state that there are now only about nineteen men left who were discharged when the regiment left who arc not in possession of a permanent pension, so kindly granted to their more fortunate comrades; and I believe that if a representation was made to the Home authorities, that we too would be made recipients of so great a boon. I would add that I feci it a peculiar hardship that men with less service and less goodconduct badges, who were discharged by the same regimental board as myself, should have this indulgence granted them, whilst I, through being in the country, was unable to apply for it in time, and have consequently, with a few of my old comrades, been left out in the cold. As an instance of this anomaly I would bring to your notice the case of two men of the regiment (Privates John Carpenter and Patrick Guerin) employed for years by the same man in Parnell. The latter applied in time and got lid. a day; the former, with more service, received nil. The importance of the subject to me, my Lord, must prove an excuse for the length of this communication; but I cannot conclude without believing that if your Lordship would kindly bring the subject to the notice of the colonial Government, that steps would be taken to bring the subject before the Home authorities, with a view to the men who were too late in applying being placed in the same position as their fortunate comrades. I am, &c, Thomas Bacon, Late Private 65th Regiment.

No. 77. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 9.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, Bth March, 1880. I at once brought under the consideration of my Ministers your circular despatch of the 16th September last, transmitting a copy of the report of the Royal Commission on Copyright, together with a copy of a Bill which has been laid before Parliament to give effect to the recommendations of the majority of the Commissioners, and expressing the desire of Her Majesty's Government to be furnished with as little delay as possible with the views of this Government upon those parts of the Bill which more particularly affect the colonies. 2. In consequence of the pressure of business towards the close of the late session the Law Officers Avere unable to deal with this matter earlier ; but I have now the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Premier, explaining the views of Ministers with reference to the proposed Bill. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 77. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to the Governor, and has the honor to enclose herewith a memorandum by the Solicitor-General upon the report of the Copyright Commissioners and the Imperial Bill upon the subject, transmitted by the Secretary of State, in his despatch of 16th September, and which were forwarded by His Excellency for consideration by Ministers. 2. Ministers concur generally in the opinions expressed by the Solicitor-General. 3. They think, however, that subclause 2 of clause 40 of the Bill should be modified so as to provide specifically that if in any British possession sufficient provision is not made within a reasonable time, by or on behalf of the copyright owner, whether by means of a reprint or otherwise, for supplying a book in number and manner suitable for general circulation, then no percentage shall be payable to the copyright owner in respect of the sale in such possessions of reprinted copies of such book. Wellington, sth March, 1880. John Hall.

49

A.—i

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 77. Memorandum by the Solicitor-General. 19th February, 1880. 1 regret that the time at my disposal has not enabled me to deal with this matter earlier, nor in so full a manner as I could have wished. My remarks are limited to those portions of the Bill particularly affecting colonies, and which are indicated in the circular despatch of 16th September, 1879. This despatch directs particular attention to certain clauses of the report furnished by the Royal Commission appointed in 1875 to inquire into the laws relating to copyright. Of these the chief are clauses 215 and 216. The first relates to the means of securing the rights of copyright proprietors in the case of foreign reprints. It is not necessary to indicate in detail the exact means by which effect could be given to the suggestion of the Commissioners ; it seems enough to say that such an arrangement as proposed could be readily carried out through the Customs officers or other convenient machinery. Clause 216 calls for no particular remark. The proposals made seem fair. Clauses 5, 6, 7, and Part 111. of the Bill, relate to colonial copyright. The above clauses secure to the author his exclusive copyright in books published in any part of Her Majesty's dominions. Clause 38 is based on clause 231 of the report, and makes provision for the registration of copyright in books published in British possessions. There is a Copyright Act in force in New Zealand, and therefore books registered here would have the benefits they would have secured if registered in England. In clause 39 I would suggest that the periods fixed be extended. For "one month,'" in subclause 1, substitute "six months;" and for "six months," in subclause 2, say "twelve months/ Clause 40 depends for its effect upon legislation in the colony. There can be no doubt it would be for the advantage of the colony to avail itself of this clause. Clause 41 will not affect New Zealand, and the remaining clauses of this Part deal chiefly with formal matters, to which it seems unnecessary to allude at length. Upon the whole question, I think the proposed Bill is one respecting which the Government may express its approval. A fair measure of justice to colonial authors is secured by granting them the privileges of Imperial copyright, and the provisions of Part 111. seem reasonable and fair. The report is very exhaustive, and deals -with a complicated subject in a very thorough manner. The Premier. W. S. Reid.

No. 78. Copst of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 10.) Government House, Wellington, Sin,— New Zealand, 9th March, 1880. I have the honor to forward to you a copy of a memorandum which I have received from Ministers, detailing the circumstances connected with the recent arrival of a number of amnestied Communists and time-expired cojivicts from New Caledonia, and, requesting me to solicit the intervention of Her Majesty's Government in remonstrating with the French Government against a repetition of such a proceeding as that complained of. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 78. Memorandum for His Excellency. Ministers present their respectful compliments to the Governor, and submit, for His Excellency's information, the following statement respecting the recent arrival in this colony of a number of amnestied Communists and time-expired criminal prisoners from New Caledonia :— 2. On the 10th February a telegram was received from the Minister resident in Auckland stating that the schooner " Griffin' I had arrived in the Manukau Harbour from New Caledonia, and had brought thence eleven political offenders, and nine convicts for criminal offences. It was further stated that all the men had been conditionally released, and that the schooner had been chartered by the French authorities. Subsequently the Minister telegraphed that careful inquiries seemed to confirm the information he had sent. He also transmitted an extract from a letter written by a British shipping agent in New Caledonia, who stated that he had " booked 7—A. 1.

A.—l

50

for Auckland " a number of men who were waiting for passages by a schooner expected from Hiscock Island ; and who added that, " should favourable news be received here from the passengers per ' Griffin/ there will be a number more to go from this place." 3. The Premier hereupon telegraphed to the Governments of New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, repeating the information before stated, and asking whether those colonies had been similarly treated, and whether they would join New Zealand in urging the Imperial Government to remonstrate with France against permitting a repetition, on the part of its representatives in New Caledonia, of proceedings so likely to prove highly injurious to these colonies. The Chief Secretary of New South Wales replied, " Batches of pardoned convicts from New Caledonia have on several occasions arrived here;" while from Queensland the reply was, "On two or three occasions escaped Communists have reached our coasts, but not, as far as we are aware, with the connivance of the French authorities." Both Governments explained what had been attempted by them in the way of legislating against the landing of foreign convicts, political or criminal; both also agreed to join in the proposed remonstrance through the AgentsGeneral for the Colonies. Victoria has not replied, no doubt owing to the fact that a general election was proceeding at the time the telegram was sent. 4. Considering it to bo of importance that some action should at once be taken to protest against the wrong that had been done, the Agent-General was directed —pending such steps as, upon his relurn to Wellington, his Excellency might think necessary —to do what was possible, in concert with the representatives of New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, towards causing a remonstrance to be addressed to the French Government. 5. Inquiries were continued in Auckland by the police for the purpose of ascertaining the crimes, sentences, and conditions of release of the men individually. The result was such that a second telegram was sent to the Agent-General, withdrawing the first, and directing him to suspend action until he had received letters that would be forwarded by the outgoing mail. It was found, in fact, that the "Griffin" was chartered by the French authorities, and that they paid the passages of the liberated Communists; but that the men who had been criminal convicts had paid their own passages. It was further ascertained that these latter were, so far as regards the operation of French law, free to return to France, though the amnestied Communists were not at liberty to laud in France, or in any French territory. 6. The wrong done to New Zealand was thus shown to be less grave than it had been believed to be; but it remained of a character necessitating protest against repetition, and against the unfriendliness of the action, if not against a breach of good faith and of promise. A statement of all the facts was accordingly sent to the Agent-General by the mail vid San Francisco; and he was instructed to consult with the other Agents-General, and to do what he could, pending action by His Excellency, to secure that a remonstrance should be made to the French Government against the act of its representatives in New Caledonia. 7. Copies of telegrams, reports, &c, are submitted herewith for His Excellency's information; and Ministers respectfully advise His Excellency, in anticipation of such despatches as he may be pleased to send by the next mail, to telegraph to the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the following effect: — "Ministers request me to solicit the good offices of Her Majesty's Government in remonstrating with the French Government against making New Zealand a receptacle for liberated Communists and convicts from New Caledonia. The recent arrival of a considerable number of such men has caused very great dissatisfaction, and demands that the colony shall legislate for its own protection against further additions of the kind have been made from various parts of the colony. Full particulars respecting recent arrivals in Auckland were forwarded to AgentGeneral vid San Francisco." AVellington, sth March, 1880. John Hall.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 78. Papers relating to the Landing of French Convicts from New Caledonia at Auckland. The Premier, New Zealand, to Sir Henry Parkes, New South Wales. (Telegram.) Wellington, 19th February, 1880. Schooner "Griffin," from New Caledonia, arrived at Auckland, bringing eleven pardoned Communists, and nine convicts, described as ticket-of-leave men, or only " conditionally freed." Passages of these people were paid by New Caledonian Government. Information received that second batch of Communists is ready for deportation on similar terms. This Government will be much obliged if you will inform them whether New South Wales has been treated in this manner; and, if so, what action, if any, has been taken by your Government. Further, will New South Wales unite in a request to Imperial Government, to be made through Governors, and also by Agents-General, that such remonstrances may be addressed to the Government of France as will prevent future shipment of amnestied criminals to the Australasian Colonies ? I am addressing the Premiers of Victoria and Queensland to same effect. As case is urgent, I shall be obliged by early reply. The Hon. Sir 11. Parkes, Sydney. John Hall. (A like message, on same date, to Premiers Victoria and Queensland.)

51

A.—l

The Colonial Secretary, Queensland, to the Premier, New Zealand. (Telegram.) Brisbane, 20th February, 1880. The matter referred to in your message has already received the attention of this Government. On two or three occasions escaped Communists have reached our coasts, but not, so far as we are aware, with the connivance of the French authorities. Government will readily join in remonstrance to the Imperial Government. Will forward you by next mail copy of Bill submitted to our Parliament last session, framed to meet such cases, which we propose re-introducing next year in modified form. - C. Hardie Buzacott, The Chief Secretary, New Zealand. (for Colonial Secretary).

The Colonial Secretary, New South Wales, to the Premier, New Zealand. (Telegram.) Sydney, 20th February, 1880. Batches of pardoned convicts from New Caledonia have on several occasions arrived here. Last session we introduced Bill to prevent their influx, but did not proceed with it, for reasons which I will explain in letter. This Government will communicate with Imperial Government as you suggest, if your Government will separately take a similar course. The Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Colonial Secretary.

The Premier, Wellington, to the Agent-General, London. (Telegram.) Wellington, 21st February, 1880. Eleven pardoned Communists, and nine convicts, described as " conditionally freed," arrived Auckland from New Caledonia. Passages paid by Government of New Caledonia. Reported that further similar deportations pending. Governor absent from Wellington; directly returns will be advised urge Imperial Government to remonstrate with France. Meanwhile, you take every possible step prevent repetition such proceeding. Very strong feeling throughout Zealand, retaliatory measures being urged as protection. New South Wales and Queensland join remonstrance. See Agents-General. Vogel, London. Hall.

The Premier, Wellington, to the Agent-General, London. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th February, 1880. Telegram respecting New Caledonia withdrawn. Suspend action. Explanation by letter next mail. Inform Agents-General. Vogel, London. John Hall.

The Premier, New Zealand, to Sir Henry Parkes, New South Wales. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th February, 1880. New Caledonian prisoners. Strict inquiry shows that, although the schooner was chartered by New Caledonian Government, the convicts who came paid their own passages to Auckland, and that they were not, as first stated, paid by Government. The convicts were at liberty to go to France or elsewhere. The Communists had passages provided by Government, and are forbidden to land in French territory. Am instructing Agent-General to suspend action, and to inform your representative. On receipt of your promised letter, will communicate further. The Chief Secretary, Sydney. John Hall, [A like message, on same date, to Queensland and Victoria.]

The Agent-General, London, to the Premier, Wellington. (Telegram, received 25th February, 1880.) London, 24th February, 1880. Secretary of State for Colonies has requested Foreign Office speedily as possible move French Government discontinue shipment convicts New Zealand. Gravity of matter specially urged. The Premier, New Zealand. Vogel.

The Agent-General, London, to the Premier, Wellington. (Telegram, received 25th February, 1880.) London, 24th February, 1880. Have sent last copy telegram re New Caledonia to Colonial Office. The Premier, New Zealand. Vogel.

The Mayor of Auckland to the Colonial Secretary. Auckland, 25th February, 1880. This Council desires most emphatically to express the strong feeling of indignation which exists among the citizens of Auckland with reference to the action of the French authorities of New Caledonia in sending a vessel with released convicts to our shores. The Council calls upon the Government to take immediate and decided steps to protect the citizens from a repetition of this obnoxious form of immigration with which they are threatened. The Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Thomas Peacock, Mayor. *

A.—l.

52

The Colonial Secretary to the Mayor of Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 26th February, 1880. In reply to your Worship's message, expressing indignation at action of French authorities at New Caledonia, in sending a vessel with released convicts to New Zealand, Mr. Hall directs me to say question is engaging the careful attention of Government. If it should be established that the action of the New Caledonian Government has been such as to justify a remonstrance on the part of this Government, the necessary steps will be taken for that purpose. His Worship the Mayor, Auckland. ' G. S. Cooper.

Report of the Superintendent of Police, Auckland. New Zealand Constabulary, District Office, Sir, — Auckland, 21st February, 1880. Referring to my telegram of the 18th instant, I have the honor to forward herewith a list and personal description of the French political prisoners or deportes landed here ex " Griffin," from New Caledonia ; also of the convicts per same vessel, including one of the latter who stowed away on board. Those men are at present all doing their utmost to obtain employment, and six of the latter have gone to Whangarei for that purpose, respecting whom I have instructed the constable there (telegram attached hereto). I beg also to furnish herewith a copy of report re this matter supplied by me to the Hon. the Attorney-General by his express instructions, together with copy of the enclosures therein. I have, &c, R. C. Shearman, Esq., Superintendent in Charge J. Bell Thompson, of North Island Police, Wellington. Superintendent.

Mr. J. B. Thompson to the Hon. F. Whitaker. Constabulary Department, Superintendent's Office, Sir, — Auckland, 20th February, 1880. In accordance with your instructions, I have the honor to report that, of the twenty ex-prisoners from New Caledonia per " Griffin," I have officially ascertained that eleven are deportes, or liberated political offenders, and nine are discharged offenders against the criminal code. I had some of the latter brought before me last evening, and examined their passports; but none of these documents disclosed the prison career of the bearer, or gave any information about the sentence he has completed. The men themselves inform me that their respective pardons are unconditional, and that they are at liberty to return to France, or to any other part of the world they can; but that no document of formal pardon was ever given them, the passport being the only Government document with which they were furnished on leaving New Caledonia. They further inform me that, of their class, men who had endeavoured to retrieve their character were permitted to leave New Caledonia. Each of the nine, after finishing his sentence, having undergone a probation (under police surveillance) of two years, during which probation they worked in or about Noumea at their respective trades and callings, and were thus enabled to save sufficient to pay their own passages per " Griffin " from Noumea to Auckland, for which passagemoney each holds a receipt. The passages of the deportes, or political prisoners, were paid by the Noumea authorities, at the rate of £5 for each man. I beg to forward herewith a report from Sergeant Martin, of the Water Police, of the information on this subject furnished to him by the captain and the owner of the schooner " Griffin," and also a copy of a letter sent by the New Caledonian authorities to the French Consul here, D. B. Cruickshank, Esq., who is therein officially notified of the departure from Noumea of the deportes or political offenders, but has not received any notification re the nine liberated criminal offenders, the majority of whom appear to have had sentences respectively of five years, and none of them over seven years, several of them having been soldiers convicted of insubordination or other offences against the discipline of the army. These men are at present scattering in all directions in search of work; but I anticipate being able to obtain by to-morrow a tolerably accurate descriptive return of them, together with their respective sentences. I have, &c, The Hon. F. Whitaker, J. Bell Thompson, llesident Minister, Auckland. Superintendent.

Mr. H. Martin to Mr. J. B. Thomson. Armed Constabulary Station, Auckland, 20th February, 1880. Sergeant Martin begs respectfully to forward, for the information of the Officer in Charge, the following statements respecting the recent arrival of time-expired convicts per schooner " Griffin," from the Island of New Caledonia. John Adam Beswick states: "I am master of the British vessel ' Griffin ;' Mr. William Bishop is owner. I recently proceeded from this port to Noumea, New Caledonia. On arrival at that place, I learnt from Mr. Manning, Commission Agent, &c, of that place, that the Government of the island wished to despatch a number of time-expired convicts to Auckland. Mr. Bishop acted as supercargo on board the vessel, and negotiated with Mr. Manning for the passages of a number. I myself had nothing to do with the matter. I once went to the British

53

A.—l

Consul to ascertain if we should be acting illegally by conveying tliese people to a British colony, and was told that I should not. Monsieur Nardin, Superintendent of Police, inspected the passengers, and gave them a clearance on leaving/'7 William Bishop states: "I am owner of the schooner ' Griffin.'' On the 16th January, 1880, I left the port of Noumea, New Caledonia, with that vessel, and took from there twentythree passengers. We landed on the 17th February, 1880, at the port of Manukau. These passengers, I was informed by my agent at Noumea, Mr. Manning, were time-expired convicts, and were sent away by the Government. I transacted no business respecting their passages myself; that was all done by Mr. Manning. I agreed to convey them to Auckland at the rate of £5 per head. Their passages were to be paid by a Treasury bill, but Mr. Manning agreed to pay over the amount in cash, and retain the Treasury bill himself. I received no documents from the authorities at Noumea, and had only a list of the passengers supplied by Mr. Manning. This list showed eleven political offenders, and nine offenders against the criminal law, two females, and one infant, the latter three being friends of the first-named offenders. " Sergeant Martin begs also to forward herewith copy of a letter referring to these people, supplied by Mr. D. B. Cruickshank, the French Consul of this place. J. Bell Thomson, Esq., H. Martin, Superintendent in Charge of District. Sergeant, No. 210.

A.—l

54

Police Station, Auckland, 21st February, 1880.

List and Description of Political Ex-Prisoners, per " Griffin," from New Caledonia.

Names. Country. Age. Height. Complexion. Eyes. Hair. Build. Appearance. Remarks. Bayer, Francois France 50 ft. in. 5 4 Dark Grey Dark hair, tinged with grey Dark-brown ... Medium ... Smart Full moustache ; slight beard and whiskers. Villeyal, Joseph Charles Albin Belgium ... 32 5 4 Fair „ ... „ Smart, and good-looking Slight moustache; no whiskers ; and speaks English slightly. Slight grey beard and moustache ; wears spectacles. Verspeelt, Bruno ,, ... 5-1 5 3 Fresh Dark Grey Stout Elderly Huguenin, Simon France 49 5 10 3> ... Brown Brown » Smart Full dark moustache ; slight growth of beard. Leweident, Henry Louis ... „ 42 5 4 Fair Blue Light-brown ... Medium ... Slight beard and moustache. Plessis, Francois Julien ... 49 5 8 Bark Dark Grey Slight ... ,, ... Moustache ; no beard or whiskers. Henry, Nicolas ... ,, 50 5 3 Fresh Grey Medium ... Elderly Slight moustache and beard. Hocquart, Auguste „ 45 5 7 Swarthy ... Dark-brown Brown Stout Gentlemanly Full dark beard and moustache ; shrugs his shoulder? when speaking. Moustache and beard. Lahalle, Hippolyte Celestin ,, 43 5 10 Very dark Brown Black Medium ... Respectable Picard, Pierre ... „ 44 5 9 Swarthy ... Grey Brown Stout ,, ?) >> Caillien, Francois OctaTien „ 45 5 4 Very dark Dark Dark „ Gentlemanly Beard, whiskers, and moustache.

55

A.—l

List and Description of Criminal Ex-Prisoners, per " Griffin," from New Caledonia.

Police Station, Auckland, 21st February, 1880.

Names. Country. Offence. Sentence. Age. Height. Complexion. Eyes. Hair. Build. Appearance. Trade. Remarks. Ledue, John France ... Violent assault on a brother soldier 5 years 38 ft. in. 5 0 Bark ... Grey Light-brown Slight Ordinary ... Labourer Full moustache; slight beard. Bapremont, Jean Louis ... Assavdting a sergeant... 5 years 26 5 11 Fair Grey Brown Slim Smart Butcher ... Large nose ;J no hair on face ; good-looking. Leca, Paul Felix ,, ... Embezzling army money 5 years 32 5 4 Bark ... Bark Bark Medium „ ... Clerk Full moustache; no beard or whiskers. Pourailly, Bernard Adolphe „ 5 years 39 5 10 » j> >,• Stout Respectable „ ... ... Moustache and beard. Melin, Pierre ... ,, ... Indecent assault on girl under 10 years of age 10 years 50 5 2 ,, ... » Slight Ordinary Clerk and schoolBald ; was formerly a priest. master Graignier, Prospere ,, Assaulting an officer ... 5 years 27 5 7 ,, ... Grey jj ... Stout Smart and active Carter Pockpitted; beard and moustache. Parisse, Joseph ... ,, ... Assaulting the captain of bis ship by throwing him overboard 10 years 37 5 5 t, • »« Brown v j, Respectable Ship's carpenter ... Hair turning grey; moustache and beard. Benjames, Charles Beserting from army ... 5 years Fair Blue Medium „ Painter ... Moustache and beard. „ ... 42 5 6| Light Perrot, Antoine... „ ... Larceny 5 years 42 5 7 Swarthy Grey Brown Stout ,j ... Mechanical engineer Scar on forehead; moustache and beard turning grey. Peodgno Fr. creole Bobbing with violence 20 years 5 5 Very dark Blue Light Slight Ill-looking Labourer Was a stowaway; only served 2 years of the 20 years' sentence. 22

A.-1

56

The Military Commander, New Caledonia, to the French Consular Agent, Auckland. Noumea, le 13 Janvier, 1880. Adtyiinistration Penitentiaire. — Deportation. Monsieur l'Agent Consulaire,— J'ai l'honneur de vous addresser la liste dcs deportes amnities que j'ai autorises a prendre passage sur goelette le " Griffin," pour se rendre a le Nouvelle Zelande le 15 Janvier, 18S0. Parmi ces passages se trouvent deux sujets Beiges, les noms Villeval et Verspeelt. Quant aux autres, bien que sujets franyais, ils ont declare avoir dcs ressources suffisants pour leur permettre d'attendre d'avoir trouve de l'ouvrage dans le pays. Dans tousles cas, ils ont etc provenus qu'ils se rendraient a la Nouvelle Zelande a leur risques et perils, et qu'ils n'avaient nullement a compter sur l'intervention de notre Consul pour leur procurer soit un engagement, soit dv travail. llecevez, Monsieur TAgent Consulaire, l'assurance de ma consideration le plus distingue. Pour le Gouverneur, A Monsieur D. B. Cruickshank, Le Commandant Militaire. Agent-Consulaire a Auckland, Nouvelle Zelande.

Liste des Passagers Embarques sur le " Griffin."

Arrete la presente liste a quatorze noma. C. Dv Grory, Le Directeur de r Administration Penitentiaire. Noumea, le 14 Janvier, 1880.

Mr. J. P>. Thomson to Constable Hammond. Auckland, 21st February, 1880. Constable Hammond, Whangarei. Six of the liberated prisoners from New Caledonia are reported to me as Laving sailed per " Argyle " last night for Whangarei to try and obtain work at the coal-mines or gum-fields, or at their respective trades. Unless they commit some offence against our laws you are not to interfere with them, or in any way prevent them getting an honest living; but I shall expect you to keep sufficient surveillance over them to be able to inform me at any time when required where any one of them is residing, and what he is doing for a living. I shall further require you to report to me at once when any one of them leaves Whangarei, and where he proceeds to from there. J. Bell Thomson, Superintendent.

No. 79. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G-.C.M.G-., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 10.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 10th March, 1880. I have the honor to forward to you copies of memoranda which I have received from the Hon. the Premier with reference to the case of Frederick Gleich, an absconding bankrupt from South Australia, which was brought before the Supreme Court of this colony in May last. The effect of the judgment of the Supreme Court is to declare the New Zealand Foreign Offenders Apprehension Act to be ultra vires; and any person committing a misdemeanour in any of the Australian Colonies will, in consequence, be free from arrest should he arrive in New Zealand. 2. Ministers hope that the Home Government will provide by Imperial legislation a remedy for this defect. The draft of a Fugitive Offenders Bill which

Noms et Prisonniers. Natioualite. Gracies. Bannis. Observations. layer, Francois ... filleval, Josepli Charles Albin locquart, Auguste jeweident, Henri Louis rerspce!t, Bruno... 'lessis, Fi-an9ois Julian .ahalle, Hippolytc Celestin lenry, Nicolas 'icard, Pierre Jaillien, Francois Octavien 'ille Caillicn (16 ans) 'ille Caillien (1 ans) luguenin, Simon Juivogne, Claude Seraphin Francais Beige Francais 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Beige Francais Sous condition d'cxpulsion de territoire Francais. 1 1

57

A.—l

accompanied Lord Carnarvon's circular despatch of the 6th December, 1876, would, if it had become law, have effected this object, as provision was made in it for the apprehension and return of fugitive misdemeanants. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure 1 in No. 79. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to tho Governor, and forwards for His Excellency's perusal certain papers relating to the case of Frederick Gleich. 2. In a proceeding connected with that case the Supreme Court (all the Judges being present) decided that " The New Zealand Foreign Offenders Apprehension Act, 1863," was ultra vires, and, consequently, that a person guilty of a misdemeanour in any of the Australian Colonies will not be liable to arrest in New Zealand, supposing he makes his escape to this colony. 3. The Premier will, if His Excellency approves, direct that a statement of the case be be prepared, so that it may be transmitted to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, as suggested by the Attorney-General. Wellington, 29th December, 1879. John Hall.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 1 in No. 79. Minute by His Excellency the Governor. I think it desirable that, as suggested by the Premier, a statement of this case should be prepared for transmission to the Secretary of State. In December, 1876, Lord Carnarvon sent out for the opinion of this Government the draft of a proposed Fugitive Offenders Bill which he intended to bring before the Imperial Parliament. This Bill, if it had become law, would have met a case like that of Gleich, as it provided for the apprehension and return of fugitive misdemeanants, as well as of felons. As I do not think the Bill has as yet become law, a statement of this case will illustrate the desirability of legislating on the subject with as little further delay as practicable. If the particulars of this case should suggest the necessity for any modification or alteration of the proposed enactment, the Solicitor-General will no doubt call attention to the point. I enclose, for facility of reference by the Solicitor-General (to be returned), a copy of Lord Carnarvon's despatch of 6th December, 1876, covering the draft Bill, with memoranda by Mr. Justice Richmond and Mr. Reid upon it ; also some valuable suggestions upon the Bill by the late Chief Justice of New South Wales which I sent Home from Sydney in April, 1877. 9th January, 1880. Hercules Robinson.

Enclosure 2 in No. 79. Memorandum for His Excellency. Ministers present their respectful compliments to the Governor, and enclose a memorandum respecting the case of Frederick Gleich and the judgment of the Supreme Court thereon. Papers as to the effect of this judgment —" The New Zealand Foreign Offenders Apprehension Act, 1863," being held to be ultra vires —were submitted to His Excellency under cover of the Premier's memorandum, No. 65, of 29th December; and Ministers have now the honor to advise that, in compliance with the Attorney-General's recommendation, the memorandum be forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Colonies with a request that, if necessary, the Imperial Government will provide a remedy.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 2 in No. 79. [Vide A.-6, 1880.]

No. 80. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 12.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 22nd March, 1880. I have the honor to report that on the 19th March I received a telegraphic despatch from you, of which the following is a copy: — B—A. 1.

A.—l

58

" Eighth. Please urge your Government to arrange with Cable Company for "word rate after April first. Company willing, but Government must take " initiative. Telegraph result.—Secretary State. London, 18th." I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach, &c.

No. 81. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.0.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 13.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 24th March, 1880. In accordance with instructions to that effect contained in circulars from the Colonial Office of sth December, 1877, and 13th September, 1878, I have the honor to forward you a " Return of Armed Land Eorces," exclusive of regular troops, in New Zealand, made up to 31st December, 1879. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach, &c.

A.—l

59

Enclosure in No. 81. Rettjeh" of Armed Land Forces (exclusive of Regular Troops) in Her Majesty's Colonial Possessions. NAME OE COLONY— NEW ZEALAND.

Remarks on Organization, Recruiting, fyc. [Since last return, dated 31st January, 1879, the services of the following Volunteer corps have been accepted : Cavalry— V&tea Light Horse, Taranaki Mounted Rifles. Artillery —L Battery, N.Z. Regt. Artillery. Rifles — Palmerston North, No. 3 Thames Scottish, Masterton, Carterton, Waiinea, Waitara, Wangarei, Waverley, No. 1 Inglewood, Normanby, Bell Block, Urenui, Okato, Omata, No. 2 Inglewood, No. 2 Taranaki, No. 3 Taranaki, No. 1 Hawera, No. 2 Hawera, Manutahi, Tikarangi, Oakura, No. 1 Carlyle, No. 2 Carlyle, Kent Road, Manchester, Mangoui, Kakaramea, "Waitara West, No. 3 Inglewood, Hamilton, No. 4 Inglewood, Wellington Guards, Katikati, Wanganui City, Coromandel, Ashburton, Wellington Naval, Torpedo Corps. The following corps have been disbanded: Nixon Light Horse, Alfred Troop Cavalry, Normanby Hussars, Waiuku Bifies, Gisborne Rifles, No. 5 Kaiapoi Rifles. Designation of corps altered : Redding Rifles to Manchester Rifles, Queenstown Rifles to M Batt. Artillery.]

Establishment of each Corps. Actual Strength. Increase and Decrease of each Corps since last Return. Distribution of each Corps, specifying Head Quarters. Average Number of Days Training in each Year. Whether Militia, Volunteers, Police, &c. Designations of the several Corps grouped by Arms of the Service. Ko. of Troops, Batteries, or Companies in each Corps. a I © ; OS la*; a cd PS a I i to cb s 5 Armament :>r eacn Corps. o co O CD o CD O H o to CD CO o CD O : i Cavalby. Canterbury Yeomanry Waiuku Cavalry Bay of Plenty Cavalry... Alexandra „ Wairoa „ Te Awamutu ,, Cambridge „ Hawera „ fPatea „ ■j-Taranali Mounted Rifles ■ 1 f4 3 3 4 3 3 4 112 64. 29 55 54 125 77 90 32 72 116 67 32 59 57 130 80 9336 75 "i 7 IS 6 1* 5* 17 21 37 7 18 6 1* 5* 18 21 37 Christelmrch ... Waiuku Opotiki Wanganui Wanganui Te Awarmitu ... Cambridge Hawera Patea "New Plymouth 97 100 + 4- + 4. Snider carbines 12 J ... * Decrease. f New corps. J As specified in column of "Actual Strength."

A.—l

60

Return of Armed Land Forces (exclusive of Regular Troops) in Her Majesty's Colonial Possessions— continued.

!"o. of Troops, Batteries, Establishment of each Corps. Actual Strength. Inereas Decrease Corps si: Bete le and of each ace last irn. Distribution of each Corps, specifying Head Quarters. Average Number of Days Training in each Year. Whether Militia, Volunteers, Police, &c. Designations of the several Corps grouped by Arms of the Service. or Companies in each Corps. (3 S3 CD 11 a p p CD p 11 DO P P Armament of each Corps. co o CO O 3H DO o to o no to. O to o to CD o w Abtilleby, N.Z. Eegt. of. A Battery B „ C „ D E „ 2 5 4 4 3 96 128 68 62 64 l* 2 1 4 54 17 4* 11 2 2 1 3 2 Auckland Dunedin Tiniaru Wellington Christchurch 6-pr. A.O. 12-pr. A.O. ... 24-pr. howitzer 6-pr. A.G-. 12-pr.A.G.,24-pr. howitzer 6-pr. A.G. 12-pr.A.a.,24-pr. howitzer 12-pr.A.G.,6-pr. A.G. 24-pr. howitzer Snider rifles Snider art. carb. "i* F G „ 3 2 66 102 l 2* 3 6 2 1 Napier ... Invercargill ... " 3 85 15 3 Nelson I K tL „ tM 3 4 4 3 97 88 69 76 87 i 41 31 1* 1 Oamaru Cook County Invercargill Port Chalmers Queenstown 33 33 Long sniders. ... l> Engineers. Canterbury ... Hauraki Auckland Napier 97 70 158 93 69 Christchurch Thames Auckland Napier + 4- + + t Snider rifles Snider carbines Snider rifles Snider carbines 12 3 5 3 3 I Biples. 77 47 69 78 75 71 57 109 66 47 52 2 11* 6 18 4* 24 7* 1* 2* 5 2 Auckland Snider rifles Victoria Wairoa No. 3 Auckland Biverton Picton Christchurch City Guards Boyal Bangitikei Dunedin City Guards ... North Dunedin South District No. 1 Waikari 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 ... "i* „ ... Invercargill Picton Christchurch Wanganui Dunedin 33 33 *"| 33 • " ! i 33 • ■ • 33 •.« I ... „ „ # Decrease. t New c< irps. J A spe< •ified in coh imn ■f "Actual Strength."

61

A.—l

Return of Armed Land Forces (exclusive of Regular Troops) in Her Majesty's Colonial Possessions— continued.

No. of Troops, Batteries, Establishment of each Corps. Actual Strength. Increas Decrease Corps si] E,etu >e and of each :1C0 last Distribution of each Corps, specifying Head Quarters. Average Number of Days Training in each Year. Whether Militia, Volunteers, Police, &c. Designations of the several Corps grouped by Arms of the Service. or Companies in each Corps. a a CD o g irn. 0Q g 1 Armament of each Corps. cd o CD o m o n o O o so GO o w i i CD -4-3 Rifles — continued. No. 2 Waikari 1... Bruce East Taieri ... West Taieri ... Clutha Oamaru Hampden Otepopo Invercargill ... Wellington City Waikouaiti ... 1st Westland... Greymouth ... Temuka Forest Makara Wo. 1 Thames Scottish,.. No. 2 fNo. 3 Pukekohe Thames Hangers Spring Creek Wanganui Kahvarra. Nelson City ... Renwick Hobson Otahuhu Tuakau Auckland Scottish Portobello Stoke Thames Natives Arrowtown ... No. 1 Taranaki Blenheim 2 3 4 3 5 3 3 3 4 2 4 1 3 3 3 4 3 49 59 59 42 64 108 47 55 66 79 61 86 61 63 55 59 126 97 57 61 111 75 105 59 46 59 97 49 53 63 57 53 43 68 42 65 "l* I 2 1# 1* i# 6* 11 6* 4* 36 7 7 7 12 9 13 10 19 9 2* 1* 9* Dunedin ... I ,, i 33 »• ■ Oamaru 33 •■• In vercargill Wellington Dunedin Hokitika Christchurch Auckland Wellington Thames 3 97 t t 4* Snider rifles 12 2 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 i* 2 11 4 3* 8 8* 8* 5 9* 3* 8 3 2 Auckland Thames Picton Wanganui Wellington Nelson Bicton Auckland "i* ... I "i» "ii 11* 33 •• ' Dunedin Nelson Thames Queenstown New Plymouth Blenheim ... ... *De ( :rease. + New corps. J As spi icified in column of " Actual Strength."

62

A.—l

Return of Armed Land Forces (exclusive of Regular Troops) in Her Majesty's Colonial Possessions— continued.

No. of Troops, Batteries, or Companies in each Corps. Establishment of each Corps. Actual Strength. Increase and Decrease of each Corps since last Return. Distribution of each Corps, specifying Head Quarters. Average Number of Days Training in each Year. Whether Militia, Volunteers, Police, &c. Designations of the several Corps grouped by Arms of the Service. a 8 5 o p. en Armament of each Corps. o o o 3 o H I o CD CD o 3 Bifles — continued. Cromwell Grey town Queen Native fPalmerston North fMasterton fCarterton fW aimea fWaitara fWhangarei fWaverley fNo. 1 Inglewood fNornmnby tBell Block ... fUrenui •j-Okato fNo. 2 Inglewood fNo. 2 Taranaki fNo. 3 Taranaki fNo. 1 Hawera fNo. 2 Hawera Omata fManutahi fTikorangi fOakura fNo. 1 Carlyle fNo. 2 Carlyle fiCent Boad ... fManchestcr ... fMangorei f Xakaramea ... fWaitara West fNo. 3 Inglewood f Hamilton fNo. 4 Inglewood fWellington Guards itKalikati 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 4 1 3 2 3 3 2 3 78 47 47 67 66 62 46 48 51 57 68 61 57 26 56 47 34 40 46 45 41 79 32 33 53 67 35 69 22 54 30 81 67 24 92 . 30 1# 1# 20 47* ... Cromwell Greytown Opotiki Wanganui Wellington Nelson New Plymouth Auckland Wanganui New Plymouth Carlyle New Plymouth >> ,; M Hawera Snider rifles ... No arms Snider rifles Enfield rifles ... Snider rifles Enfield rifles ,,, 5, ... Snider rifles Enfield rifles ... Snider rifles Enfield rifles ... Snider rifles Enfield rifles ... 07 + t + t 412 )j I - New Plymouth. ;j JJ Snider rifles jj Carlyle Enfield rifles ... New Plymouth Wanganui New Plymouth Carlyle New Plymouth jj jj )J ... jj JJ ••• JJ ■ ■• Hamilton New Plymouth Wellington Opotiki JJ JJ JJ JJ • ■ ■ Not armed ... * Dei :reasi ew corpi i. J As sj icified in c< ilunu of "Actual Strength."

63

A.—i

Return of Armed Land Forces (exclusive of Regular Troops) in Her Majesty's Colonial Possessions— continued.

H. E. Readeb, sth March, 1880. Under-Secretary for Defence.

Whether Militia, Volunteers, Police, &c. No. of Troops, Batteries, Establishment of each Corps. Actual Strength. Increase Decrease i Corps sin Retui e and of each ice last rn. Distribution of each Corps, specifying Head Quarters. Average Number of Days Training in each Year. Designations of the several Corps grouped by Arms of the Service. or Armament of each Corps. Companies in each. Corps. CD o a 11 to CD O CO •n CD o H O a CD CD o a CD qS 11 CO CD CO O to id CD o CD to CD CO O CD CD CD A^ . Rules — continued. fWanganui City fCoromandel tAshburton ; f4 3 90 86 75 Wanganui Auckland Christcburcb Enfield rifles ... jj ... Navals. | 102 l* Auckland 40-pr. A.G-., Sni. art. carbines 24-pr. howitzer, 32-pr. I.G. 24-pr. howitzer, 32-pr. I.G-. 24-pr. howitzer 24-pr. I.G-. ... Snider carbines Auckland Duuedin Port Chalmers Thames Nelson f Wellington ... 07 4 i 3 5 3 5 138 81 172 55 208 ... I l i 1... i Dunedin ,, Thames Nelson Wellington !-t j t + 12 _ ... I i I ... i ... I l ... ; fTorpedo Corps 51 ... «_ L\ |— i — I i ! I i i—; OB o Depot Waikato Taranaki Patea Taupo Opotiki L ■- ] - ... 1 3 4 4 4 29 77 76 77 76 ... I ! ... i 1 (7 3 2 151 83 315 260 37 54 6 14 16 18 12 15 ... 10 j_# 82 12 483 34* 18* 2 2* 14 1* "V Depot, Head Quarters Waikato Taranaki Patea Taupo Opotiki i 3 7 8 3 2 151 83 315 260 37 54 6 14 16 18 12 15 — 335 t i — I I I l ! :— — Total ... 16 ... 24 900 81 ... I i '" ... ... I I Total 24 900 81 '" I ! H ! i , I i i Head Qrs., Wellington Police, North Island Police, South Island I I ! I ! s Police, North Island .,. Police, South Island ... 9 14 210 280 9 14 211 280 ... , 9 14 211 280 ... ... ... ... I i ... Total ! ! ! ! 491 i I I I 23 491 i 23 I 490 j ... ... 23 ... -. -. Total ... ... * Decrease. t New eorj is. t As si lecified in column of " Actual Stren; rth."

A.—l

64

No. 82. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach (No. 15.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 25th March, 1880. I have the honor to report that I have this day transmitted to you a telegraphic despatch of which the following is a copy :— " Twenty-fifth. —This Government has agreed with Cable Company for a " word-rate of one shilling per word for telegrams beyond Port Darwin, after April " first." I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 83. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 17.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 25th March, 1880. I have the honor to forward to you six copies of the Census of New Zealand, taken upon the 3rd March, 1878. The last part, which has only just been issued from the Government Printing Office, contains an interesting report by the Registrar-General upon the results disclosed by the various tables. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 83. Census of New Zealand, taken 3rd March, 1878.

No. 84. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to, the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 18.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 27th March, 1880. I have the honor to inform you that one of the two seats in the Cabinet left vacant upon the formation of the Hall Ministry, has now been filled by the appointment of Mr. Thomas Dick, M.H.R. for Dunedin, to be a member of the Executive Council. Mr. Dick has been assigned the portfolio of the Colonial Secretary. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 85. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G. 3 to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 19.) Government House, Wellington, Sib,— New Zealand, 27th March, 1880. I have the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum Avhich I have received from the Premier, soliciting your good offices in obtaining from the Imperial Government certain papers and information desired by the Commission recently appointed to inquire into the organization of the Civil Service of this colony. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

65

A.—l

Enclosure in No. 85. Memohattotjm for His Excellency. Ministers present their compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and respectfully beg that His Excellency will kindly apply to the Imperial Government for copies of the Civil Service Acts and the Regulations thereunder in force in Great Britain; also, for documents of a similar nature in connection with the Indian Civil Service. This information is desired for the use of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the organization of the Civil Service of this colony. Ministers would feel obliged if His Excellency would at the same time endeavour to obtain from these sources any information likely to be of service to the Commissioners in studying the principles on which to recommend that a Civil Service Act should be based.

By Authority: Geoege Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington. Price 2e. 6d. j