DESPATCHES FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND. [In Continuation of A.-2, 1885.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1885 Session I, A-02a

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1885. NEW ZEALAND.

DESPATCHES FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND. [In Continuation of A.-2, 1885.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 45. (New Zealand —General.) Sir, — Downing Street, 28rd January, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 100, of the 6th of December, enclosing an application from the Rev. J. L. Stanley for a nomination to a naval cadetship for his son Norman Eitchfield Stanley. In reply, I have to state that if you will at once forward the particulars required by Eord Kimberley's circular despatch of the 9th of April, 1881, his application will be considered with others, but, looking to the number of applications which I have already received for the four nominations for 1885, I regret that I cannot hold out much hope of being able to comply with Mr. Stanley's request. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. DERBY.

See post, No. 54.

A.-la, No. 55. A.-IA, No. 56. A.-U, No. 65.

No. 46. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 14th April, 1885. With reference to my circular despatch of the 27th of November last, on the subject of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition to be held in Eondon next year, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of the colony under your government, a report of the first meeting of the Royal Commission, held at Marlborough House, on the 30th of March, under the presidency of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. I have, &c, DERBY. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

A.-2, No. 27.

Enclosure. Colonial and Indian Exhibition (London, 1886).Proceedings of the first Meeting of the Boyal Commission, held at Marlborough House, Monday, 30th March, 1885. The Eoyal Commission appointed by Her Majesty the Queen for the purpose of organizing the above Exhibition met for the first time on Monday, the 30th day of March, at Marlborough House, under the presidency of His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales. The following members of the Commission were present: Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief His Eoyal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, the Marquis of Salisbury, the Marquis of Normanby, the Marquis of Lome, the Marquis of Hamilton, the Earl of Derby, the Earl of Dalhousie, Earl Cadogan, the Earl of Kimberley, the Earl of Lytton, Viscount Bury, Field-Marshal Lord Strathnairn, the Hon. Edward Stanhope, M.P., the Eight Hon. Sir Stafford Henry Northcote, M.P., the Eight Hon. William Edward Forster, M.P., the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Edward Hicks-Beach, M.P., the Eight Hon. Anthony John Mundella, M.P., the Eight Hon. Sir Louis Mallet, the Eight Hon, the Lord Mayor I—A. 2A.

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of London, Sir Henry Thurstan Holland, M.P., Sir Daniel Cooper, Sir John Eose, Field-Marshal Sir Patrick Grant, General Sir Frederick Paul Haines, Major-General Sir Henry Creswicke Eawlinson, Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Henry Brownlow, General Sir Edwin Beaumont Johnson, Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Dominick Daly, Lieutenant-General Sir Samuel James Browne, Sir Eobert George Wyndham Herbert, Major-General Sir Frederick Eichard Pollock, Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Burnett Lumsden, Sir Barrow Helbert Ellis, Lieutenant-General Sir D. Macnaghten Probyn, Surgeon-General Sir Joseph Fayrer, Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, Colonel Sir Owen Tudor Burne, Major-General Sir A. Clarke, General Sir Edward Selby Smyth, Sir Arthur Blyth (Agent-General for South Australia), Sir Charles Tupper (High Commissioner for the Dominion of Canada), Sir Francis Dillon Bell (Agent-General for New Zealand), Sir Saul Samuel (Agent-General for New South Wales), Sir William Charles Sargeaunt (Crown Agent for the Colonies), Sir Charles Hutton Gregory, Sir John Coode, Sir George Christopher Molesworth Birdwood, Colonel Henry Yule, Lieutenant-General Charles John Foster, Mr. John Arthur Godley, Mr. Horace George Walpole, Lieutenant-General Eichard Strachey, Colonel James Michael, Colonel Arthur Edward Augustus Ellis, Mr. Charles Mills (Agent-General for the Cape of Good Hope), Mr. Arthur Hodgson, Captain Montagu Frederick Ommanney (Crown Agent for the Colonies), Mr. Eobert Murray Smith (Agent-General for Victoria), Mr. James Francis Garrick (Agent-General for Queensland),, the President of the Eoyal Agricultural Society, the President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Mr. Henry Coppinger Beeton, Mr. Edward Birkbcck, M.P., Mr. Bertram Wodehouse Currie, Mr. William George Pedder, and Sir Philip Cunliffe-Owen, Secretary. His Eoyal Highness, in opening the proceedings said : My Lords and Gentlemen, —In addressing you for the first time, I would remind you that the objects for which Her Majesty has been pleased to appoint this Commission are, briefly, to organize and carry out an Exhibition by which the reproductive resources of our colonies and of the Indian Empire may be brought before the people of Great Britain, and by which also the distant portions of Her Majesty's dominions may be enabled to compare the advance made by each other in trade, manufactures, and general material progress. This project, to the realization of which I have looked forward for some years, is essentially one of a national and Imperial character, differing in this respect from former Exhibitions, in which the elements of trade rivalry and profit largely predominated. No such opportunity of becoming practically acquainted with the economic condition of our colonies and the Indian Empire has ever been afforded in this country. The attractive display in the Indian and colonial courts at the Paris Exhibition of 1878 could only be witnessed by a comparatively small number of the population of these islands, millions of whom may be expected to view and profit by the evidence which the Exhibition of 1886 will afford of the marvellous progress made by their fellow-countrymen beyond the seas. I also trust that this gathering may serve even a higher ■ purpose, and be the means not only of giving a stimulus to commercial interests and intercourse, but of strengthening that bond of union between Her Majesty's subjects in all parts of the Empire, the growth and manifestation of which are most sincerely appreciated by us all. Whilst Her Majesty's Government have given their hearty approval to the objects for which the Commission has been appointed, they have not so far found it desirable to make any definite grant towards it. The Commission have, therefore, to rely entirely upon the public support of the great purposes which the Exhibition is intended to promote, and on the attractive form which it will be the endeavour of all concerned to give to it. I cannot doubt but that, under such conditions, should no untoward events occur, the project will be more than self-sustaining. At the same time it has been thought prudent not to dispense with the usual provision of a guarantee fund, though I trust no circumstances may arise rendering it necessary to make any call on the guarantors. To this fund the Indian and Colonial Governments have made liberal contributions, amounting to £51,000. I have also to announce with much gratification that the most cordial and generous response has already been .made by corporations, firms, and individuals in the United Kingdom to an invitation to participate in this guarantee. Although no formal or public appeal has yet been made, and the number invited to contribute to it has so far been limited, the list of subscribers not only embraces those whose interests may be supposed to be specially affected by the Exhibition, but comprehends every class of the community. Though but recently commenced, these further subscriptions already amount to £77,600, making a total guarantee fund of £128,600 to the present date. I feel sure that you will unite with me in the expression of cordial thanks to those who have so promptly and liberally come forward to our assistance. It is a gratifying proof of the interest which exists among all classes at Home and in the outlying countries of the Empire, and of the desire felt by them to embrace every occasion to promote the common advancement and prosperity of the United Kingdom and its colonies and dependencies. Considering the inconvenience which would have resulted to the members of the Commission had they been summoned to meet at an earlier date, and in view of the immediate assembling of the various Colonial Legislatures whose co-operation had to be obtained, I deemed it necessary, in order that full time might be given for the preparation of contributions, to take certain preliminary steps, which I trust will meet with your approval. I have accordingly to announce that arrangements have been made by which the buildings and grounds at South Kensington, where the Fisheries and Health Exhibitions were recently held, have been placed at the disposal of this Commission, on fair terms, and the buildings can be made available for our purposes at a moderate outlay. I therefore caused plans of these grounds and buildings to be prepared, showing the space which the Commission could assign to India and to the varions colonies, and the arrangements which were deemed most convenient. These were communicated to the Government of India, to the High Commissioner for the Dominion of Canada, to the various Agents-General of the colonies, and, through the Colonial Office, to the Crown and other colonies, and have met with their approval. Similar communications have been made through the Secretary of State for the Colonies direet to the various Governments and to the Secretary of State for India,

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with like results. In the despatch which contained this information I also stated that it was considered advisable that, in place of any awards being granted by juries, as has been the case in previous Exhibitions, commemorative medals only should be given to each exhibitor. The object in suggesting this change was that, as some colonies, from their age and circumstances, were more advanced than others, those in their infancy should not be placed at an undue disadvantage in an Exhibition from which all thoughts of trade rivalry should be excluded. lam pleased to say that answers have been received which show that the suggestions made on this and other matters have been favourably accepted, and to inform you that the project of holding the Exhibition has been everywhere received with the utmost cordiality. I trust that these preliminary arrangements may meet with your approval. I have also to submit for your consideration the general method of administration which I recommend should be adopted. As President of the Eoyal Commission it is my intention personally to take the same active part in the work as I did at the Paris Exhibition of 1878. The details of the executive duties will devolve on Sir Philip Cunliffe-Owen, whose ability and experience have so often been tested with satisfactory results, and who has also been intrusted by the Indian Government and certain of our colonies with executive duties on their behalf. I have also thought it desirable to nominate a Finance Committee for the purpose of controlling and regulating the expenditure of the Commission and guarding the interests of the guarantors. This Committee, it is proposed, shall consist of the following members of the Commission, who have kindly placed their services at my disposal, viz.: Sir John Bose, Bart. (Chairman), Sir George C. M. Birdwood, Mr. Edward Birkbeck, Sir Barrow Helbert Ellis, and Sir William Charles Sargeaunt. I will ask you to confirm the appointment of these gentlemen. As arrangements advance, it may be necessary for me to recur in matters of special importance to your counsel and aid. "While no effort will be spared to render the Exhibition worthy of the primary objects it is intended to promote, as well as to insure its attractiveness to the community, the guarantors may be assured that, subject to the attainment of these ends, no needless outlay will take _ place, but that, on the contrary, the expenditure will be kept within proper and legitimate limits. As an earnest of this endeavour I have directed full and detailed estimates of the different heads of proposed expenditure—guided by the experience of former Exhibitions—to be prepared for submission, first, to the Finance Committee, and subsequently for my own approval. Though it is impossible to foresee what eventualities may arise, I trust no obstacles may occur to prevent this Exhibition from being, not only self-sustaining, but as sucsessful, financially, as those of late years have been. It has been suggested that advantage should be taken of the great numbers who will doubtless visit England during the Exhibition from the colonies and from India, to procure for them special facilities for visiting the great manufacturing centres and chief places of interest in Great Britain, not only as an expression of welcome, but that they and we may profit by a comparison of their own with the more matured commercial systems of the Mother-country, and that, by bringing manufacturers, producers, and consumers together, an impetus may be given to the general extension of industry and trade. Negotiations are in progress to effect this object, which I hope may result not only in mutual advantage, but in proving to our fellow-subjects that they are as welcome elsewhere in Great Britain as I am sure they will be in the metropolis. In conclusion, let me express the hope that this great undertaking and the many occasions for friendly intercourse with our fellow subjects from India and the colonies which it will afford, may convey to them the assurance that, while we are deeply moved by the spirit of patriotism they have lately shown in desiring to bear their share in the graver trials of the country, we on our part wish to participate in every effort to further and develop their material interests, interests which we feel to be inseparably bound up with the prosperity of the Empire. We must remember that, as regards the colonies, they are the legitimate and natural homes, in future, of the more adventurous _ and energetic portion of the population of these islands. Their progress, and their power of providing all that makes life comfortable and attractive, cannot, therefore, but be a matter of serious concern to us all. And, as regards India, the increasing knowledge of that vast Empire and the rapid and easy means of communication to all parts of it which now exists, render its remarkable and varied products and its social and political condition a source of yearly increasing interest and importance to us. For the attainment of the purposes I have indicated, lam sure I may rely on your friendly co-operation and assistance, in your several localities, and within the sphere of your individual influence. Although it has been impossible from the pressure of their duties elsewhere for some members of the Commission to be present at this meeting, I am gratified by the assurance from them that we may none the less rely on their practical and earnest assistance on every occasion in furthering the work which has been intrusted to us, and achieving the important ends which I trust may flow from its successful accomplishment. It only remains for me to express my cordial thanks to you for your kindness in attending here to-day, and my confidence that I shall continue to receive the same measure of support which it has been my good fortune to obtain from many of you on former occasions. Sir Philip Cunliffe-Owen then read the correspondence relating to the appointment of the Commission and the participation of the various colonies, all of which were most willing to take advantage of this opportunity of displaying their resources and progress, and gaining a larger knowledge respecting their sister colonies. A preliminary list of guarantors was also read, the amount of the guarantee fund being already £128,600. The Earl of Deeby said, —I have been asked to move a resolution, and Ido it with great pleasure, but also very briefly, because argument is superfluous where I presume we are all of one mind, and it would be a mere waste of time to relate the circumstances, with which you are no doubt familiar, which should induce you to accept this resolntion. There was a time, a few years a"0, when it was said Exhibitions were played out, and that it would be well, for a time, "at least, to discontinue them. Ido not know whether that feeling was ever justified by the facts; it may have represented a passing phase of opinion in London, but it is not the.

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case now. We have had recent experience, and we have seen that, whatever the ostensible objects of the Exhibition, whether appliances of health, fisheries, forestry, or whatever the subject may be, the interest that is felt in these Exhibitions is unabated and ever-increasing. The numbers frequenting them seem to increase every year, and if they are well conducted there can be no doubt they will be a financial success. If this be true, generally, it is still more likely to be true in the case of the Exhibition which is to be held next year. I-think we must all see and feel that there never wa.s a time in the history of the country when so deep and general an interest was taken in the affairs of the colonies; and I think, also, we all feel that, living as we do in a small and overcrowded island, it is both our duty and our interest to do all in our power to bring before the minds of our fellow-countrymen those vast countries beyond the sea, in which those who have comparatively small opportunities of making a successful career in this country may have a better chance in another state of society. After the correspondence which has been read, it will not be necessary for me to recapitulate the details of what has passed, especially as his Eoyal Highness has been kind enough to state what is most important on that point;. I will only say that to me, and those with whom I have acted departmentally, and I think I may say the Agents of the colonies, it has been a source of pride and satisfaction to be able to help according to the measure of our power in promoting the wishes of His Eoyal Highness. I think, although the matter is not completed, and therefore it is undesirable to enter into details, that our colonial fellow-subjects, both as regards Governments and communities, have responded to the appeal made to them in that liberal and patriotic manner we have every reason to expect. You have heard the list of guarantors read; it is, I believe, an ample one for all purposes, and no doubt can be increased if necessary; and, looking at the increased interest in colonial affairs and the way the colonies have taken the matter up, I think there is no doubt that this Exhibition will be a great success. The purpose of the resolution I have to propose is that the Eoyal Commission may indorse the steps taken by His Eoyal Highness ; and I think I may say that no passage in His Eoyal Highness's address has given so much satisfaction as that in which he gives us an assurance that he will take the same position in this Exhibition as in that of 1878. The Earl of Kimbeelet seconded the resolution, and said, —As regards India, I have this Exhibition much at heart. There is, perhaps, nothing more desirable for India than that its products and industries should be well known in this country, although we have much more to learn from than to teach them. Their beautiful manufactures, which they have produced for so many ages, have proved that there is a knowledge of many branches of art which it would be a thousand pities should be diminished under our rule. I have often been struck with the calamity of the introduction of our taste into Eastern arts and manufactures ; for their taste is far better than ours, although We have no doubt engineering knowledge and skill and the command of capital; and I cannot conceive of any advantage greater than that the two countries should be brought together. The Government of India will itself undertake the collection and management to a great extent of what is to be sent into this country. You will see from the immense size of our Indian Empire, and the position of the Government there, that it is much better this should be taken in hand by the Government. It is a great satisfaction to me to concur entirely with the proposals made by His Eoyal Highness and with my noble friend—that this Exhibition will be a remarkable success. The following is the resolution, which was carried unanimously: "That this Commission entirely approves of the arrangements made by His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales, the Executive President, and now reported by him in detail; and they desire to convey their cordial thanks to His Eoyal Highness for the interest he has shown in the undertaking, and their appreciation of the judicious steps taken by him to insure its success. The Commission further desire to express their cordial appreciation of the liberal and gratifying contributions already made to the guarantee fund, and their warm thanks to the subscribers." The Prince of Wales : I feel very grateful to Lord Derby for the kind way in which he has moved this resolution, and to Lord Kimberley also for the kind expressions that have fallen from him, and for the hearty and unanimous approval of this Commission, which I look upon as a vote of confidence in myself. I may say that to the utmost of my power and endeavour I will do all I can to further the Exhibition, and I feel sure that I shall have the hearty support and concurrence of the distinguished gentlemen of whom I see so many around me. I thank you again for having listened to the address I read to you, and only hope that no untoward event may occur between now and next year to prevent this resulting in perhaps the finest Exhibition that has ever been held. The meeting then terminated.

No. 47. ' (New Zealand, No. 18.) Sir, — Downing Street, 15th April, 1885. I have the honour to request that you will call the attention of your Government to the reply made by the Judge-Advocate-General in the House of Commons on Thursday, the 19th of March last, to a question Avhich, in view of a possible risk of conflict between Imperial and colonial laws, was put by Colonel Stanley as to the Act for discipline under which the colonial contingent from New South Wales, now serving in the field, will be amenable. The Judge-Advocate stated, " I have seen a communication from the Agent- " General of the Colony of New South W Tales, which has throughout met the

See also No. 49.

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" Imperial Government in the most ungrudging and patriotic spirit, stating that, " for more abundant caution, the colonial authorities propose, by local legislation, " without delay, to make their contingent subject to Imperial military law in " cases where the local law has not provided for their government and " discipline; and I have suggested that, to prevent any possible conflict, they " should be made unconditionally subject to such law." I enclose a copy of a letter, with its enclosure, which has been received from the War Office on this subject, and I shall be glad to be informed whether the Government and Legislature of the colony under your administration contemplate taking any steps in the sense indicated, in view of the possibility of colonial troops hereafter serving with the";lmperial forces. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. DERBY.

Enclosure. g IE _ War Office, 30th March, 1885. I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to request that you will call the attention of the Earl of Derby to the reply made by the Judge-Advocate-General in the House of Commons on Thursday, 19th March last, to a question put by Colonel Stanley, as to the Act for discipline under which the colonial contingent now serving in the field will be amenable. The Judge-Advocate-General having suggested in the reply above mentioned, and in the accompanying memorandum, that, to prevent any possible conflict, these contingents should be made unconditionally subject to Imperial military law, I am to request that, if Lord Derby concurs in this suggestion, you will move his Lordship to cause the various colonies from which offers of assistance have been received to be informed that, in the event of these offers being accepted, it ia expedient, in order to avoid any possible conflict of legislation, to make the colonial forces which may be employed in service outside the limits of the colony unconditionally subject to British military law; and, with a view to carrying this into effect, a short Act should be passed by the Legislature o'f each colony which takes part in military operations. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Ralph Thompson.

Sub-Enclosure. The Under-Secretary of State. . ... I have carefully perused and considered the various accompanying colonial statutes, rules, and regulations relating to the government and discipline of the forces raised in the different colonies. • With the exception of the Cape Mounted Eifles —which are subject to a discipline of their own a u these forces when "on actual military service " are placed under Imperial military law, though in some cases (see Canadian Act, 1883, 46 Vict., c. 2, section 64; South Australian Act, 1879 41 Vict., No. 125, section 4) this enactment is qualified by a provision that it is only to apply so far as our military law is not inconsistent with the colonial Acts or the rules and regulations made under them. , • • • ' .v I observe too, that nearly every colonial statute contains an express provision that no man enlisted under it 'shall be subject to any corporal punishment except death or imprisonment. Although, since the abolition of flogging in our army this exception has become comparatively unimportant, it might be held to apply to the " summary punishment " substituted for it. Moreover the latest Act under which the New South Wales forces are enlisted (34 Vict., No. 19) contains certain special provisions, e.g., that no member of the force shall be sentenced to death except for mutiny, desertion to the enemy, or traitorous conduct or correspondence (section 10); and a still more important enactment in section 8, which vests in the Governor of the colony the power to convene and delegate power to convene Courts-martial, and to appoint officers to constitute such Courts. Again, the earlier New South Wales Act (31 Vict., No. 5.) provides that a Volunteer" shall not be bound to leave the colony under any circumstances, and section 29 of the same Act provides that " a Court-martial for the trial of an officer of the Volunteer force, or of a Volunteer" or of an officer or non-commissioned officer of the "Volunteer permanent staff shall be composed'of officers of the Volunteer force only." It is obvious that provisions of this nature —which seem to be more or less scattered through all the accompanying statutes —might cause embarrassment and confusion, even if they do not seriously interfere with tho discipline of the contingent, and, having regard to the extreme importance of placing all men serving under the same flag under the same military discipline, I cannot too strongly urge what I have already suggested that a short Act should be passed by the Legislature of each colony which takes part in our military operations, placing its contingent unreservedly and unconditionally under Imperial military law, so as to give full effect to the provisions of the 177th section of the Army Act > The additional liabilities under which the colonial forces would by this means be placed would now that corporal punishment is abolished in our army, be trifling in comparison with the importance of the object attained ; and, looking to the spirit in which the Now South Wales Govern- . ■ ,j n t he case of which colony alone immediate action is necessary —is acting, and the offer made in the telegram received by its Agent-General in this country, I apprehend that no difficulty ought to arise in carrying out the above suggestion. b G. OSBOBNE MOEGAM, 24th March, 1885. Judge-Advocate-General.

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No. 48. (New Zealand, No. 22.) Silt,— Downing Street, 27th April, 1885. WTth reference to your Despatch No. 59, of the Bth August, and to my reply of the 14th November last, I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, a copy of a letter from the Admiralty, from which it will be seen that the Lords Commissioners do not feel justified in granting pecuniary assistance towards the construction of a graving dock at Port Chalmers. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, K.C.M.G, CB. DERBY.

A.-l, 1884, No. 19. A.-2, No. 23.

Enclosure. Sir,— < Admiralty, 16th April, 1885. With reference to your letter of the 10th October last, transmitting a copy of a despatch from the Governor of New Zealand, with an enclosure, respecting Imperial assistance towards the construction of a graving dock at Port Chalmers, which the Otago Harbour Board are desirous of obtaining, I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for the information of the Earl of Derby, that my Lords do not feel justified in granting pecuniary assistance for the proposed dock. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Evan MacGregob.

No. 49. (New Zealand, No. 23.) Sie, — Downing Street, 27th April, 1885. With reference to my Despatch No. 18, of the 15th instant, respecting the Act for discipline under which the colonial contingent from New South Wales now serving in the Soudan will be amenable, I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, a copy of a further letter from the War Office, on the subject. I have, &c, Governor Sir.W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G, C.8., &c. DERBY.

No. 46,

Enclosure. Sm,— War Office, 18th April, 1885. I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, enclosing a copy of a letter from the Agent-General for New South Wales with regard to the Act for discipline under which the colonial contingent now serving in the field will be amenable. In reply, I am desired to acquaint you, for the information of the Earl of Derby, that it is impossible for Lord Hartington, without seeing the Act itself, to say exactly what the effect of the legislation of the Colony of New South Wales, to which Sir S. Samuel refers, will be. But, so far as its provisions are stated in the telegram from the Colonial Government to Sir S. Samuel, it does not carry out what was intended by the Judge-Advocate-General, in his memorandum of the 24th March, 1885, copy of which was forwarded to you in the letter from this office of the 30th ultimo. In that memorandum it was in effect stated that it would be desirable to place the New South Wales contingent not under any particular section of the Army Act, but under English military law, generally and unconditionally. That being done, the 177th section of the Army Act would, as regards them, have come into operation without the qualifying provisions pointed out by the Judge-Advocate-General, and the colonial troops would, by the combined operation of English and Australian law, have been subject to the same discipline, &c, as the regular forces. The effect of placing the colonial troops under the 177th section only of the Army Act would (if the exceptional enactments in the colonial statutes, to which the Judge-Advocate-General referred in his memorandum of the 24th ultimo, are left untouched) be to keep alive these exceptions, and in that case the object in view would not be attained. It therefore seems desirable, in order to give effect to the suggestions contained in the memorandum of the Judge-Advocate-General above alluded to, that a short colonial Act embodying them should be passed, if possible; and lam accordingly to request that you will move Lord Derby to cause the colony to be communicated with on this point by a telegraphic message. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Ralph Thompson.

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No. 50. (New Zealand, No. 25.) Sir, — Downing Street, 2nd May, 1885. With reference to your Despatch No. 4, of the 3rd of January last, and to previous correspondence respecting the fugitive offender A. E. Anderson, I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, a copy of a letter from the Home Office containing an inquiry respecting the circumstances under which Anderson was allowed to withdraw a sum of money standing to his credit in one of the local banks. I request that you will be so good as to obtain a report on the subject. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. DERBY.

A.-l, No. 18. Answer. A,-IA, No. 60.

Enclosure. Sir,— Whitehall, 27th April, 1885. I am directed by the Secretary of State to submit to you, for the information of the Earl of Derby, the following extract from a letter which has been received from the Vestry Clerk of Liverpool, relative to the arrest in New Zealand of A. F. Anderson, a fugitive criminal: — "There is one matter in connection with the arrest of the criminal which appears to call for investigation. At the time of the arrest by the New Zealand police there was standing to the credit of the prisoner in one of the local banks a considerable sum, for the withdrawl of which he was permitted, whilst in custody, to sign a cheque. The sum in question was withdrawn before the arrival of the Liverpool officer, and all trace of it was lost." In view of this statement I am to request that, if the Earl of Derby sees no objection, inquiry may be made of the New Zealand Government as to the circumstances under which this happened. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. A. F. 0. Liddell.

No. 51. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 6th May, 1885. I have the honour to inform you, at the request of Earl Granville, that the Commercial Cable Company, which has laid cables from Erance to Ireland and thence to America, has applied to be allowed to adhere to.the International Telegraph Convention. Regulation 81, paragraph 2, of the Service Regulations attached to the Convention states that private telegraph companies may be admitted to the advantages stipulated in the Convention and Service Regulations on their acceding to all the obligatory clauses, and on the notification of the fact by the State which granted them the concession or authority to work their line. Her Majesty's Government have accepted the adhesion of the company, which will date from the 19th of Eebruarv, 1885. I have, &c, DERBY. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 52. (New Zealand, No. 27.) Sib,— Downing Street, 16th May, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 34, of the 28th of March last, enclosing a memorandum by Sir Julius Vogel on the Eederation of the British Empire. You will be so good as to inform Sir Julius Vogel that Her Majesty's Ministers have read- this memorandum with much interest, and that it will be presented to Parliament. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. DERBY.

A.-l, No. 32,

No. 53. (New Zealand, No. 28.) Sir,— Downing Street, 18th May, 1885. I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your

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Government, a copy of a letter which has been received from the Royal Colonial Institute, respecting a memorial which has been largely and influentially signed in this country, thanking Her Majesty's subjects in the colonies for the generous offers made to send troops for service in the field, together with a copy of the reply which I caused to be returned to this letter. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. DERBY.

Enclosure 1. The Eoyal Colonial Institute to the Colonial Office. My Lord,- 6th May, 1885. I have the honour to forward your Lordship the following information of the result of the recent appeal to the people of the United Kingdom to join in a letter of thanks to our countrymen and kindred beyond the seas, who have offered men for active service. A few weeks since copies of a memorial were forwarded from the Eoyal Colonial Institute to various public bodies throughout the United Kingdom, including the mayors and provosts of the principal towns of England, Ireland, and Scotland, requesting them to use their influence in obtaining signatures to it in their various localities, and to return it to me not later than the Ist of May. The memorial was as follows : "We, the undersigned subjects of the Queen, resident in the old country, desire to express our gratitude to our countrymen and kindred beyond the sea for the generous offer they have made to send troops for active service. We have always believed that our ties of blood and common love of freedom would keep the Empire one and indivisible. We thank you for this proof that our faith is founded on truth." To this appeal a most gratifying and remarkable response has been returned. I have received a total of more than twenty thousand signatures to the memorial, " from all sorts and conditions of men." These include the names of men of all parties in politics and all classes in society. Animated by the desire to let it be known how7 warmly they recognized this splendid and disinterested act on the part of the colonies of Great Britain towards the Mother-country in her hour of need, peers, members of Parliament, judges of the Supreme Court, justices of the peace, mayors of towns and members of town councils and corporations, masters of city companies, professors of universities and men of science and literature, barristers, poets, authors, artists, clergy of all denominations, merchants, bankers, traders, artisans, labourers, and others have signed it. In many cases the mayors of provincial towns have affixed the corporate seal and signed the memorial " on behalf of the inhabitants." It is evident, from the readiness with which the signatures have everywhere been attached to this "Letter of Thanks," that, large and representative as has been the number of names obtained, want of opportunity alone has prevented tens of thousands more of the people of the United Kingdom signing it, in order to express their warm appreciation of the noble, generous, and patriotic conduct of our countrymen and kindred beyond the sea which has evoked it. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby, K.G., Frederick Young, Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies. Honorary Secretary.

Enclosure 2. The Colonial Office to the Eoyal Colonial Institute. Sir,— ' Downing Street, 13th May, 1885. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, showing the result of the recent appeal to the people of the United Kingdom to join in a letter of thanks to Her Majesty's subjects in the colonies who have offered troops for active service abroad. Lord Derby has received with pleasure this further evidence of the satisfaction which the patriotic action of the colonies has given to the people of this country, and his Lordship will transmit a copy of your letter to the Governors of those colonies from which the ■ offers were received. ■ I have, &c, Frederick Young, Esq. John Bramston.

No. 54. (New Zealand —General.) Sir,— Downing Street, 20th May, 1885. I have honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 41, of the 28th of March, forwarding particulars relative to the application from the Rev. J. L. Stanley for a nomination for a naval cadetship in favour of his son, Norman Litchfield Stanley. I have the honour to inform you, in reply, that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to whom the application was referred, have approved the selection

A.-IA, No. 56,

Answer. A,-la, No. 65.

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of Mr. Stanley to receive one of the nominations set aside for the colonies for this year, and that directions will be given for his examination to be held on board one of Her Majesty's ships on the Australian station. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. DERBY.

No. 55. (New Zealand, No. 30.) Sir,— Downing Street, 27th May, 1885. I have the honour to acquaint you that a translation of a letter from Major Te Wheoro has been forwarded to this department from the Aborigines' Protection Society, in which a statement occurs to the effect that " the New Zealand Government have made a law to prevent the Maoris prospecting or working for gold on their own lands." I shall be glad if your Government will be so good as to furnish me with a report respecting any Act or regulation, should such exist, which may seem to be referred to in this statement. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. DERBY.

Answer. A.-lA No. 69.

No. 56. (New Zealand, No. 31.) Sir,— Downing Street, 29th May, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 33, of the 24th Eebruary, and to thank you for the proposal which it contains that revised lists of persons removed from the Medical Register in New Zealand should be communicated to the General Council of Medical Education and Registration of the United Kingdom, in return for similar lists of persons • removed from the Medical Register in Great Britain. Having communicated a copy of your despatch to the General Council, I am in a position to state that the offer is accepted. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. DERBY.

A.-l, No. 33

No. 57. (New Zealand, No. 32.) Sir,— Downing Street, 6th June, 1887. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 52, of the 11th of April, transmitting copies of reports of various meetings between Mr. Ballance, the Native Minister, and the Maoris. I have perused these reports with interest. I have, &c, Governor Sir AV. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. DERBY.

A.-l, No. 41

No. 58. Sir, — Downing Street, 10th June, 1885. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a telegram which has been sent to you, through the Governor of South Australia, respecting the settlement of the boundaries of the British and German possessions in New Guinea. I have to request that you will publish this arrangement in the Government Gazette of your colony. Erom a separate despatch which I am about to transmit to you, you will learn the nature of the negotiations which have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the German Government in regard to New Guinea. I take this opportunity of observing that, simultaneously with these negotiations, a prospect has been secured of obtaining the co-operation of Germany in maintaining order, and enforcing salutary regulations in regard to the labour traffic, purchase of land, &c, in the Western Pacific. The negotiations on this subject are not yet sufficiently advanced to enable me at present to enter upon 2—A. 2a.

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details ; but I have every reason to hope that an understanding based on sound principles, and making satisfactory provision for many matters of interest to the colonies, will shortly be arrived at. I have, &c, DERBY. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure in No. 58. (Telegraphic.) Transmit following telegram to Governor New Zealand and other Australian Colonies, and Scratchley : " Her Majesty's Government have agreed with Germany following boundary New Guinea: Starting on the coast near Mitre Eock on eighth parallel, following this parallel to degree 147 east longitude, thence straight line to the north-west, to where sixth parallel cuts 144, thence west-north-west to where fifth parallel cuts degree 141. This line calculated to approximate watershed and divide territory nearly equally."

No. 59. (New Zealand, No. 35.) Sir, — Downing Street, 12th June,-1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 57, of the 25th April, respecting the bank notes obtained from Mrs. Townsend. The first halves of the notes have been duly received and forwarded to the Home Office. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. . DERBY.

A.-l, Nos. 42 and 45. See post, No. 65.

No. 60. (New Zealand, No. 36.) Sir, — Downing Street, 23rd June, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 62, of the 25th April last, relating to the defence of New Zealand by vessels of war. In a recent despatch* I have communicated to you the scheme for naval defence for the colonies, which is recommended by Her Majesty's Government, and which, it is hoped, may be found acceptable to the Government of New Zealand. In the meantime I have to acquaint you that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have given orders to the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Station, directing him to send vessels to visit New Zealand whenever the requirements in other parts of the station admit of it. * In*! vp t\ f* Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. DERBY.

A.-l, No, 44.

No. 61. (New Zealand, No. 37.) Sir, — Downing Street, 23rd June, 1885. I have the honour to transmit to you, for your information and for that of your Government, copies of the London Gazette of the 19th instant containing a notification of the arrangement agreed upon between the Governments of Great Britain and Germany as to the boundaries of the possessions of the two countries in New Guinea. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G, C.8., &c. DERBY.

Enclosure. Downing Street, 18th June, 1885. The following arrangement has been agreed upon between the Governments of Great Britain aud Germany as to the boundaries of the possessions of the two countries in New Guinea : The point on the north-east coast of New Guinea where the Bth parallel of south latitude cuts the coast forms the boundary on the coast, and a line described as under determines the boundaries inland of

* Awaits further communication promised by telegram.—W. P. D. J. 27th August, 1885.

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the respective territories : Starting from the coast in the neighbourhood of Mitre Eock on the Btb parallel of south latitude, and following this parallel to the point where it is cut by the 147th degree of east longitude, then in a straight line in a north-westerly direction to the point where the 6th parallel of south latitude cuts the 144th degree of east longitude, and continuing in a west-north-westerly direction to the point of intersection of the sth parallel of south latitude and of the 141st degree of east longitude. The British possessions lie to the south of the line thus defined, tho German to the north. The British possessions will not include Long Island or Eook Island, or any islands adjacent to New Guinea to the northward of the Bth parallel of south latitude.

No". 62. (New Zealand, No. 38.) Sir, — Downing Street, 23rd June, 1885. With reference to the telegram which on the 20th instant I addressed to Answer. the Governor of South Australia, with the request that it should be communicated No- 71, to you, respecting an offer of commissions in the Imperial Army on certain conditions, I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, a copy of the letter from the War Office on which that telegram was founded. You will observe that the offer of commissions applies to the present year only. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. DERBY.

A. U.

Enclosure. Sir,— Pall Mall, 12th June, 1885. With reference to previous correspondence relative to a proposal to offer, for the present year only, a limited number of commissions in the Imperial Army to members of the colonial local military forces, I have now the honour, by direction of the Secretary of State for War, to request you will lay before the Secretary of State for the Colonies the following conditions under which the arrangement in question will be carried out, and to request that the same may be notified to the Governors of the respective colonies named in the margin : (a.) Two commissions to be offered to each of the colonies referred to; (b.) candidates to be nominated by the respective Governors; (c.) each candidate to have served at least two years in the local military forces; (d.) the limits of age to be nineteen and twenty-two, to be ruled by the Ist January, 1885 ; (e.) each nominated candidate previous to appointment to the army will be required to pass a qualifying professional examination, such examination to be held in the colonies in accordance with papers which will bo sent out by the Director-General of Military Education for that purpose. The scope and subjects of the examination will be seen on reference to paragraphs 21, 22, and 23 of the accompanying regulations, and are the same as those required of officers of the Militia of the United Kingdom. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Ealph Thompson.

Sub-Enclosure. Extracts from Eegulations under which Commissions in the Army may be obtained by Lieutenants of Militia. 21. The subjects of the competitive examination and the maximum marks obtainable in each subject will be as follows :— Marks. 1. The elements of field fortification ... . . ... ... ... 600 2. Military topography ... ... ... ... ... ... 600 3. The elements of tactics ... ... ... ... ... ... 600 4. Military law ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 600 22. In addition to obtaining a sufficiently high place in the order of merit, a candidate will be required to obtain in any case *25 of the marks in each subject, and *5 of the aggregate. 23. The scope will be that embraced by the synopsis of the course of instruction (in the subsubjects specified, in paragraph 21) at the Eoyal Military College. There will, however, be no practical out-of-door examination in any subject. The text-books will be those in use at the time at the Eoyal Military College, which, for the present, are as follows : — 1. The elements of field fortifications ... Phillips's Course of Artillery and Fortification. 2. Military topography ... ... ... Official Text-book of Military Topography. 3. The elements of tactics ... .... Field Exercises. Clery's Minor Tactics. 4. Military law ... ... ... ... Army Act. Queen's Eegulations. Elements of Military Administration and Law (Boughey).

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No. 63. (New Zealand, No. 39.) Sir, — Downing Street, 23rd June, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 39, of the 28th of March, transmitting a memorandum from your Ministers in reference to the memorial of the Maori chiefs which was presented on the occasion of the interview which took place at this office on the 23rd of July, 1884. 2. I request that you will inform Tawhiao and the other chiefs who signed the memorial that, as stated in the letter to them of the 13th of August last, the attention of the Government of New Zealand was called to the representations which it contains, and that the reply of your Advisers —a copy of which I request you to transmit to them at the same time—has been received and considered by Her Majesty's Government. 3. The questions to which the memorial relates have also been discussed in tho House of Commons with many expressions of sympathy for the Maori race, and of belief that their interests and their customs would be guarded and respected by the Government of New Zealand. The feeling, at the same time, appeared to be general that, Avhile the Government of the Queen in this country has no longer its former power and responsibility in regard to the internal affairs of New Zealand, it should use its good offices with the Colonial Government with the view of obtaining for the Natives all the consideration which can be given to them. 4. I trust that all who sympathize with and wish well to the Maoris will agree that it is most important for them to understand clearly that under the present constitution of New Zealand the government of all Her Majesty's subjects in the Islands is controlled by Ministers responsible to the General Assembly, in which the Natives are efficiently represented by persons of their own race, and that it is no longer possible to advise the Queen to interfere actively in the administration of Native affairs any more than in connection with other questions of internal Government. I observe, however, with satisfaction that it is in contemplation to increase the number of the Native representatives. 5. Although, therefore, Her Majesty's Government cannot undertake to give you specific instructions as to the applicability at the present time of any particular stipulations of a treaty which it no longer rests with them to carry into effect, they are confident —as I request that you will intimate to your Ministers—■ that the Government of New Zealand will not: fail to protect and to promote the welfare of the Natives by a just administration of the law, and by a generous consideration of all their reasonable representations. I cannot doubt that means will be found of maintaining to a sufficient extent the rights and institutions of the Maoris without injury to those other great interests which have grown up in the land, and of securing to them a fair share of that prosperity which has of necessity affected in many ways the conditions of their existence. I have, &c., Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G, C.8., &c. DERBY.

1&..-1, No. 33

No. 64. (New Zealand, No. 42.) Sir, — Downing Street, 29th June, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 68, of the 12th of May, reporting the commutation of the sentence of death passed on one Robert Prendergast for the murder of his wife. I have, &c, ERED. STANLEY. Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G,, C.8., &o.

A.-l, No, 47.

A.—2a.

No. 65. (New Zealand, No. 43.) Sir, — Downing Street, 6th July, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 63, of the Bth of May, enclosing the second halves of the eleven £100 notes obtained from Mrs. Townsend. The notes have been duly transmitted to the Home Office, and I have to request that you will express to your Minister the thanks of Her Majesty's Government for the assistance which they have received in this matter. I have, &c, ERED. STANLEY. Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c

AAL, No. 45.

See ante. No. 59!

No. 66. (New Zealand, No. 44.) Sir, — Downing Street, 14th July, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 73, J of the 23rd of May, addressed to my predecessor, and enclosing a memorandum from your Ministers on the situation of affairs at Samoa. Her Majesty's Government are in communication with the Government of Germany with regard to the affairs of these islands. I have, &c, ERED. STANLEY. Governor Sir F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

A.-l, No. 51.

No. 67. (New Zealand—Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 16th July, 1885. With reference to the recent appointment of Sir Peter Scratchley as Special Commissioner for the protected territory in New Guinea, I have the honour to request that, in cases where this officer should have occasion to visit the colony under your Government, he may be addressed as His Excellency, and receive the same precedence and consideration as it is customary to accord to a colonial Governor visiting a colony beyond the limits of his jurisdiction. I have, &c, ERED. STANLEY. Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

No. 68. (New Zealand, No. 45.) Sir, — Downing Street, 16th July, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 69,. of the 12th of May, containing a copy of a memorandum from the Premier of New Zealand respecting the steps to be taken in the event of the death of King George of Tonga, with the view of avoiding disturbances, and I have the honour to inform you that the recommendations of your Government have received careful consideration, and that the Acting High Commissioner for the Western Pacific has been requested to report on the subject. I have, &c, ERED. STANLEY. Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G, C.8., &c.

A.-1, No. 483

No. 69. (New Zealand, No. 46.) Sir, — Downing Street, 21st July, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 75, l of the 6th ultimo, transmitting a copy of a memorandum by the late Premier of

A^-J^Noi^

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New Zealand in connection with the correspondence on Native affairs which took place between him and Sir Arthur Gordon. I have, &c, ERED. STANLEY. Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G, C.8., &c.

No. 70. (New Zealand, No. 47.) Siß,— Downing Street, 22nd July, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 72, of the 23rd of May, transmitting a copy of a letter from Sir George Grey, and of a correspondence which had passed between the King of Samoa and himself. I have, &c, ERED. STANLEY. Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

A.-l, No. 50.

No. 71. (New Zealand, No. 48.) Sir, — Downing Street, 22nd July, 1885. In reply to your Despatch No. 42, of the 28th March last, I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, an Order in Council directing that the Colonial Attornies Belief Act shall, subject to the qualifications enacted by " The Colonial Attornies Relief Act Amendment Act, 1884," come into operation as to the Colony of New Zealand. I have, &c, ERED. STANLEY. Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

A.-l, No. 35.

Enclosure. At the Court at Windsor, the 24th day of June, 1885. Present: The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales, Lord Chancellor, Lord President, Lord Privy Seal, Marquis of Harrington, Earl of Derby, Earl Granville, Earl of Kimberley, Secretary Sir William Vernon Harcourt, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Trevelyan, Sir Henry James. Wheeeas by the Colonial Attorneys Belief Act, passed in the twenty-first year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, it is enacted that Her Majesty may from time to time, by Order in Council, direct that Act to come into operation as to any one or more of Her Majesty's colonies or dependencies, and thereupon, but not otherwise, the provisions of the Act shall apply to persons duly admitted as attorneys and solicitors in the superior Courts of law and equity in such colonies or dependencies, but no such Order in Council shall be made in respect of any colony, except upon application made by the Governor or person exercising the functions of Governor of such colony or dependency, and until it shall be shown to the satisfaction of Her Majesty's. Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies that the system of jurisprudence as administered in such colony or dependency, and the qualification for admission as an attorney or solicitor in the superior Courts of law and equity in such colony or dependency, answer to and fulfil the conditions specified in section three of the said Act, and also that the attorneys or solicitors of the superior Courts of law or equity in England are admitted as attorneys and solicitors in the superior Ccurts of law and equity of such colony or dependency on production of their certificates of admission in the English Courts, without service or examination in the colony or dependency : And whereas by "The Colonial Attorneys Belief Act Amendment Act, 1884," it is enacted that upon application made by the Governor or person exercising the functions of Governor of any of Her Majesty's colonies Or dependencies, and after it has been shown to the satisfaction of Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies that the system' of jurisprudence as administered in such colony or dependency answers to and fulfils the conditions specified in section three of the Colonial Attorneys Belief Act, and also that the attorneys and solicitors of the superior Courts of law or equity in England are admitted as attorneys and solicitors in the superior Courts of law and equity of such colony or dependency on production of their certificates of admission in the English Courts, without service in the colony or dependency, or examination, except in the laws of the colony or dependency in so far as they differ from the laws of England, Her Majesty may from time to time, by Order in Council, direct the Colonial Attorneys Belief Act to come into operation as to such colony or dependency, although persons may in certain A cases be admitted as attorneys or solicitors in. such colony or dependency without possessing all the qualifications for admission, or having fulfilled the conditions specified in the said section three, and thereupon, but not otherwise, the provisions of the Colonial Attorneys Belief Act shall apply

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to persons duly admitted as attorneys and solicitors in such colony or dependency after service and examination, that is to say, no attorney or solicitor of any such colony or dependency shall be admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court in England unless, in addition to the requirements of the Colonial Attorneys Belief Act, he prove by affidavit that he has served for five years under articles of clerkship to a solicitor or attorney-at-law in such colony or dependency, and passed an examination to test his fitness and capacity before he was admitted an attorney or solicitor in such colony or dependency, and, further, that he has since been in actual practice as attorney or solicitor in such colony or dependency for the period of seven years at the least: And whereas application has been made by Sir William Drummond Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., Governor of the Colony of Now Zealand, that the Colonial Attorneys Belief Acts may be directed to come into operation within the said colony : And whereas it has been shown to the satisfaction of the Earl of Derby, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, that the system of jurisprudence as administered in the Colony of New Zealand answers to and fulfils the condition sepecified in section three of the said Act, and also that the attorneys or solicitors of the superior Courts of law or equity in England are admitted as attorneys and solicitors in the superior Courts of law and equity of New Zealand on production of their certificates of admission in the English Courts, without service or examination in New Zealand, except in the laws of the colony in so far as they differ from the laws of England: Now, therefore, in pursuance of the above-recited Acts, and in execution of the powers thereby in Her Majesty vested, Her Majesty is pleased, with the advice of Her Most Honourable Privy Council, to order, and it is hereby ordered, that, from and after the date of the publication of this Order in Council by the Officer Administering the Government of the Colony, the Colonial Attorneys Belief Act shall, subject to the qualifications enacted by " The Colonial Attorneys Belief Act Amendment Act, 1884," come into operation as to the Colony of New Zealand, although persons may, in certain cases, be admitted as attorneys or solicitors in the said colony without possessing all the qualifications for admission, or having fulfilled the conditions specified in section, three of the said Act. And the Eight Honourable Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies is to give the necessary instructions herein accordingly. C. L. Peel.

Authority: Geokge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBs.

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