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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1887 Session II, A-02

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Sess. 11.—1887. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

No. 1. (Circular.) Sib, — Downing Street, 8th November, 1886. With reference to Earl Granville's circular despatch of the 22nd July. last, enclosing a copy of " The Medical Act, 1886," of which Part II. relates to colonial and foreign practitioners, I think it desirable, for the purposes of record, to call the attention of your Government to the provisions in Part III. of the Act relating to " The Dentists Act, 1878," which also affects Her Maiesty's colonies. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

A.-2, 1887, Sess. I., No. 69.

No. 2. (Circular.) Sic, — Downing Street, 17th September, 1886. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of two parliamentary papers containing correspondence respecting the question of diplomatic and consular assistance to British trade abroad. 2. I have also the honour to enclose a copy of a letter from the Board of Trade, and its enclosures, on this subject, in which reference is also made to the proposal of that department to publish an official trade journal, for the purpose of affording early information respecting actual and contemplated changes in Customs tariffs and regulations, as well as other useful information as to trade generally. 3. I also transmit to you a copy of a letter from the Assistant Director of the Eoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, calling attention to the interest which has been awakened in regard to tropical and other fruits by the display in the several courts of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, and enclosing a list of questions respecting colonial fruits, which he suggests should be answered as fully as possible by the Colonial Governments. 4. The remarkable growth and development of the trade and resources of many of the colonies, the extension of telegraphs, and the more frequent and rapid communication between this country and the British colonies have created a great amount of interest in colonial trade and produce, which has been further stimulated by the Colonial and Indian Exhibition; and there is a constantlyincreasing demand for information on subjects connected with the productions and commerce of the colonies. It is therefore very desirable, with a view to the encouragement and development of commercial interchange, that the Colonial Governments should furnish, as far as they are able, the desired information, for publication in this country, respecting all branches of colonial produce and manufactures, modern discoveries, and improvements in production, &c, tariffs

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and suggested alterations in them, and other matters of interest relating to colonial trade, in order that such information may be easily procurable by the public in this country at a moderate cost and without delay. 5. I need hardly observe that it is the desire of Her Majesty's Government to do all in their power to assist the development of colonial commerce, and that, with this view, arrangements have been made for publishing from time to time, in the new trade journal, which the Board of Trade propose to issue monthly, colonial commercial intelligence of interest and importance. This, it is believed, will supply a long-felt want, affording to the colonies much-needed facilities for the dissemination of such information in this country, and enabling Her Majesty's Government to answer many of the numerous inquiries made by merchants and others. 6. The chief points upon which information is desired will be best gathered from the accompanying parliamentary papers; and I need only express my hope that I shall receive the ready co-operation of yourself and of your Government, and that steps will be taken for furnishing me, as often as may be found convenient and necessary, for publication in the proposed Board of Trade journal, with any notes or items of news affecting the development of colonial trade, as well as with commercial reports containing the latest and best information respecting the colony under your Government. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure No. 1. The Board of Trade to the Colonial Office. Sir, — Board of Trade (Commercial Department), London, S.W., 23rd August, 1886. I am directed by the Board of Trade to forward to you, to be laid before the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the accompanying copy of correspondence which has passed between this department and the Foreign Office in relation to the periodical publication of information respecting tariffs and trade, and to request that you will be good enough to call Mr. Secretary Stanhope's attention to the remarks upon the same subject in the printed correspondence as to the assistance to be given by the diplomatic and consular services to British trade —Parliamentary Paper (Commercial) No. 16, 1886. From these papers Mr. Stanhope will see that it is in contemplation, on the Treasury giving their sanction, to issue, in a handy form, at monthly or more frequent intervals, an official trade journal, for the purpose of affording early information respecting actual and proposed changes in Customs tariffs, and the regulations affecting the application of such tariffs, as well as other useful particulars as to tariffs and trade generally. A specimen copy of such a publication is also enclosed, for Mr. Stanhope's information. lam to add that the Board of Trade are now in correspondence with the Lords of the Treasury, with a view to obtaining the necessary sanction to the issue of such a journal, and the requisite instructions to be given to the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office in regard to it. It will be observed that the information given in the enclosed specimen number of the journal relates exclusively to foreign countries. The Board are, however, of opinion that it would be very desirable, and would acid considerably to the utility of the publication, to make the journal more complete by the addition of similar particulars respecting the various British colonies. I am therefore to request that you will be good enough to move the Secretary of State, if he agrees, to cause such arrangements to be made as may be necessary to procure such information from time to time, with a view to its being sent to this office for incorporation in the trade journal, especially changes in tariffs and regulations relating thereto, and any important industrial development, such as the recent discovery of gold in Western Australia, or other important matter. lam to add that such information as may be procured for this purpose will only be published under conditions and arrangements similar to those made with the Foreign Office in regard to particulars respecting foreign countries. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, S.W. B. Giffen.

Sub-Enclosure 1. The Board of Trade to the Foreign Office. Sir,— Board of Trade (Commercial Department), London, S.W., 19th July, 1886. With reference to previous correspondence, and to your letter of the 26th May last, suggesting the publication of a despatch from Sir J. S. Lumley, enclosed therewith, respecting certain changes in the classification of the Italian Customs tariff, I am directed by the Board of Trade to state, for the information of the Earl of Bosebery, that they have carefully considered the question of- publishing periodically this and other similar information on tariffs and trade. The enclosed specimen number of such a publication has now been prepared, in proof, by their direction and the Board of Trade propose to circulate copies among the Chambers of Commerce, together with a circular letter (of whiclra copy is enclosed) asking for their suggestions.

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The Board of Trade are of opinion that a publication of this kind, containing the recent and proposed changes in Customs tariffs, and their notes and regulations, as well as any short special reports on tariffs and trade, would be of great service to the commercial community of this country. Such a publication is not intended to supersede in any way either the diplomatic and consular reports issued at the Foreign Office, or the periodical returns of foreign and colonial tariffs prepared in this department, but to be supplementary to both; and this Board will be glad to have Lord Eosebery's sanction to publishing in the present number certain reports from Her Majesty's representatives abroad which have been transmitted to this department by his Lordship's direction, and generally to receive the co-operation and assistance of the Foreign Office in the matter, so as to make the tariff and trade notices as useful as possible. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Foreign Office. Henby G. Calcbaft.

Sub-Enclosure 2. The Foreign Office to the Board of Trade. Sir,— Foreign Office, 27th July, 1886. I am directed by the Earl of Bosebery to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, and to request that you will convey his Lordship's thanks to the Board of Trade for affording him an opportunity of inspecting a proof of the publication of tariff and trade notices which they propose to issue. In reply, I am directed to convey to you his Lordship's complete concurrence with the plan of the new publication, which carries out views expressed on behalf of this office in the month of February last, and to say that the Board may rely on the cordial co-operation of this department in supplying information for its columns. He would, however, suggest that some gentleman from the Board of Trade may confer with this department regarding the details of this publication, so far as they concern the Foreign Office, with the especial object of settling a method of determining what papers from this office may be published by the Board, so that the risk of the publication of any confidential matter may be avoided. His Lordship thinks it would be well that, when the information published in the proposed periodical has been received from Her Majesty's diplomatic and consular agents abroad, the name of the official who supplies it should be appended; and that, when an extract is given, reference should be made to the report itself. The most convenient course to follow would probably be for this office to indicate what information they consider may, with propriety, be made public through this channel at the time of its transmission ; but, if the Board of Trade desire to publish extracts from other despatches which are sent to them for perusal, a proof of such matter should, in the first instance, be submitted to this office. The correspondence which I am forwarding in a separate letter to-day contains suggestions which may possibly be of service to the Board of Trade in deciding the lines of their new publication. I have, &c, The Secretary, Board of Trade. J. Bryce.

Sub-Enclosure 3. The Board of Trade to the Foreign Office. Sir, — Board of Trade (Commercial Department), London, S.W., 13th August, 1886. In their letter of the 30th ultimo the Board of Trade have already referred to Mr. Bryee's letter of the 27th ultimo, respecting the proposed trade journal to be issued by the Board, and they have thanked the Foreign Office for their communication. I am now to state, for the information of the Earl of Iddesleigli, that the Board of Trade are applying to the Treasury for their sanction to a journal in the form and of the character described in their previous communications, and they will inform their Lordships of the approval which the Foreign Office has given to the proposal. lam also to state that in doing so the Board of Trade will express their agreement with the various suggestions contained in your letter of the 27th ultimo—namely, first, that some gentleman from the Board of Trade should confer with the Foreign Office regarding the details of the publication ; second, that the name of the official in the diplomatic and consular services abroad supplying any information should be mentioned ; and, third, that when an extract is given reference should be made to the report itself. The Board of Trade also agree that it will be expedient, as the Foreign Office suggests, for the latter department to communicate what information they consider may with propriety be made public; and. that, if the Board of Trade desire to publish extracts from despatches sent to them by the Foreign Office for perusal, a proof of such matter should, in the first instance, be submitted to the latter. The Board of Trade will undertake that these matters will receive their attention, and they will endeavour in every possible way to avail themselves of the assistance which your department will be able to afford. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Foreign Office. Henry G. Calcraft.

Enclosure No. 2. Kew Gardens to the Colonial Office. Sir, — Boyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 14th August, 1886. I have the honour to report, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that considerable interest has been awakened in regard to tropical and other fruits by the display of fruits in the several courts at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, and by the sale of fresh fruit in the colonial market attached to this Exhibition.

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2. The fact that excellent fruits—such as oranges, lemons, pears, apples &c.—can be obtained in a fresh state from the Southern Hemisphere (Natal, Australia, &c) at a time when fruits of this kind are not obtainable in the Northern Hemisphere has suggested the idea that the resources of our colonial possessions in this respect are capable of great expansion, and the subject one well worthy of being thoroughly investigated. 3. The abundant character and. the high qualities of the tropical fruits of the West Indies are well known ; but it was only the other day (on the occasion of a lecture which I gave at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition) that many people realized that these fruits can be brought to England in a fresh state, and are capable of contributing largely to the food-supply of the inhabitants of these Islands. 4. The fruit trade in the West India Islands is now of the estimated annual value of £750,000; but, if suitable markets were forthcoming, and knowledge enlarged on the subject, there is no reason why this trade should not assume such proportions as would go a good way towards relieving the depression under which these Islands are at present labouring. 5. As regards the actual capabilities in this direction of other portions of the Empire, and especially of .the Cape and Australian Colonies, little is accurately known at Home ; and hence I would venture to suggest that inquiry be made, and a summary of information published calculated to draw particular attention to the subject. 6. I enclose herewith a number of questions which I have submitted to Mr. Thiselton Dyer; and I am directed by him to convey his approval of them, and to suggest that a copy of these questions be forwarded to each of the Colonial Governments, with the request that the information desired be supplied as fully as possible, together with copies of any official reports, documents, or returns published in the colonies directly or indirectly bearing upon the subject. I have, &c, The Hon. K. H. Meade, C.8., Colonial Office, Downing Street. D. Morris.

Information respecting Colonial Fruits. 1. Please give a list (giving both local and scientific names) of the chief fruits grown in the colony, in order of importance. 2. During what months are the chief fruits obtainable? What quantities of each (approximately) are available for export, and what are the wholesale prices locally ? 3. What fruits are at present exported—(l) in a fresh or (2) in a preserved state ? Please state the destination, the quantity, and the estimated value of each sort. 4. Are all or any of the fruits mentioned 'above capable of being produced in much larger quantities than at present ? If so, what steps are necessary to start or develop a fruit trade ; and what inducements, if any, do local men specially desire to open or extend a trade in fresh or preserved fruits, either with the Mother-country or neighbouring States? 5. What fruits are now imported into the colony, either fresh or preserved ? Please state kind, quantity, and value, and the market from whence derived. 6. Please add any special points of interest connected with the fruits of the colony herein reported upon which are desirable to place on record.

No. 3. (New Zealand.—General.) Sir, — Downing Street, 20th November, 1886. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 66, of the 17th of July, forwarding an application from Mr. William Seed for a nomination for his son as an engineer student in Her Majesty's service, and asking whether the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty would grant periodical nominations of colonial youths as engineer students. 2. In reply, I have to request that you will inform Mr. Seed that their Lordships have decided that in future three engineer studentships shall be offered annually to the sons of colonists, under the same general regulations (of which I enclose a copy) as are at present in force with regard to other candidates. The Lords Commissioners, however, state that Mr. Seed's son would be ineligible for examination if he has already attained the age of sixteen, or if he will attain the age of sixteen before the Ist of next year. It appears from your despatch that Mr. Seed's son was past sixteen years of age at the date of that despatch. 3. Further copies of the regulations, and other particulars respecting the three nominations of engineer students which the Lords Commissioners propose in future to assign to the colonies, will be communicated to you, later, in a circular despatch, after further communication with the Admiralty. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

A.-1,1887, Sess, 1., No. 30.

[For enclosure see New Zealand Gazette, 3rd February, 1887, page 194.]

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No. 4. (New Zealand, No. 88.) Sib, — Downing Street, 22nd November, 1886. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 97, of the 6th October, reporting the result of the proceedings taken against Te "Whiti and other Maoris. , I have, &c, EDWARD STANHOPE. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.B., &c.

A.-l, 1887, Sess. 1., No. 52.

No. 5. Sir, — Downing Street, 25th November, 1886. You will no doubt have remarked that, in the Queen's Speech on the prorogation of Parliament, Her Majesty was pleased to refer to her colonial and Indian possessions in the following terms : "I have observed with much satis- " faction the interest which, in an increasing degree, is evinced by the people of " this country in the welfare of their colonial and Indian fellow-subjects ; and I " am led to the conviction that there is on all sides a growing desire to draw " closer in every practicable way the bonds which unite the various portions of " the Empire. I have authorised communications to be entered into with the " principal colonial Governments with a view to the fuller consideration of " matters of common interest." 2. The communications thus promised with the colonies have engaged the careful consideration of Her Majesty's Government, and they have come to the conclusion that the Queen should be advised to summon a Conference, to meet in London in the early part of next year, at which representatives of the principal colonial Governments will be invited to attend for the discussion of those questions which appear more particularly to demand attention at the present time. I request you to inform your Ministers of this proposal, which, I am confident, will be very satisfactory to them, and to express the hope which I entertain of their cordial co-operation. 3. In the opinion of Her Majesty's Government the question which is at once urgent and capable of useful consideration at the present time is that of organization for military defence. The patriotic action of the colonies in offering contingents of troops to take part in the Egyptian campaign made a deep and lasting impression on the public mind, and was the first practical result of much careful work during recent years. It is a necessity of the case that the measures which have been taken in each colony, as well for the organization of the local forces as for the construction of local defensive works, are, to a great extent, not yet fully understood and appreciated in other parts of the Empire. The close and thorough examination of the whole subject of Imperial defence which was completed by the Eoyal Commission presided over by the Earl of Carnarvon has led to the execution of extensive and important defensive works in various parts of the Empire ; and the cordial co-operation offered to Her Majesty's Government by the colonies in carrying out ■ this policy indicates their desire to arrive, so far as may at present be practicable, at a common basis of action. This work is still being actively pressed on, with the assistance of a Standing Committee, which is continuously occupied with matters relating to colonial defence. 4. Much yet remains to be done ; and it is of course unavoidable that secrecy should continue to be observed with regard to many of the defensive measures in progress or in contemplation. The time has, however, now -arrived when an attempt may fairly be made to attain to a better understanding as to the system of defence which may be established throughout the Empire. For this purpose an interchange of knowledge as to the state of preparation or as to the capabilities of organization in each colony would lead to a more thorough understanding of their wants and wishes; but, whilst Her Majesty's Government would thus- be prepared to recommend for the consideration of the Conference certain principles calculated to promote the general defence of the Empire, it is not our intention, in calling the Conference, to commit either the Imperial Government or any colony to new projects entailing heavy expenditure, but

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rather to secure that the sums which may be devoted to this purpose may be utilised to the fullest extent, with complete knowledge of all the conditions of the problem. 5. Second only in importance to this great question is one concerning in a special degree the interests of the Empire in time of peace. The promotion of . commercial and social relations by the development of our postal and telegraphic communications could be considered with much advantage by the proposed Conference. It is a subject the conditions of which are constantly changing. New requirements come into existence and new projects are formulated every year. It is obviously desirable that the question of Imperial intercommunication should be considered as a whole, in order that the needs of every part of the Empire may, as far as practicable, be provided for, and that suggestions may be obtained from all quarters as to the best means of establishing a complete system of communications without that increased expenditure which necessarily results from isolated action. 6. Two leading subjects for consideration have been referred to, but it is not impossible that there may be some other important question which, in the general opinion of the colonial Governments, might properly and usefully be brought under consideration. But I should deprecate the discussion at the present time of any of the subjects falling within the range of what is known as political federation. There has been no expression of colonial opinion in favour of any steps in that direction ; and Her Majesty's Government are of opinion that there would be no advantage in the informal discussion of a very difficult problem before any basis has been accepted by the Governments concerned. It might, indeed, be detrimental to the ultimate attainment of a more developed system of united action if a question not yet ripe for practical decision were now to be brought to the test of a formal examination. 7. The Conference will necessarily be purely consultative, and it will therefore not be material that the colonies should have equal or proportional representation upon it. The desire of Her Majesty's Government would rather be that its constitution should be sufficiently comprehensive to include, in addition to the Agent-General or other specially-deputed representative of each Government, any leading public man who may be at liberty to come to England next year, and may be specially qualified to take a useful part in the deliberations. It will, I think, be convenient that I should preside at the Conference; and I need not say that I anticipate much advantage to myself and to Her Majesty's Government from the opportunities of acquiring information which will thus be afforded to me. 8. I will only add, in conclusion, that I am confident that your Government will, as I do, feel deep interest in this first attempt to bring all parts of Her Majesty's Empire into joint deliberation. However modest the commencement may be, results may grow out of it affecting, in a degree which it is at present difficult to appreciate, the interests of the Empire and of the civilized world I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. To the Governors of Colonies under Eesponsible Government. P.S. —My own opinion is that the best time for meeting would be the month of April or May, but I should be glad, in this matter, to be guided by the general opinion of the Colonial Governments.

No. 6. (New Zealand, No. 89.) Sir, — Downing Street, 26th November, 1886. I have the honour to inform you that Her Majesty will not be advised to exercise her power of disallowance with respect to the following Acts of the Legislature of New Zealand, transcripts of which accompanied your Despatch No. 84, of the 10th of September :—

A.-l, 1887, Sesa. 1., No. i.

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50° Victoria. No. 1. " An Act to apply a Sum of Money out of the Public Account to the Servico of the Year ending the Thirty-first day of March, One thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven." No. 2. "An Act to apply a Sum of Money out of the Public Account to the Service of the Year ending the Thirty-first day of March, One thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven." No. 3. " An Act to make Provision for the Issue of Debentures in the Place of Debentures which have been lost, and otherwise in respect thereof." No. 4. "An Act for the better Apportionment of Rents, Annuities, Dividends, and other Periodical Payments." No. 5. " An Act for empowering Trustees and others holding Property for particular Charitable Purposes to appropriate the same in certain Cases to other Charitable Purposes." No. 6. "An Act to amend ' The Friendly Societies Act, 1882.' " No. 7. " An Act to amend the Destitute Persons Acts." No. 8. " An Act further to amend ' The Justices of the Peace Act, 1882.' " No. 9. "An Act to declare the Police Gaol at Gisborne to have been a Public Prison." No. 10. " An Act to regulate the Sale of Fresh Fish by Auction." No. 11. "An Act to amend ' The Animals Protection Act, 1880,' hereinafter termed ' the said Act.' " No. 12. " An Act for the Readjustment of the Boundaries of the Education Districts of Wellington and Wanganui." No. 13. "An Act to amend ' The East and West Coast (Middle Island) and Nelson Railway and Railways Construction Act, 1884.' " No. 14. " An Act to amend ' Tho Fost Office Act, 1881,' by providing for the Carriage of Parcels by Post, and for other Purposes." No. 15. " An Act to empower the Governor to issue Instruments of Title to Natives in certain Cases." No. 16. "An Act to confirm to Natives certain Equitable Rights." No. 17. " An Act to amend and consolidate tho Laws relating to tho Militia, Volunteers, and Permanent Militia." No. 18. "An Act to provide for the Establishment and Maintenance of a Police Force." No. 19. " An Act to consolidate and amend tho Law for the Incorporation and Winding-up of Mining Companies." No. 20. " An Act to extend the Provisions of ' The Administration Act 1879 Amendment Act, 1885.' " No. 21. " An Act to amend ' The Mortgage Debentures Act, 1885.' " No. 22. " An Act to permit the Conditional Release of First Offenders for Probation of Good Conduct." No. 23. " An Act to control Dealings with Land owned by Natives." No. 24. " An Act to amend and consolidate tho Laws relating to tho Native Land Court of New Zealand." No. 25. " An Act to authorize the Borrowing and Raising of Money for the Construction of Railways." No. 26. " An Act to amend ' The Property Assessment Act, 1885.' " No. 27. " An Act for facilitating Sales of Settled Land." No. 28. " An Act for further facilitating tho Registration of Deeds and Instruments." No. 29. "An Act to authorize Companies in certain Cases to keep Branch Registers of their Members in Places outside the Colony of New Zealand." No. 30. " An, Act to amend ' The Sheep Act, 1878.' " No. 31. "An Act to regulate the granting of Coal-mines Leases and to make better Provision for the Regulation and Inspection of Coal-mines." No. 32. "An Act to authorize Her Majesty to purchase the Waimea Plains Railway, being a Railway constructed under the District Railways Act." No. 33. " An Act to reform the Civil Servico." No. 34. " An Act for appointing Additional Members to the Board constituted under ' The Public Trust Office Act, 1872.'" No. 35. " An Act to repeal ' The New Zealand Government Insurance Association Act, 1884,' and to make other Provision for the Control and Management of Government Life Insurance." No. 36. " An Act to amend ' The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, 1885.' " No. 37. " An Act to provide for the Leasing of Lands vested in certain Public Bodies." No. 38. " An Act to amend ' The Local Bodies' Finance and Powers Act, 1885.' " No. 39. " An Act to deal with Public Revenues." No. 40. " An Act to amend ' Tho Stamp Act, 1852,' and ' The Stamp Act 1882 Amendment Act, 1885.' "

No. 41. " An Act to amend ' The Beer Duty Act, 1880.'" No. 42. " An Act to limit and define the Application of tho North Island Main Trunk Railway Loan." No. 43. " An Act to amend ' Tho Railways Construction and Land Act, 1881.' " No. 44. " An Act to authorize the Construction of a certain Railway, and to make Provision respecting a certain other Railway heretofore constructed." No. 45. " An Act to amend ' The Harbours Act, 1878,' and provide for the Dissolution of certain Harbour Boards." No. 46. " An Act to amend ' The Rabbit Nuisance Act, 1882.'" No. 47. " An Act to empower Local Bodies to raise Moneys by way of Loan, and to make Provision for tho Repayment thereof." No. 48. " An Act to enable Local Bodies to construct certain Public Works, and to empower the Government to grant Loans to such Bodies for those Purposes." No. 49. " An Act to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to tho Constitution of County Councils, and the Powers and Duties of such Councils." No. 50. "An Act to consolidate and amend the Law relating to Municipal Corporations." No. 51. " An Act to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to Mines and Mining." No. 52. " An Act to provide for a Reinvestigation into the Native Title to Lands known as Owhaoko and Kai-manawa-Oruamatua." No. 53. " An Act to amend the Provisions of ' The Deceased Persons' Estates Duties Act, 1881.' " No. 54. "An Act to impose a Property-tax and to amend ' The Property-tax Act, 1885.' " No. 55. " An Act to appropriate certain Sums of Money for Public Works and other Purposes." No. 50. " An Act to apply a Sum of Money out of tho Consolidated Fund, and other Moneys, to the Service of the Year ending the Thirty-first day of March, One thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven, and to appropriate the Supplies granted in this present Session." Local Acts. No. 1. " An Act to authorize the Auckland Harbour Board to raise by way of Loan the Sum of Five hundred thousand Bounds." No. 2. " An Act to amend ' The Newmarket Reserve Act, 1878.' " No. 3. " An Act to convert the Reserve at One-tree Hill into a Public Domain." No. 4. " An Act to provide for the Leasing of Lands vested in the Wellington Harbour Board." No. 5. "An Act to enable the Christchurch City Council to borrow the Sum of Six thousand Pounds for the Purpose of defraying the Cost of Municipal Offices." No. G. " An Act to authorize the Sale or Exchange of the North Timaru Cemetery Reserve for other more suitable Lands." No. 7. "An Act to empower the Board of Trustees of the Waimate Racecourse Reserve to borrow a Sum of Money for tho Erection of certain Buildings thereon." No. 8. " An Act to provide a Reserve for a Racecourse and forrPurpOses of Public Recreation at Hakateramea, and to vest tho same in a Board of Trustees." No. 9. " An Act to authorize the Oamaru Harbour Board to consolidate certain Loans." No. 10. " An Act to validate Leases of Lands now belonging to or vested in tho Corporation of the Mayor, Councillors, and Citizens of the City of Dunedin, heretofore granted by the Superintendent of tho Brovince of Otago and the said Corporation respectively, and to extend tho leasing Powers of the said Corporation." No. 11. "An Act to further define a Portion of the Boundary between the City of Dunedin and tho Borough of Mornington, and to validate certain Encroachments on the Town Belt of Dunedin." No. 12. " An Act to amend ' Tho Otago Harbour Board Leasing Act, 1885.'" No. 13. " An Act to authorize the Construction and Maintenance of a Bridge across the Otago Harbour." No. 14. " An Act to empower tho .Corporation of the Mayor, Councillors, and Burgesses of the Borough of Port Chalmers to let and mortgage the Land situated within the said Borough lately granted to the said Corporation in trust for a Site for a Fire-brigade Station." No. 15. " An Act to vest a certain Reserve at Wyndham in Trustees for the Mataura Pastoral and Agricultural Society." No. 16. " An Act to grant certain Special Powers to the Governor to issue Crown Grants, and to enable him to carry out certain Contracts and Promises,"

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Private Acts. No. 1. " An Act to constitute the New Zealand Bible, Tract, and Book Society a Corporate Body." No. 2. " An Act to authorize the Leasing of the Cathedral Site, Parnell."

No. 3. "An Act to validate the Creation of Additional Capital and the Issue of Debentures by the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company (Limited)." No. 4. " An Act to enable the Hutt and Pitone Gas Company (Limited) to supply the Townships of the Hutt and Pitone, and their Suburbs or Vicinities, with Gas."

I have also to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 83, of the 9th September, with its enclosures, respecting the Property-tax Act. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.B.

No. 7. (New Zealand, Emigration.) . Sir, — Downing Street, 27th November, 1886. The Managing Committee of the Emigrants' Information Office have represented to me that it is very desirable they should be informed by telegraph of any change in regard to the conditions on which free or assisted passages are granted to emigrants, in order that they may be able to give as early an intimation as possible of such change to the public. I shall be obliged, therefore, if you will be good enough to telegraph to me the effect of any new regulations that may be from time to time issued by your Ministers altering in any way the existing system of passages. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

A.-2,1887, ~ o. .

No. 8. (Circular.)Sir, — Downing Street, 2nd December, 1886. i With reference to my circular despatch of the 31st of August, I have £k e honour to transmit to you a copy of a parliamentary paper containing further correspondence respecting the formation of an international copyright union. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 9. (New Zealand, No. 90.) Sir,— Downing Street, 6th December, 1886. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the consideration of your Government, a copy of a letter from the Aborigines Protection Society, with a translation of one addressed to Sir John Gorst by Tawhiao on Native affairs. I request that I may be favoured with any observations which may occur to your Government in regard to the allegations contained in the postscript of Tawhiao's letter. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

Enclosure. The Aborigines Pbotection Society to the Colonial Office. Aborigines Protection Society, Broadway Chambers, Sic, — Westminster, S.W., 23rd November, 1886. . I beg to annex a copy of a letter which Tawhiao, generally known as the Maori King, has written to Sir John Gorst. The absence of that gentleman from England has caused some delay in sending you this letter. We are well aware of the difficulty of effective interference on the part of Her Majesty's Government in the Native affairs in New Zealand, but we hope that you will be willing to regard this as a case in which you may beneficently use your influence with the colonial authorities to secure some reasonable concession to the Native race.

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We note with regret the complaint which Tawhiao makes at the close of his letter, that the force stationed at Kawhia is acting harshly to his people. I have, &c, P. W. Chesson, The Eight Honourable Edward Stanhope, M.P., &c. Secretary.

Sub-Enclosure. [Teanslation.] To Sir John Gorst. Whatiwhatihoe, sth August, 1886. Feiend, for the love that you bear the Maori tribes of the Islands of New Zealand accept our affectionate greeting. Your kind letter to me arrived in charge of our friend Mr. Pisher. In it you remark that, if I have anything to say to the Government of Her Majesty, I am to apply through the colonial authorities, who make the laws for my people. Friend, this is a word of mine, listen therefore attentively. I have arranged a definite course of action for the future guidance of the Maoris of the Island. I have drawn out my petition and sent it to the New Zealand Government, so that they may place it before their Parliament. The request in my petition is—(1.) For a Maori Council; (2) to suspend the Courts and surveys that induce my people to sell their land; (3) on account of the laws of 1852-1871 having been made to govern the land and my people, I ask that authority be given me to govern the Maoris under them as the Queen promised my ancestors at the Treaty of Waitangi. This is all that I ask. The Colonial Government replies that they cannot entertain my petition. My word to you is this : If you can see a way to bring my Bill (i.e., petition) before the English Parliament that will sit next session, lend me your assistance; but, if you have not the power to help me, then, sufficient; I will go on with my own affairs. My resolve is to persist, and when my Bill becomes law, not before, I shall know that this Island is happy. I will send the copy of my Bill to you through our friend Mr. Fisher, who will forward it. From your true and loving friend, Tawhiao, King. P.S.—Another word concerning the work of the Government of this Island. Their behaviour to us is most oppressive, and both Maoris and Europeans complain bitterly of their sufferings. This is a request to you to ask Her Majesty's Ministers to send a member of their Government to see whether I and the Maori people or the Europeans are doing the wrong, and also to observe how my tribe is treated by the soldiers who are stationed at Kawhia. If, therefore, you agree, come and see for yourself. In replying to this send the letter to Mr. Fisher, who will forward it to me. This is all I have to say to you.

No. 10. (New Zealand, No. 95.) Sib, —■ Downing Street, 27th December, 1886. With reference to my Despatch No. 58, of the 7th August last, relating to the recognition in the United Eingdom of certificates for passengersteamers issued by the Marine Department of New Zealand, I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, a copy of a letter from the Board of Trade, with copy of an Order in Council dealing with this subject, dated the 26th November last. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

A.-2, 1887, Sess. 1., No. 76.

Enclosure. The Boaed of Teade to the Colonial Office. Sic,— Board of Trade (Marine Department), London, S.W., 15th December, 1886. Steamships. —With reference to their letter of the 11th July last (M. 13341) relative to the recognition in the United Kingdom of certificates for passenger-steamers issued by the Marine Department of New Zealand, I am directed by the Board of Trade to forward herewith, for the information of Mr. Secretary Stanhope, the accompanying copy of an Order in Council, declaring that, subject to certain restrictions therein specified, certificates granted by the Legislature of New Zealand for passenger-steamships shall be of the same force as if they had. been granted under the Merchant Shipping Acts in the United Kingdom. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Thomas Geay.

Sub-Enclosure. At the Court, at Windsor, the 26th day of November, 1886. Present: The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty; Lord President, Viscount Cross, Earl of Eosslyn, Lord Stanley of Preston. Wheeeas by "The Merchant Shipping Act, 1876," it is enacted that, when the Legislature of any British possession provides for the survey of and grant of certificates for passenger-steamers, and

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the Board of Trade report to Her Majesty that they are satisfied that the certificates are to the like effect, and are granted after a like survey, and in such manner as to be equally efficient with the certificates granted for the same purpose in the United Kingdom under the Acts relating to merchant shipping, it shall be lawful for Her Majesty, by Order in Council, — (1.) To declare that the said certificates shall be of the same force as if they had been granted under the said Acts; and (2.) To declare that all or any of the provisions of the said Acts which relate to certificates granted for passenger-steamers under those Acts shall, either without modification, or with such modifications as to Her Majesty may seem necessary, apply to the certificates referred to in the order; and (3.) To impose such conditions, and to make such regulations with respect to the said certificates, and to the use, delivery, and cancellation thereof as to Her Majesty may seem fit, and to impose penalties not exceeding forty pounds for the breach of such conditions and regulations : And whereas the Legislature of the British possession of New Zealand has provided for the survey of and grant of certificates for passenger-steamers : Arid whereas the Board of Trade have reported to Her Majesty that they are satisfied that such certificates are to the like effect, and are granted after a like survey, and in such manner as to be equally efficient with the certificates granted for the same purpose in the United Kingdom under the Acts relating to merchant shipping : Now, therefore, Her Majesty is hereby pleased, by and with the advice of Her Privy Council, — 1. To declare that the certificates granted under the said provision by the Legislature of tho British possession of New Zealand for passenger-steamers shall be of the same force as if they had been granted for tho same purpose in the United Kingdom under the said Acts relating to merchant shipping, provided the surveys of the vessels are conducted in accordance with such regulations as shall be annually approved by the Board of Trade. 2. To declare that all the provisions of the said Acts which relate to certificates granted for passenger-steamers under those Acts shall, without modification, except as hereinafter mentioned, apply to the certificates referred to in this order. 3. To declare that it shall not be lawful for a passenger-steamer to which this order relates to proceed to sea with passengers on board from any port or place in the United Kingdom on any voyage other than one to the said possession of New Zealand, or to any intermediate place or places situate on such voyage. 4. To declare that, if any passenger-steamer to which this order relates goes to sea from any place in the United Kingdom with any passengers on board upon any voyage other than a voyage to the said possession of New Zealand, or any intermediate place or places as aforesaid, the owner thereof shall, for every such offence, incur a penalty not exceeding fifty pounds, and such penalty is hereby imposed accordingly. C. L. Peel.

No. 11. (New Zealand, General.) Sir, — Downing Street, 17th December, 1886. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 103, of the 20th October, stating that, for certain reasons, your Government does not desire to come within the operation of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation between Her Majesty and the Republic of Paraguay. I caused an intimation to that effect to be made to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and I now transmit to you a copy of a reply which has been received from the Foreign Office. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

A.-1., 1887, Sess. 1., No. 54,

Enclosure. The Foreign Office to the Colonial Office. Sir, — Foreign Office, 14th December, 1886. With reference to your letter of the 4th instant, I am directed by the Earl of Iddesleigh to acquaint you, for the information of Mr. Secretary Stanhope, that Her Majesty's Minister to Paraguay has been this day instructed to inform tho Paraguayan Government that tho Colony of New Zealand does not desire to come within the stipulations of the commercial treaty signed between Great Britain and Paraguay on the 16th of October, 1884. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. J. Pauncefote.

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No. 12. (New Zealand, General.) g IEj Downing Street, 23rd December, 1886. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 105, of the 20th October, stating that your Government do not desire to come within the operation of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation between Her Majesty and the Oriental Eepublic of Uruguay of the 13th November, 1885; and, in reply, I have to acquaint you that instructions have been sent by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to Her Majesty's Minister in Uruguay to make a notification to that effect to the Government of the Eepublic. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.B., &c.

A.-1, 1887, Sess. I., No. 56.

No. 13. (New Zealand, No. 1.) g IE Downing Street, 1st January, 1887. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 113, of the 17th November, with its enclosures, respecting the suitability of Auckland and Wellington as coaling-stations for vessels of Her Majesty's fleet. I have caused these papers to be communicated to the Admiralty. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.B., &c.

A.-l, 1887, Sess. I., No. 59.

No. 14. (Circular.) g IE Downing Street, 7th January, 1887. With reference to my circular despatch of the 31st August last, enclosing a copy of " The International Copyright Act, 1886," and copy of correspondence respecting the formation of an international copyright union, I have the honour to invite the attention of your Government to section 8 of the Act, and to Mr. Bryce's letter, and enclosure, at page 5 of the Parliamentary Paper C. 4856, and to request that you will furnish me with a few copies of any laws respecting copyright which may have been passed in the colony under your Government either before or since the passing of the Act of last year, and that you will inform me —(1) whether it is intended to pass a law providing for the registration of copyright in the colony; (2) whether it is intended to pass a law respecting the copyright within the colony of works first produced in the colony. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

A.-2, 1887, Sess. I., No. 87,

No. 15. (New Zealand, No. 2.) g IE Downing Street, 8th January, 1887. With reference to that portion of your Despatch No. 121, of the 18th November, 1885, which referred to the appointment of a Vice-Consul at Earotonga, to act at the same time as agent for New Zealand, I have the honour to acquaint you, for the information of your Government, that, after considerable correspondence between this department and the Foreign Office, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has decided that, in the event of a consular appointment being made, the officer whom it is proposed to appoint should have the rank of Consul, as there is no superintending officer under whom he could be conveniently placed; and that he should receive a salary at the rate of £500 per annum. The Earl of Iddesleigh also stated that, on learning that the Government of New Zealand binds itself to pay the Consul's salary, together with an office-

A.-1, 1886, No. 10.

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allowance of £200 per annum for ten years, and to provide a consular house, if required to do so, his Lordship would be prepared to appoint an officer to the post in question. It was pointed out by this department that, in selecting a Consul, it would be desirable that the Foreign Office should bear in mind the importance of appointing a gentleman who would have the confidence of trading and other interests in the colonies; and special reference was drawn to the fact that it was desired that this officer should act as agent for the colony under your Government. Lord Iddesleigh, however, anticipated that an arrangement under which the same gentleman would be under the orders of the Crown and the colony at the same time might be open to objection; but that, before a definite opinion was given, it would be desirable that fuller information should be furnished as to the duties of the proposed colonial agency. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

No. 16. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 10th January, 1887. I have the honour to acquaint you that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have agreed to place annually at the disposal of the Secretary of State, on behalf of the sons of families settled in the principal colonies, three nominations for engineer studentships in Her Majesty's dockyards, under the general regulations at present in force with regard to these appointments ; and I transmit for your information the accompanying extract from a letter from the Admiralty on the subject, together with copies of the general regulations referred to, and of a form of particulars which should accompany each application for a nomination. I have to request that applications, accompanied by your recommendation, may be forwarded so as to reach the Secretary of State before the 31st of December in the present and any succeeding year. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

[For Enclosure see New Zealand Gazette, 14th April, 1887, page 483.]

No. 17. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 13th January, 1887, I have the honour to inform you that I have received from the Chairman of the Eastern Extension, Australasia, and China Telegraph Company (Limited) copies of a letter and memorandum, dated the 23rd December last, with reference t*o the existing telegraph communication and to the proposal for a Pacific cable. I should be glad to be furnished with a copy of any reply which your Government may make to Mr. Pender's letter. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

P.-2,1887, No. 158.

No. 18. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 14th January, 1887. I have the honour to inform you that Her Majesty has been pleased to intrust to my care, as one of the Principal Secretaries of State, the Seals of the Colonial Department. I have, &c, H. T. HOLLAND. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

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No. 19. (New Zealand, No. 5.) Sir,— Downing Street, 21st January, 1887. With further reference to your Despatch No. 113, of the 17th November, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Government, a copy of a letter from the Admiralty, stating that the Commander-in-Chief in Australia had been directed to report on the suitability of Auckland and Wellington as coaling-stations for Her Majesty's ships. I have, &c, H. T. HOLLAND. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &o.

A.-l, 1887, Sess. 1., No. 59.

Enclosure. The Admiealty to the Colonial Office. Sic, — Admiralty, 18th January, 1887. I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant, transmitting copy of a despatch from the Governor of New Zealand relative to the suitability of Auckland and Wellington as coaling-stations for Her Majesty's ships, and, in reply, I am to request that you will state to the Secretary of State for the Colonies that the Commander-in-Chief in Australia has been directed to report on the subject. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Evan Macgeegoe.

No. 20. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, Ist February, 1887. In the year 1885 questions were raised, by the Governments of Canada and Victoria in relation to the Imperial pay and pension, and to the promotion in the Imperial service, of Imperial naval and military officers employed by Colonial Governments. Her Majesty's Government have had the subject under their consideration, and I have now the honour to enclose copy of a communication from the Lords Commissioners Of the Admiralty showing the arrangements which have been adopted in order to meet the views of the Colonial Governments. I may add that civilian pensioners will likewise be permitted to take service under Colonial Governments without suffering any deduction from the Imperial pensions. The correspondence on the subject, which is not yet quite complete, will be presented to Parliament; but the enclosure to this despatch is forwarded, to you in advance, as containing the decision arrived at. I have, &c, H. T. HOLLAND. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. The Admiealty to the Colonial Office. Sic, — Admiralty, 3rd December, 1886. With reference to previous correspondence relative to the general question of the employ • ment of naval and military officers in naval or military appointments under colonies which receive no contribution from Imperial funds, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit herewith, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, copy of a letter which they have received on the subject from the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, dated 20th ultimo. * In view of the concessions contained in this Treasury letter, no further question appears to exist, and my Lords will accordingly take steps to procure the necessary Order in Council with regard to naval and marine officers. I am to add that my Lords propose departmentally to fix a limit, on these colonial appointments, of three years from date of taking up appointment. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Evan Macgeegoe.

Sub-Enclosure 1. Sic, — Treasury Chambers, 20th November, 1886. I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury to transmit herewith, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of a letter which my

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Lords have caused to be addressed to the War Office on the subject of the conditions of employment of military officers by the colonial Governments. lam to state that my Lords consent to the application of like rules to naval officers. I have, &c, The Secretary, Admiralty. E. E. Welby.

Sub-Enclosure 2. Sic, — . Treasury Chambers, 19th November, 1886. The Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury have had before them Mr. Knox's letter of the 11th ultimo respecting the employment of naval and military officers by colonial Governments, and direct me to state that, on the recommendation of Mr. Secretary Smith, they agree to the following rules, which, it will be observed, involve a further and very important concession to the colonies at the cost of the British taxpayer:— 1. If the officer be on the active list of the army he will draw no pay from Imperial funds during his employment by the colonial Government; but, if the Secretary of State see fit, his service under that Government may count towards promotion and retirement as though it were service in the Imperial army, and the retired pay earned by his colonial service, so long as he remains on the active list, will be chargeable upon Imperial funds. 2. If the officer retire from the army whilst serving under the colonial Government he may at once draw so much of his retired pay as was earned by army service prior to his entering the colonial service ; and on retiring from the colonial service he may also draw the retired pay earned by so much of his colonial service as preceded his retirement from the army. Article 991 of the pay-warrant must be amended accordingly. 3. If the officer be on the retired list when he accepts colonial employment his retired pay need not be suspended in whole or part by reason of such employment, unless the Secretary of State deems fit, even though the retired pay may have been earned by mixed army and civil service. 4. No service under a colonial Government subsequent to retirement from the army shall increase the charge for an officer's retired pay upon Imperial funds. 5. These rules may be .applied to officers now in colonial employment. I am to add that my Lords will not press further for the restriction of the colonial employment of any officer on the active list to five years. I have, &c, The Financial Secretary, War Office. E. E. Welby. P.S.- —This letter has been communicated to the Board of Admiralty, with an intimation that my Lords assent to the application of like rules to naval officers..

No. 21. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 10th February, 1887. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of papers presented to Parliament relative to the Conference at Eome in 1886 on the subject of industrial property and to the fraudulent use of trade-marks. In consequence of representations made to Her Majesty's Government by the Cutlers' Company, of Sheffield, as to the fraudulent practice in certain foreign countries of stamping the word " Sheffield" upon cutlery not made in that district, the British delegates at the Conference were instructed to propose an addition to Article 10 of the Industrial Property Convention of 1883 (enclosed in the Earl of Derby's circular despatch of the 9th July, 1884), designed, when supplemented by internal legislation of the contracting States, to prevent the fraudulent marking of goods bearing a false indication of origin. This proposal was accepted by the Conference—eight delegates having voted for and one against it, three abstaining from voting; and it remains for the countries that are parties to the Convention to consider the legislation necessary for giving effect to the additional Article, in the event of its ratification. Her Majesty's Government are about to introduce a Bill for more effectually checking the fraudulent marking of merchandise, with especial regard to the proposed addition to Article 10 of the Convention; and, apart from the question of the colony under your Government becoming a party to the Convention, I have the honour to suggest, for the consideration of your Government, the expediency, with a view to the protection of trade interests, and of the consumers in the colony of goods bought on the faith of trade-marks, and to the promotion of commercial morality, of legislating for the same purpose, but not before the passing of the Imperial Act, as it would seem desirable that legislation on this subject should be, as nearly as may be, uniform throughout Her Majesty's dominions. I have, &c, H. T. HOLLAND. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

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No. 22. (Circular.) Sir,— Downing Street, 22nd February, 1887. I have the honour to submit to you, for information and publication in the colony under your Government, a copy of an Additional Treaty of Commerce between Her Majesty and the King of Eoumania, signed at Bucharest, the 26th November, 1886. I may observe that the alterations in the duties are understood to be in the direction of a reduction of duty in each case. I have, &c, H. T. HOLLAND. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

[For Enclosure see New Zealand Gazette, 28th July, 1887, page 1013.]

No. 23. (New Zealand, No. 11.) Sir,— Downing Street, 9th March, 1887. I am directed by the Secretary of State to transmit to you, for the information of your Government, the document specified in the annexed Schedule. I have, &c, EOBEET G. W. HEEBEET. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

See A.-l, 1887, Sess. 1., No. 62.

Date. Description of Document. 5th March, 1887. Copy of a letter from the Admiralty respecting the use of New Zealand kauri for shipbuilding purposes.

Enclosure. The Admiealty to the Colonial Office. Sic,— . . Admiralty, S.W.,'sth March, 1887. With reference to your letter of the 22nd January last, enclosing a copy of a despatch respecting the suitability of New Zealand kauri for shipbuilding purposes, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that, after careful consideration, it does not appear that the use of this wood can, with advantage to the service, be extended to any appreciable extent. I have, Ac., The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, S.W. Evan Macgeegoe.

No. 24. (New Zealand, No. 13.) Sir, — Downing Street, 22nd March, 1887. I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, copies which have been received from the Foreign Office of resolutions introduced into the United States Senate, and of a report of the Committee of Foreign Relations on the claim of William Webster with regard to certain lands in New Zealand. The United States Government have not, as yet, addressed Her Majesty's Government on the matter. Although Her Majesty's Government are not called upon to take any action in the matter, unless the claim is formally brought forward by the United States Government, I have thought it right to examine the papers on the subject in this department; and it may be convenient that I should place you in possession of some observations which have occurred to me on the claim preferred by Mr. Webster. That gentleman alleges that he acquired about five hundred thousand acres of land in New Zealand, by purchase from the Natives, before the establishment, in the year 1840, of British sovereignty. It is understood that many of these transac-

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tions took place in 1839, when the intentions of Her Majesty's Government were already known. Shortly after the annexation a Land Commission was appointed to consider claims to land, and Mr. Webster (who has apparently kept back from the United States Government a portion of the correspondence which passed at that date) specifically desired that his claims should be submitted to the Commissioners—which, as a foreigner, he was not bound to do. His claims were examined, and he received an award of 2,560 acres, this being the maximum amount that the Land Court was empowered to grant. His claim to a larger grant was then considered by Governor Fitzroy, who made him a further award of about thirty thousand acres. Mr. Webster appears to have subsequently laid his case before the United States Government, but no communication has ever been received from that Government on the subject. In 1873 Mr. Webster, through an English firm of solicitors, brought his application before this department; but, on a review of the whole case, and after a reference to the colony, it was considered that the treatment of his claims had been fair and even liberal. It will be observed that more than thirty years elapsed from the settlement of the claim before Mr. Webster appealed to Her Majesty's Government, and that the United States Government have taken no action in the matter for forty-five years. The length of these periods, in which great changes have taken place in the circumstances relating to titles to land in New Zealand, and the power of either the Imperial Government or the Colonial Government to address itself to such claims, would, it appears to me, render it very difficult for Her Majesty's Government to reconsider the question. I shall be glad to receive any observations which your Government may wish to make upon this case. I have, &c, H. T. HOLLAND. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

Enclosure. In the Senate of the United States.—26th January, 1887.—Ordered to be printed. Me. Moegan, from the Committee on Foreign Eelations, reported the following Eesolutions: — Resolved by the Senate, That, after due examination of the matters presented in the petition of William Webster, and the evidence brought to their attention in support of his claim for indemnity from the British Government for lands in New Zealand, purchased by him in good faith from Native chiefs, and duly conveyed to him before the Government of Great Britain acquired the sovereignty over that country by a treaty made with said, chiefs, the Senate of the United States considel- that said claim for indemnity is founded in justice, and deserves the cognisance and support of the Government of the United States. And that said claim, as a claim for money indemnity, was not presented by the United States to Great Britain prior to September, 1858. Resolved, That the President is requested to take such measures as, in his opinion, may be proper to secure to William Webster a just settlement and final adjustment of his claim against Great Britain, growing out of the loss of the lands and other property in New Zealand of which he has been deprived by the act or consent of the British Government; and to which he had acquired a title, under purchases and deeds of conveyance from the Native chiefs, prior to 6th February, 1840, and prior to any right of Great Britain to said islands.

No. 25. (New Zealand, No. 18.) S IB Downing Street, sth April, 1887. With reference to previous correspondence respecting complaints of the Natives in New Zealand, more particularly in regard to the alleged action of the Government in the matter of their lands, I have the honour to transmit to you, to be laid before your Government, a copy of a letter from the Aborigines Protection Society, enclosing one from Major Te Wheoro on the subject. I request that you will move your Government to furnish me with a report in regard to the present allegations. I have, &c, H. T. HOLLAND. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

No. 9.

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Enclosure. The Aborigines Protection Society to Sir Heney Holland, Bart. Aborigines Protection Society, Broadway Chambers, Slß,__ Westminster, 29th March, 1887. In a letter which we had the honour to receive from Mr. Secretary Stanhope in December last he was good enough to say that he had communicated to the New Zealand Government the contents of our letter to him, dated the 23rd November, together with an enclosure sent by Tawhiao to Sir John Gorst. I now beg to forward a copy of a letter (so far as it is possible to decipher it) which we received a few days ago from Major Te Wheoro. It is manifest that the Natives whose interests he represents believe that the Government are acting unfairly towards them in the matter of their lands; and the committee on whose behalf I write would therefore feel grateful to you if you would kindly make inquiries on the subject, or send the society any reassuring information which may have reached you. I have, &c, F. W. Chesson, The Eight Hon. Sir Henry Holland, Bart., G.C., M.G., M.P. Secretary.

Sub-Enclosure. Deae Sic, Whatiwhatihoe, New Zealand, 6th January, 1887. Salutations to you ! I received your letter to let me know that our friend the late Lord Mayor, Sir Robert Fowler, was coining to New Zealand. He came to Auckland ; but Tawhiao and I did not see him. He went on to Wellington. We wished very much to see him, as we wanted to talk to him about the Government of New Zealand not doing justice to the Native race. When Tawhiao and I returned from England the Government had not done anything. The word that the Government of New Zealand said to Lord Derby, that they would allow more Native members m the Parliament of New Zealand, they have not carred out. So also the word of Lord Derby, that the Government of New Zealand would be kind to the Native tribes, and listen to them and the true words of the Maoris, this they have not done. Tawhiao and the Native chiefs sent a Bill to the Government to allow a council for the Native chiefs under the laws of the Queen and the Treaty of Waitangi, and the laws of the year 1852 (sections 71 and 72); but the Government would not allow it to pass. The Government is still taking the land. The King's land was taken by the Government and given to another tribe called Maniapoto. The Waikatos, after a fight, took possession of the land in the year 1819, and settled on it up to this date. The Government, since our return, have continued to act as described in the petition that was sent to Lord Derby on the 22nd July, 1884. Friends, I have a word for you : to be strong and do what you can for us at the head-quarters of England. I have, &c, Wi te Wheoeo.

No. 26. (New Zealand, No. 20.) Sm Downing Street, 15th April, 1887. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. a.-i, 123, of the 27th of December last, and, in accordance with the request contained Sass - therein, to transmit to you the enclosed Order of Her Majesty in Council of the 25th March, 1887, declaring that Part 11. of "The Medical Act, 1886," shall apply to the Colony of New Zealand. I have, &c, • " H. T. HOLLAND. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &o.

1887, 1., No. 68.

Enclosure. At the Cooet at Windsoe, the 25th Day of March, 1887. Present: The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, Loed Peesident, Maequess of Lothian, Loed Steward. Wheeeas by " The Medical Act, 1886," it is provided (amongst other things) that we may from time to time, by Order in Council, declare that the Second Part of the said Act shall be deemed, on and after a day to be named in such Order, to apply to any British possession which, in our opinion, affords to the medical practitioners of the United Kingdom such privileges of practising in the said British possession as to us may seem just, and from and after the day named in such Order in Council such British possession shall be deemed to be a British possession to which the said Act applies, within the meaning of the Second Part thereof ; and that until such Order in Council has been made in respect of any British possession the said Second Part of the said Act shall not be deemed to apply to any such possession : And whereas New Zealand is a British possession within the meaning of the said Act, and affords, in our opinion, to the registered medical practitioners of the United Kingdom such privileges of practising in New Zealand as to us seems just, under and by virtue of the rovisions of an Act of the General Assembly of New Zealand in Parliament assembled, and intituled " The Medical Practitioners Eegistration Act, 1869." Now, therefore, we do hereby, by and with the advice of our Privy Council, order, direct, and declare that, on and after the first day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven, the Second Part of "The Medical Act, 1886," shall be deemed to apply to New Zealand. C - L - Pbel -

By Authority : George Didsbdby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB7.