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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1897 Session II, A-02

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Sess. 11.—1897. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

INDEX.

No. 1. (No. 17.) My Loed,— Downing Street, 26th March, 1896. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, with reference to my despatch, No. 10, of the 18th of February, copy of documents, noted below, respecting the case of A. B. Worthington. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government E. H. MEADE. of New Zealand. I—A. 2.

A.-2, 1896, No. 37.

No. of ieries. Date. Subject. Page. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1-2 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 26 Mar., 1896 27 Mar., „ 28 Mar., „ 2 April, „ 21 April, „ 29 May, „ 17 June, 22 June, „ 23 June, „ 6 July, „ 21 July, „ 11 Aug., „ 18 Aug., „ 19 Aug., 21 Aug., 2 Sept., „ 3 Sept., „ 7 Sept., „ 23 Sept., „ 28 Sept., „ 2 Oct., 12 Oct., 16 Oct., „ 5 Nov., „ 14 Nov., „ 21 Nov., „ 24 Deo., „ 16 Jan., 1897 28 Jan., 6 Feb., „ 25 Feb., „ 26 Mar., „ 8 April, „ 13 April, „ 14 April, „ .. Case of A. B. Wortbington .. Relative position Imperial and colonial military officers .. Use of tar in marking of sheep .. Retention of title of " Honourable" by Mr. W. P. Reeves .. High Commissioner, Western Pacific, not to pass regulations extending to Cook Islands .. Her Majesty's and Princess Beatrice's thanks to Cook-Islanders for sympathy on death of Prince Henry of Battenberg .. Notification of change of masters of vessels to Lloyd's.. .. Telegrams from Secretary of State to Australasian Governors .. .. Colonial laws affecting British shipping .. Taxing commercial travellers .. Medals for permanent local Forces .. Tuberculosis, Laws, &c, relating to .. .. "Coinage Act, 1870" .. Resignation of Hon. J. G. Ward as Colonial Treasurer .. International Convention for publication of Customs tariffs .. Compassionate pensions for old soldiers .. Medals for permanent local Forces .. .. International Exhibition, Paris, 1900 .. Volunteer long-service medal .. Volunteer long-service medal .. Employers'liability .. Commissions in British army for colonial military Forces or students in colonial universities .. Army stores covered by patents .. Distinction for saving human life .. .. .. .. .. .. Title of " Honourable" to Legislative Councillors retiring after ten years' service.. .. Charge of property of Germans dying intestate .. Retention of title of " Honourable" by Mr. J. G. Ward .. I " The Coinage Act, 1870 " .. .. Celebration of sixtieth year of Her Majesty's reign: Invitation to Premiers to be present .. Formation of " Greater Republic of Central America " .. Action to be taken in colonial possessions, sixtieth year of Her Majesty's reign .. .. . Lord Ranfurly appointed Governor .. .. Departure of Lord Glasgow and assumption of office by Sir James Prendergast .. .. Discharge of seamen at colonial ports .. Ex-members of Legislative Council retaining title of " Honourable " 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 11 11 23 24 23 26 27 28 29 12 13 13 14 15 15 15 30 31 32 33 34 35 16 16 .16 16 17 17

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Enclosures. * Sib,— Foreign Office, 9th March, 1896. With reference to my letter of the sth ultimo, I am directed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to transmit to you, to be laid before Mr. Secretary Chamberlain for his information, a copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's Ambassador at Washington relating to the case of A. B. Worthington. I am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. H. Pebcy Andeeson.

My Loed,— Washington, 27th February, 1896. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch No. 1 of this series, of the Ist instant, transmitting copy of a letter from the Colonial Office enclosing a copy of a despatch from the Governor of New Zealand respecting an American citizen, A. B. Worthington, now residing at Christchurch, in that colony. In accordance with your Lordship's instructions, I spoke to the Secretary of State on this subject, and left a copy of the printed pamphlet forwarded in your Lordship's despatch with Mr. Olney. I have, &c, The Marquis of Salisbury, K.G., &c. Julian Pauncefote.

No. 2. (Circular.) Sib,— Downing Street, 27th March, 1896. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a new regulation which has been issued by the Secretary of State for War, and incorporated in the Queen's Eegulations, regarding the relative position and command of Imperial and colonial military officers. This regulation has been substituted for the regulation enclosed in Lord Knutsford's circular despatch of the 3rd February, 1890. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Queen's Regulations and Obdees for the Army. Section 11., Paragraph (d). (d.) Officers of the army serving in any-British colony or dependency with rank granted by the Queen shall have precedence of colonial officers of equal rank, but if holding local rank conferred upon them by the colonial authorities shall take rank with colonial officers according to the dates of their respective colonial ranks: Provided that colonels serving in the Dominion of Canada with rank granted by the Queen or by the General Officer commanding the Forces there shall have precedence of and command over all colonial officers ; and also that field officers of the regular Forces in a colony or dependency shall have precedence of and command over field officers of the Permanent Militia and Volunteer Forces there, if so ordered by the Governor. Local or temporary rank granted to an officer of the army on assuming command of colonial Forces, or when proceeding to a colony for any special service, shall be conferred by the Queen.

No. 3. (Circular.) Sib,— Downing Street, 28th March, 1896. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a letter addressed to me by the Incorporated Chamber of Commerce, Halifax, calling attention to the very serious drawbacks that occur to spinners and manufacturers owing to the use of tar and similar substances in the marking of sheep. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

;e. )esonp aon o: looumen ith March, 1896 17th February, 1896 .... Foreign Office to Colonial Office. .... Sir J. Pauncefote to the Marquis of Salisbury.

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Enclosure. Branding of Sheep with Tar. Sir, — Incorporated Chamber of Commerce, Halifax, 20th March, 1896. The attention of the council of this Chamber has been called to the very serious drawbacks that occur to spinners and manufacturers owing to the use of tar and similar substances in the marking of sheep. A large quantity of wool is used in the manufacture of carpets and similar productions, which does not undergo the process of sorting, and, although employe's are cautioned to exercise due care and vigilance to take out any tar-marked wool they may discover, yet it frequently happens that tar-marks in small quantities pass through the various stages into the finished goods, thereby causing considerable damage and loss. I am therefore directed to ask that you will call the attention of foreign Consuls in woolproducing countries to this complaint, with a view to their inducing farmers to adopt some other means of identification ; or, if marking is to be adhered to, then, in that case, some substance should be used which, whilst capable of outliving the ordinary conditions of weather in the open, would yield to and become dissolved by the regular process of wool-washing. The value of the wool under these new conditions would be considerably enhanced. I have, &c, The Secretary of State, Colonial Department. J. Bobertshaw, Secretary.

No. 4. (General.) My Loed, — ' Downing Street, 2nd April, 1896. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch, No. 2, of the sth February, and to acquaint you that by a notification dated the 30th March, which will appear in the London Gazette of the 3rd instant, the Queen has been pleased to approve of the retention of the title of " Honourable " by Mr. William Pember Eeeves, on his quitting office after more than three years' service as a member of the Executive Council of the Colony of New Zealand, and that Mr. Eeeves has been informed. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 5. (No. 21.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 21st April, 1896. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 57, a.-i, 1896, of the 10th December, enclosing copies of communications which have passed No - 22 - -between the High Commissioner and yourself regarding regulations and jurisdiction in the Cook Islands. With reference to the remarks in the second paragraph of your despatch, I have to observe that the inconvenience to which you refer is not of a serious nature, and is not likely to recur often now that the High Commissioner has been instructed not to pass regulations extending to the group. It does not in any case appear to warrant a disturbance of the existing arrangement defined in my predecessor's despatch, No. 2, of the 7th January, a.-2, 1895, 1895, and accepted by your Ministers in their memorandum of the 9th May, 1895, No - 18, which accompanied your despatch, No. 21, of the 6th June. A.-i,i896, If, however, your Ministers are dissatisfied with the arrangement, and are No ' x ' still prepared, as stated in your memorandum of the 6th September, 1894, to A.-1,1895, accept the annexation of the islands to New Zealand, I should be disposed to take No, 4their wishes into consideration, provided that such a measure would not provoke opposition by the natives. I have, &c, J. CHAMBBELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 6. (No. 29.) My Loed,— Downing Street, 2.9 th May, 1896. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 13, of the 16th April, enclosing copy of a despatch from the Eesident at Karotonga,

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in which is forwarded an address to the Queen from the Government of the Cook Islands expressing their deep sympathy with Her Majesty and the Princess Beatrice on the death of Prince Henry of Battenberg. I am commanded by the Queen to request that you will convey to the Government of the Cook Islands, on behalf of Her Majesty and of Her Eoyal Highness, an expression of their cordial thanks for this mark of sympathy. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 7. (G-eneral.) My Lobd, — Downing Street, 17th June, 1896. I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship, for the information of your Government, and for such action as they may think fit to take, a copy of a letter from the Board of Trade, with enclosures, respecting the desire expressed by the committee of Lloyd's that arrangement should be made for notifying changes of masters of vessels to their local agent at Auckland. I have, &c. J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.0.M.G., &c.

Enclosures. Board of Trade (Marine Department), 7, Whitehall Gardens, Sir,— London, S.W., 10th June, 1896. I am directed by the Board of Trade to transmit to you, to be laid before Mr. Secretary Chamberlain, copies of two letters which have been submitted to them by the Registrar-General of Seamen, in which the committee of Lloyd's suggest that consular officers in foreign ports, and officers dealing with such matters in colonial ports, should be asked to notify changes of masters to Lloyd's local agents, with a view to these changes being included in their reports. I am also to enclose a copy of a memorandum by the Registrar-General of Seamen dealing with the question. It will be seen that the committee propose that the arrangement should be carried out only at certain of the large consular and colonial ports, and also that they are prepared to pay a fee for the information as supplied. It appears to the Board of Trade that the suggestion that the information should be forwarded to Lloyd's agent by the consular (or colonial) officer may be regarded as hardly reasonable, and the Board are not prepared to support it. The Board would, however, be glad to learn whether Mr. Chamberlain is of opinion that some arrangement might conveniently be made for supplying Lloyd's agent with the required information at the ports named. I am to add that a similar letter has been addressed to the Foreign Office. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Ingram B. Walker.

Sib,— Lloyd's, London, 8.C., 18th May, 1896. I am instructed by the committee of Lloyd's to bring under your notice that lately underwriters were seriously inconvenienced through a change being made in the master of a vessel in a foreign port without its coming to their notice until after the accident. My committee will therefore be extremely obliged if you will be so good as to move the proper authorities to allow the consular officers in foreign ports, and the officers reporting such matters in colonial ports, to be requested to notify at short periods changes of masters to Lloyd's local agents, so that the latter may be directed by my committee to include these changes in their earliest telegraphic reports. I need only add that my committee will be happy to pay a small fee for this information to the consular officers, but they trust that you will bear in mind that, as a large number of these reports may be received, and the cost of telegraphing may be considerable, this fee should be fixed at as low an amount as possible. My committee will, of course, be only too happy that any information telegraphed to this office in this way shall be at the disposal of your own or any Government office. I am, &c, H. Hoziee, Secretary. The Eegistrar-General of Shipping and Seamen, Customhouse, E.C.

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Sib,— Lloyd's, E.C., Ist June, 1896. I have the honour, by direction of the committee of Lloyd's, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th May, with regard to the notification of changes of captains, and to inform you that my committee would be very grateful to the Board of Trade if it could be arranged to allow the changes of captains to be notified to Lloyd's agents at the following ports by the consular officers at those ports : Yokohama, Albany, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle (New South Wales), Auckland, New York, Philadelphia, Shanghai. If this arrangement can be carried out, my committee will be very pleased to pay a small fee for the information, but my committee would be very grateful if the information could be forwarded to Lloyd's agent from the consulate, since the application at the consulate by Lloyd's agent entails such constant visits that these, it is found, are exceedingly fatiguing, both to Lloyd's agency and the consular office. If a small fee were charged for the information, it is probable that some messengers of the consulate would be very willing to transmit the information. I am, &c, The Eegistrar-General of Shipping and Seamen, H. Hoziee, Secretary. Customhouse, London, B.C. (Memorandum.) A change of master may seriously affect the insurance rates, and Lloyd's are anxious to obtain information of changes abroad by telegraph. Section 19 of the Act requires all changes of masters to be reported (a) to this office, and under an arrangement entered into many years ago with Lloyd's we inform them of such changes, but this system is not sufficiently rapid. I attach a copy of Form No. 21, now used for these reports, and would suggest that Consuls and colonial officers might report changes on one of these forms to Lloyd's local agent at ports* where the system is introduced, on payment of, say, a fee of 2s. 6d. The number of reports from the colonies and abroad is about fourteen or fifteen hundred a year, but this number includes a good many changes in small local vessels about which Lloyd's would probably not care to incur any great expense. J. Clack Hall. The Assistant Secretary, Marine Department, Board of Trade.

No. 8. (No. 32.) My Lobd, — Downing Street, 22nd June, 1896. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your despatch, No. 5, of the 7th February, transmitting a memorandum from the Premier, Mr. Seddon, respecting the practice which has been followed by successive Secretaries of State, when telegraphing on matters affecting all the Australasian Colonies, of sending one telegraphic despatch to the Governor of South Australia and requesting him to repeat the contents to the Governors of the other colonies. I shall be glad if, in future, . When communicating such telegrams to your Ministers, you will commence by saying that you " have received through the " Governor of South Australia the following telegraphic despatch from the " Secretary of State for the Colonies "; and I hope that this course will sufficiently meet Mr. Seddon's objection that the telegrams cannot be treated as despatches. But, whenever it is necessary to telegraph at all to the Australasian Colonies on a matter of such urgency that the possible delay of repeating the message from Adelaide seems to the Secretary of State likely to be of moment, care will be taken, as has been done on previous occasions, that the message shall be transmitted direct to the Governor of New Zealand. I am, however, unwilling, in ordinary circumstances, to abandon the practice of transmitting a message to one Governor for repetition to the Governors of the other colonies of the Australasian group, as by this means it is possible for the Secretary of State to send one message instead of seven messages in identical language; and it would be difficult to defend in Parliament the abandonment of a practice which effects so great a saving of public money, which has worked satisfactorily for many years, and which has not hitherto formed the subject of any complaint. I trust that this explanation will be accepted by your Ministers as satisfactory. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

A.-l, 1896, No. 23.

* It is not proposed to introduce the system at all ports, but only at certain more important ones, as Lloyd's may think fit.—J. C. H.

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No. 9. (Circular.) Sir,— Downing Street, 23rd June, 1896. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a letter from the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom forwarding a resolution, passed at its last annual meeting, complaining of colonial laws affecting British shipping being more stringent than the Imperial Act. I have caused the Chamber to be informed, in reply, that Her Majesty's Government have not the power to impose such restrictions upon colonial legislation as the Chamber would desire; but I would invite your Ministers to consider the expediency of preserving uniformity as far as possible in legislation affecting merchant shipping throughout the Empire. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom, 1, Whittington Avenue, Sic,— Leadenhall Street,'B.C., sth June, 1896. I have the honour to inform you that at the last annual meeting of this Chamber the following resolution upon the subject of legislation affecting British merchant shipping in British possessions was unanimously passed : — " That representations be made to Her Majesty's Government urging that no Legislature of any British colony or dependency should be allowed to impose upon British shipping (other than shipping registered in such colony or dependency) any further burdens and restrictions than those imposed by Imperial legislation." In forwarding to you the above resolution, I am desired to earnestly press upon you the fact that under " The Merchant Shipping (Consolidation) Act, 1894," a statute which comprises no fewer than 748 sections and 22 schedules, British shipowners are subjected to a code of parliamentary requirements of the most onerous character. Notwithstanding this fact, however, the colonial Legislatures are at intervals passing local Acts of their own which impose additional requirements upon British vessels trading to those possessions and dependencies. For example, the New Zealand Legislature have recently passed a Bill imposing a fixed " manning scale " upon vessels, and the New South Wales Government have recently passed an extraordinary Act dealing with income-tax which affects British shipowners whose vessels trade to the colony. My council would earnestly beg that you would impress upon the colonial Legislatures the importance of their not going beyond the provisions of the British " Merchant Shipping (Consolidation) Act, 1894," in their requirements. My council desire me to express to you the view which they strongly entertain—viz., that when British vessels have once complied with the elaborate code of parliamentary regulations contained in " The Merchant Shipping (Consolidation) Act, 1894," they should be exempt from further legislative interference by the colonial Governments. By direction of the council, I am addressing a somewhat similar communication to this to the Board of Trade. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., W. H. Cookb, Secretary. Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, &c.

No. 10. (No. 33.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 6th July, 1896. I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Ministers, with reference to your despatch, No. 11, of the 19th March, the accompanying copy of a further letter from the Wallsall and District Incorporated Chamber of Commerce respecting the tax levied in New Zealand on agents doing business for a principal not resident in the colony. I have, &c, JOHN BEAMSTON, For the Secretary of State. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

A.-l, 1896, No. 24.

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Enclosure. The Wallsall and District Incorporated Chamber of Commerce Offices, The Bridge, Walsall, 4th June, 1896. Sib, — The New Zealand Income Assessment Act. Your favour of the 14th ultimo and its enclosures— -i.e., copies of a despatch from the Governor of New Zealand and a memorandum from the colonial Commissioner of Taxes—were considered by my council at their meeting on the Ist instant. In reply thereto my council have requested me to point out that the claim of the Commissioner of Taxes that " the principle of levying taxes on profits of outsiders is no new one, and that in England the same principle is enforced" is incorrect. It was decided in the House of Lords on the Ist May last, before the Lords of Appeal—Lords Herschell, Watson, Macnaughten, Morris, Shand, and Davey—that " foreign firms having agents in this country are not liable for income-tax on the business done in this country through such agents." My council further submit that there is no inconsistency in their objection to the tax of £50 placed upon commercial travellers entering the colony. It is true that in their letter of July, 1895, whilst strongly protesting against the tax in any form whatever, as contrary to the best interests of trade, and likely to impede the free course of business between the colony and this country, my council preferred, if it were necessary for revenue purposes to impose a tax at all, a direct tax upon travellers of, at the utmost, £20; but my council would respectfully point out that, considering the few travellers entering the colony, even at £50, the income therefrom would be very meagre, and of no consequence to the revenues of the colony. What my council objected to was that the maximum of £50 should have been fixed while it is within the power of the Governor to fix any amount from £1 up to £50. My council venture to hope that this tax may be reduced to £10. They beg to point out that at Cape Colony, where this tax is the highest in force, only £12 10s. is levied for six months—a time ample for a traveller's business; and, as shown in my communication to you of the 2nd ultimo, many other colonies and foreign stations charge nothing, and where they do charge it is only a small sum. I am, &c, Albeet Law, Secretary. The Eight Hon. Jos. Chamberlain, M.P., Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 11. (General.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 21st July, 1896. With reference to your Lordship's despatch, No. 64, of the 29th November, 1894, enclosing the draft of the proposed regulations to govern the issue of medals for distinguished conduct for meritorious service, and for long service and good conduct to the permanent local Forces, and also the issue of the Volunteer long-service medal, I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a memorandum containing the observations of the War Department on these regulations; and I have to state that, if the draft regulations relating to the Permanent Forces are amended in accordance therewith, there is no objection to their being at once issued, and that on receipt of a copy so amended my formal approval will be conveyed to you. The Secretary of State for War has expressed his general opinion that each class of medal should have the name of the colony on the reverse, and the ribbon should have one line of the colonial colour (other than red) down the centre, the colour being, for preference, different for each colony ; and also that the meritorious-service medal for the colonies should have " Victoria Regina et Imperatrix " in lieu of " Victoria Regina " on the obverse. A separate communication will be addressed to you regarding the Volunteer long-service medal. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

A.-l, 1895, No. 8.

No. 12. Sib, — Downing Street, 11th August, 1896. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a letter from the Eoyal Commission on Tuberculosis, asking to be supplied with copies of all laws, rules, and regulations enforced in the colony under your government dealing with the subject of meat- and milk-inspection, with especial reference to tuberculosis.

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I shall be obliged if you will furnish me, at your early convenience, with copies of the documents asked for by the Eoyal Commission. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Eoyal Commission on Tubeeculosis. Sic,— 23, Great George Street, S.W., 30th July, 1896. I am directed by the Eoyal Commissioners on Tuberculosis to request that you will be good enough to move the Eight Hon. Joseph Chamberlain to obtain for their use copies of all laws, rules, and regulations enforced in Her Majesty's colonies of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Cape dealing with the subject of meat- and milk-inspection, with especial reference to tuberculosis. The terms of reference to the Commission are " to inquire and report what administrative procedures are available, and would be desirable, for controlling the danger to man through the use, as food, of the meat and milk of tuberculous animals; and what are the considerations which govern the action of the responsible authorities in condemning for the purpose of food-supplies animals, carcases, or meat exhibiting any stage of tuberculosis." I am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. Thomas M.Legge, Secretary.

No. 13. (General.) My Loed,— ' Downing Street, 18th August, 1896. With reference to your Lordship's despatch, No. 22, of the Bth June, 1893, I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship copies of a Proclamation by the Queen applying parts of " The Coinage Act, 1870 " (as amended by " The Coinage Act, 1891 "), to the Australasian Colonies, together with copies of an Order in Council approving the draft Proclamation. I request that you will promulgate this Proclamation in accordance with the terms of the Order in Council, and furnish me with copies of your Proclamation promulgating it. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEKLAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c. [For enclosure see New Zealand Gazette of 12th November, 1896.]

No. 14. (No. 38.) Mx Loed, — Downing Street, 19th August, 1896. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 27, of the Bth ultimo, reporting the circumstances in which you accepted the resignation of the Hon. J. G. Ward of his office of Colonial Treasurer. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

A.-l, 1897, No. i.

No. 15. (Circular.) Sib, — Downing Street, 21st August, 1896. I have the honour to remind you that the seven years for which the International Convention for the publication of Customs Tariffs of the sth July, 1890, remains in force will expire on the 31st March, 1898, and that by the terms of Article XV. notice of withdrawal from it must be given twelve months before that date by those countries which do not wish to remain parties thereto for a further period of seven years.

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Should your Government desire to withdraw from the Convention, I have to request that you will so inform me by the 31st December next, in order that the necessary notice may be given to the Belgian Government through the usual diplomatic channel. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government.of New Zealand.

No. 16. (No. 41.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 2nd September, 1896. With reference to your despatch, No. 27, of the 6th July, 1895, enclosing a memorandum by your Prime Minister on the subject of the grant of special campaign pensions to old soldiers living in the colonies, I have the honour to inform you that I have had some correspondence on this matter with the War Office, and that I have learnt that soldiers residing out of the United Kingdom are now equally eligible with those at Home for the grant of the pensions in question. I understand, further, that applications previously received from the colonies, and refused on the ground, that soldiers living in this country were to be granted precedence, will now be reconsidered if they are again submitted. I have, &c, R. H. MEADE, For the Secretary of State. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

A.-l, 1896, No. i.

No. 17. (General.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 3rd September, 1896. With reference to my despatch (general) of the 21st July last, con- No. n. cerning the grant of medals for distinguished conduct in the field, meritorious service and long service and good conduct to the colonial Permanent Forces, I have the honour to state that the Secretary of State for War has informed me that the Master of the Mint will be requested to strike specimens of medals for the colonies, and has asked to be informed of the colonial colour (other than red) which is desired for the line down the centre of the ribbon. I shall be glad, therefore, if you will furnish me with this information. I have, &c, R. H. MEADE, For the Secretary of State. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &o.

No. 18. (Circular.) Sic, — Downing Street, 7th September, 1896. I have the honour to transmit to you the correspondence respecting the invitation conveyed by the French Government to Great Britain and the British colonies to take part in the Universal International Exhibition, to be held at Paris in the year 1900, together with copy of the Actes Organiques, which explain the scope and objects of the exhibition. The management of the British section of the exhibition will be intrusted to a Royal Commission, as to whose appointment and procedure I am not at present in a position to address you ; but, in view of the wish expressed by the French Government that a British delegate should be appointed at an early date to discuss with the French Commissary-General preliminary questions as to space, &c, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs proposes to depute Mr. Austin Lee, of Her Majesty's Embassy at Paris, to undertake these duties, as a temporary measure pending the constitution of the Royal Commission. 2—A. 2.

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Should you think it probable that the colony under your Government will desire to be represented at the exhibition, I shall be obliged if you will give me any information in your power at an early date by telegraph as to the probable requirements of the colony in regard to space, in order that such information may be communicated to Mr. Lee. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 19. (Circular.) Sic, — Downing Street, 23rd September, 1896. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Government, copies of a Royal Warrant extending to Indian, colonial, and other Volunteer Forces raised for service in countries under Her Majesty's protection the grant of the Volunteer long-service medal. It is intended that the medal for colonial Volunteers should be of the same design as that awarded to Volunteers in this country, except that the words " et Imperatrix " will be added to the inscription " Victoria Regina," on the obverse of the latter. The medal is manufactured for the War Office by Messrs. Jenkins and Sons, Unity Works, Vittoria Street, Birmingham; and it is a matter for consideration whether it may not be convenient that all the colonial Governments in which there are Volunteer Forces should decide to obtain the medal from that firm. It will be observed that, under the terms of the Royal Warrant, the medal is to be issued to colonial Volunteers under regulations recommended by the Governors of colonies and approved by a Secretary of State. These regulations should, so far as circumstances permit, be similar to those now existing for the Volunteer Force in Great Britain ; and I enclose for your information copies of the paragraphs of the current Volunteer Regulations dealing with the issue of the medal in this country. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Eotal Warrant.—Volunteer Long-sekvice Medal. Victoria 8.1. Whereas it is our desire to extend to our Indian and colonial Volunteer Forces, and to Volunteer Forces raised for our service in countries under our protection, under regulations similar, as far as circumstances permit, to those now existing for our Volunteer Force in Great Britain, the grant of the medal instituted by us for long service in that Force, and designated "the Volunteer long-service medal" : It is hereby ordained that this medal shall be issued to Volunteers (including officers who have served in the ranks, but have not qualified for the Volunteer officers' decoration) of our said Indian and colonial Volunteer Forces, and to Volunteer Forces raised for our service in countries under our protection, under such regulations as may from time to time be recommended by the GovernorGeneral of India, the Governor-General of the Dominion of Canada, or the Governors of other colonies of our Empire, or our Commissioners in countries under our protection, and approved by our Secretary of State. Given at our Court at Balmoral, this 13th day of June, 1896, in the fifty-ninth year of our reign. By Her Majesty's command. LANSDOWNE.

No. 20. (General.) My Lord,— Downing Street, 28th September, 1896. With reference to the iinal paragraph of my despatch (general) of the 21st July last, I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a memorandum containing the observations of the War Department on the Regulations framed by your Government in regard to the issue of the Volunteer long-service medal.

No. 11.

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I would explain that when my predecessor's circular despatch of the 23rd August, 1894, was written it had not been proposed to issue any formal instrument authorising the grant of the Volunteer long-service medal to colonial Volunteer Forces. It has, however, since been considered desirable that the grant of the medal should rest upon the authority of a Eoyal Warrant; and a Warrant was accordingly issued on the 13th June last. By the terms of this Warrant it is necessary that the regulations for the issue of this medal to Indian and colonial Volunteer Forces should, as far as possible, be similar to those now existing for the Volunteer Force in Great Britain, and that they should be approved by a Secretary of State. Copies of the Warrant and the current Volunteer Eegulations, which are referred to in the War Office memorandum, are being separately transmitted to you in my circular despatch of the 23rd September. In order, therefore, that the conditions laid down in the Warrant may be fulfilled, I have to request that your Government will cause the Eegulations to be amended in accordance with the suggestions of the War Office, and on receipt of a copy so amended my formal approval will be conveyed to you. I have, &c, SELBOENE, For the Secretary of State.

Enclosure. New Zealand.—Volunteer Long-sekvice Medal. The regulations as to grant of Volunteer long-service medals are now contained in paragraphs 458 (/) to (n), Volunteer Eegulations, 1895. These draft regulations differ somewhat from paragraphs 458 (/) and (g), and do not reproduce paragraphs 458 (to) and («). Service rendered after the date upon which the extension of the grant of the medal is notified in the colony should in all cases be continuous. In incorporating paragraph (g) of the Volunteer Regulations that date should accordingly be substituted for the 26th May, 1894, which is the date of the army order notifying the grant of the medal to Volunteers in Great Britain.

No. 21. (General.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 2nd October, 1896. I have been requested by the Secretary of State for the Home Department to obtain for him as full reports as possible on the working of the clauses in certain colonial Acts relating to employers' liability which forbid contractingout, but provide that in determining the amount of compensation allowance shall be made for the contributions of the employers to an insurance or compensation fund. I have the honour to request that your Lordship will be good enough to furnish me, at your earliest convenience, with the desired information as regards the colony under your government. I have, &c, SELBOENE, For the Secretary of State. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 22. (General.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 12th October, 1896. With reference to Lord Knutsford's despatch, No. 11, of the 24th March, 1892, I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, copies of fresh Eegulations issued by the War Department, under which commissions in the British army may be obtained by officers of colonial local military Forces and by students from the colonial universities. I have, &c, J. CHAMBBELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c. [For enclosure see New Zealand Gazette, 17th December, 1896.]

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No. 23. (Circular.) Sir,— Downing Street, 16th October, 1896. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Government, a copy of a letter from the War Office enclosing copies of the opinions of the Law Officers of the Crown on questions submitted to them regarding the position of the War Department in providing stores covered by patent for the use of the Governments of India and the colonies ; and also as to the application generally of section 27 (2) of " The Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, 1883," to supplies of stores made to the Governments of India and the colonies. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Sib,— War Office, London, S.W., 6th October, 1896. I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that it has been considered desirable to ascertain the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown regarding the position of this department in providing stores covered by patents for the use of the Governments of India and the colonies, and also as to the application generally of section 27 (2) of the Patents. &c, Act, 1883, to supplies of stores made to the Governments of India and the colonies, either directly by this department—by contract made on their behalf by this department—or by manufacture in the ordnance factories. I am to enclose for Mr. Chamberlain's information a copy of the questions upon which the Law Officers were requested to advise, and their opinion thereon; and to request that, should Mr. Chamberlain see no objection, the information therein may be communicated to the colonial authorities. I am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. G. Lawson.

Law Officees to Wae Office. The Attorney- and Solicitor-General are requested to advise on the following points : — 1. Do the words "officers or authorities administering any department in the service of the Crown," in section 27 of the Patents, &c, Act, of 1883, apply to the Governments of— (a) India. (6) Crown colonies. (c) Self-governing colonies. 2. If the reply to 1 be in the affirmative, are terms settled under section 27 (2) of the Act by the Secretary of State for War for use of patents in the United Kingdom applicable to stores supplied through the agency of the War Office for the use of the Governments above mentioned ? or 3. Must the terms for the use of patents in the colonies be made by each of the Governments concerned ? 4. If the reply to any portion of 1 be in the negative, then (as regards that portion), where stores covered by patent are ordered to be made in ordnance factories or by contract through the War Office, and no specific terms applicable to supplies for those Governments have been made, would patentees have grounds for action for infringement; and, if so, against whom ? 5. If so, and if against the contractor, could the contractor plead that he was acting as an agent of the Secretary of State for War ? 6. Have patentees claim for royalty on articles issued from store as in 2 (a) if terms have not been specially arranged in regard to supplies for India or the colonies? 7. If so, against whom would such claim lie? 8. On any points which may occur to the Law Officers on the general question of arrangements with patentees in regard to supplies made through the War Office for the Governments of India or the colonies.

Patents, etc., Act, 1883.—Supply of Patented Aeticles to India and the Colonies.— Opinion op the Law Officers of the Grown. 1. We are of opinion that the words " officers or authorities administering any department in the service of the Crown," in section 27 of the Patents, &c, Act, 1883, apply only to departments of the Government in the United Kingdom, and have no application to the Governments of India, of Crown colonies, or of self-governing colonies. But we are of opinion that any department of the Government in the United Kingdom may use the invention in the United Kingdom (to which alone the Patents, &c, Act applies), provided such use is for the service of the Crown, either within the United Kingdom or abroad. Arms made to the order of the War Office for supplying the Government of India or of a colony are made for the service of the Crown just as much as if they were made for the use of the Home army, inasmuch as Government service is the service of Her Majesty in India and the colonies as much as at Home.

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When, therefore, the War Office supplies goods out of store, or makes arms in the Government factories, or orders them to be made by contract, for the purposes of the Indian or colonial Governments, in our opinion section 27 (2) applies. The invention is being used for the service of Her Majesty. The fact that the terms are to be settled with the approval of the Treasury supports the view that the departments referred to in the subsection are departments of the Home Government. But, so long as the use of the invention in the United Kingdom is for the service of Her Majesty, it is immaterial whether such service is to be at Home or abroad. 2. Terms settled under section 27 (2) by the Secretary of State for War for the use of patents in the United Kingdom are applicable to the use of the invention in the United Kingdom for the supply of stores through the agency of the War Office to the Governments above mentioned. 3. The Patents, &c, Act has no application to the colonies, and, so far as the invention is used in the United Kingdom for the purposes of supply to the Indian or colonial Governments otherwise than through a Home Government department, terms for user must be made by these Governments. 4. If articles the subject of a patent are made in this country for Indian or colonial Governments, the patentees would be entitled to sue the person so using the invention in this country for infringement; but if the articles are being made to the order of a department of the Home Government, although for supply to the Indian or colonial Governments, patentees must seek their remedy under section 27, although no specific terms applicable to the supply of these Governments had been made. The adjustment of terms with a department of the Home Government for the use of the invention for the service of Her Majesty would cover manufacture or supply to the order of the War Office for the use of these Governments, unless this had been specially excluded by the terms. 5. The contractor could plead that he was acting as an agent for the Secretary of State for War if the goods were ordered by him, though intended for the service of Her Majesty in India or the colonies by being supplied to the Government there. 6. No. 7. Does not arise. 8. We have nothing to add. RICHAKD B. WbBSTBB. Law Officers' Department, Bth August, 1896. Eobbbt B. Finlay.

No. 24. (No. 55.) My Loed, — Downing Street, sth November, 1896. I have had under my consideration your despatch, No. 23, of the 7th July, respecting the granting of decorative distinctions for the saving of life in the Colony of New Zealand. 2. I shall be glad if you will inform your Ministers that, if New Zealand should be prepared to establish a Humane Society of its own, similar to the Humane Society of Victoria, which has been permitted by Her Majesty the Queen to assume the title of " Eoyal Humane Society of Australasia," I should be prepared to consider the propriety of advising Her Majesty to confer the same distinction, as regards the title of " Eoyal," upon the New Zealand society, if, after a certain mmiber of years' experience of its working, its success should appear, as in the case of the Victoria society, to justify such a step. It appears from your despatch under acknowledgment that this course will meet the difficulty which at present is experienced by your Ministers. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

A.-l, 1897, No. 3.

No. 25. (Circular.) Sic, — Downing Street, 14th November, 1896. I have the honour to inform you that the Queen has been graciously pleased, on my recommendation, to approve a proposal which I have received from the Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, that members of the Legislative Council in that colony should, on retirement or resignation after a continuous service in such Council of not less than ten years, be eligible to be recommended by the Governor for Her Majesty's permission to retain the title of " Honourable."

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The title will be recognised throughout Her Majesty's dominions in like manner as it is now recognised during the tenure of office of members of the Legislative Council in colonies possessing Responsible Government. I shall be glad if you will inform me at an early date whether it is the wish of your Ministers that a similar privilege should be accorded to gentlemen who have vacated their seats in the Legislative Council of the colony under your government after the like period of service. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 26. (No. 57.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 21st November, 1896. I have the honour to transmit to you, for your consideration, a copy of a letter from the Foreign Office, forwarding a note from the German Charge d'Affaires at this Court requesting that the German Consul-G-eneral at Sydney may be empowered to receive ' the property of German nationals dying intestate in New Zealand. I would refer you on this subject to your correspondence with my predecessor respecting a similar application from the Belgian Government. If your Government agree to the wishes of the German Government, I approve the nomination of the German Consul-General at Sydney to act in the capacity desired, under section 6 of the Act of 1891. I should be glad if you would inform me whether your Government approve the method of procedure suggested in the last paragraph of Prince Hohenlohe's despatch. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

A.-2, 1896, No. 4. A.-l, 1896, No. 2.

Enclosures. Sir,— Foreign Office, 31st October, 1896. I am directed by the Marquis of Salisbury to transmit to you the accompanying translation of a note which has been received from the German Charge d'Affaires at this Court, in regard to the property of German subjects dying intestate in New Zealand. It will be observed that Prince Hohenlohe requests that, in view of recent colonial legislation, and of the arrangements which have been made in this respect with the Governments of Italy, Denmark, and Belgium, powers similar to those which appear to have been granted to the consular officers of those countries at Auckland and Melbourne respectively may be given to the German Consul-General at Sydney. I have to request that you will move Mr. Secretary Chamberlain to inform Lord Salisbury what answer should, in his opinion, be returned to Prince Hohenlohe's application, and what view he takes of the method of procedure which is proposed in the last paragraph of His Highness's note. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. T. H. Sanderson.

(Translation.) My Lord, — German Embassy, 17th October, 1896. The regulations concerning the property of German nationals dying intestate in New Zealand have hitherto given rise to considerable difficulties. Within the last few years, however, laws have been passed in New Zealand which have materially facilitated the proceedings. These are the Public Trust Office Acts Amendment Act (54 and 55 Vict., No. 41) and the Public Trust Office Consolidation Act (58 Vict., No. 50). The former law contains in paragraph 6 the following provisions : On the approval of Her Majesty, or one of the Cabinet Ministers of Great Britain, being signified to the Governor (i.e., of New Zealand), the highest consular authority appointed to act for a foreign State in New Zealand may be empowered to receive the property of any intestate, in so far as it accrues to the next of kin (of an intestate person) who are resident within the jurisdiction of such foreign State, and after the powers have been published in the Government journal (i.e., of New Zealand) such property can be handed over to such consular official, and his receipt shall be a sufficient release to the Public Trustee for all moneys paid to him in this manner. The second law lays down, in paragraph 61, among other things, that the provisions of the above-mentioned law of 1893 shall be so understood and interpreted as not to be in contradiction to the special provisions of the new law, and so as to be subordinated to those provisions.

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The said new law further contains, in paragraph 49, the following enactment : With reference to money and chattels which the Public Trustee has to pay or hand over to nationals of foreign States who are resident in such foreign States, the Governor (i.e., of New Zealand) can by publication in the Government journal (i.e., of New Zealand) announce that such money and chattels are to be paid or handed over to the highest consular authority for such foreign State in New Zealand, on behalf of such national (of the foreign State in question), and the written receipt of such highest consular official shall be a full and sufficient release for the Public Trustee. So far as is known, the necessary powers have, up to now, been given to the Italian Consul at Melbourne, the Danish Consul at Auckland, and the Belgian Consul-General at Melbourne. The Imperial Government desire to bring about a similar settlement of the question, and I am instructed to ask your Excellency to be good enough to take the necessary steps for the Governor of New Zealand to be empowered to pay or hand over the property of German nationals dying intestate in New Zealand to the Imperial Consul-General in Sydney for the time being, or his representative. As shown by the accompanying official list of the German Imperial Consuls for July last, the official district of the Consul-General at Sydney includes Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and the Fiji Islands. Under the Consul-General are placed the consulates at Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington, in New Zealand. The incumbent of the post of Consul-General at Sydney, or his representative, is therefore to be considered as the highest German consular authority in New Zealand. I venture to observe that the best means of delivering the property to the Consul-General, or his representative, would be by a bill of exchange, payable to the order of the Legation Chest (Legation-skaase) at Berlin—not to the order of the Imperial German Foreign Office. I venture to await a favourable reply, and I have, &c, The Marquis of Salisbury, K.G., &c. H. Hohenlohe.

No. 27. (General.) My Lobd, — Downing Street, 24th December, 1896. I have the honour to acknowledge your telegram of the 19th December, and to inform you that the Queen has been pleased to approve of the retention of the title of " Honourable " by Mr. Joseph G. Ward on his quitting office after more than three years' service as a member of the Executive Council of the Colony of New Zealand, and that a notification to this effect will be published in the London Gazette. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 28. My Lobd, — Colonial Office, Downing Street, 16th January, 1897. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch, No. 43, of the 21st November, reporting the publication in the New Zealand Gazette of the Proclamation by the Queen applying parts of " The Coinage Act, 1870," to the Australasian Colonies, and of the Order in Council approving the draft of this Proclamation. Your Lordship will observe, on reference to the Order in Council, that it is necessary that the Proclamation should be promulgated by the Governors of each of the colonies named in the order, and that the publication of the Proclamation by your Government does not fulfil the requirements of the order. I request, therefore, that your Lordship will issue a Proclamation promulgating the Queen's Proclamation of the Ist of August, 1896, and furnish me with copies of your Proclamation. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

A.-l, 1897, No. 9.

No. 29. [Downing Street, 28th January, 1897.] Invitation to Pbemiebs to be pbesent at the Celebbation op the Sixtieth Yeae of Hee Majesty's Eeign. [See A.-L, Session 1., 1897.]

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No. 30. (Circular.) Sic,— Downing Street, 6th February, 1897. I have the honour to state, for the information of your Government, that an arrangement has been entered into by the Eepublics of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Salvador, under which the three Eepublics will form a single political entity for the exercise of their sovereignty abroad, under the name of " The Greater Eepublic of Central America," and will be represented by a Diet composed of three members chosen by each of the Legislatures. I have, <fee, The Officer Administering the Government J. CHAMBEELAIN. of New Zealand.

No. 31. (Circular.) Sib, — Downing Street, 25th February, 1897. The question has recently been submitted to me whether any joint or uniform action should be taken in Her Majesty's colonial possessions for the celebration of the sixtieth year of her accession to the throne, or whether such celebration should be left to the separate action of the several colonies. 2. If it were possible to inaugurate any such joint or uniform celebration throughout the colonies, it would doubtless greatly add to the interest that must in any circumstances attach to the commemoration of this unique and auspicious event. But, apart from other considerations, it appears to me that the great variations of climate and season that are to be found throughout Her Majesty's Colonial Empire at any given period of the year would alone render any such action impracticable; and I prefer therefore to leave it to local initiative in each case to make whatever arrangements may be suggested by local circumstances, feeling assured that I may rely upon the judgment and good feeling, not only of those in authority, but of the general body of Her Majesty's subjects, to celebrate the event in a manner befitting the occasion. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government J. CHAMBEELAIN. of New Zealand.

No. 32. (Telegram.) 26th March, 1897. Heb Majesty has been pleased to appoint Lord Eanfurly Governor of New Zealand. Please inform your Ministers. J. CHAMBEELAIN, The Administrator of the Secretary State for Colonies. Government of New Zealand.

No. 33. (No. 12.) Sic, — Colonial Office, Downing Street, Bth April, 1897. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 10, of the 18th February, announcing the departure from New Zealand of the Earl of Glasgow, and the assumption by yourself of the administration of the Government. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government J. CHAMBEELAIN. of New Zealand.

A.-l, 1897, No. 16.

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No. 34. (Circular.) Sib, — Downing Street, 13th April, 1897. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the consideration of your Government, a copy of a letter from the Board of Trade, requesting to be informed as to the practice which obtains in regard to the discharge of seamen at colonial ports. I shall be glad if you will furnish me with the information desired by the Board so far as it relates to the colony under your government. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government J. CHAMBERLAIN, of New Zealand.

Enclosure. (M. 6274.) Board of Trade, Marine Department, 7, Whitehall Gardens, Sir,— London, S.W., sth April, 1897. I am directed by the Board of Trade to state, for the information of Mr. Secretary Chamberlain, that questions have been raised in connection with section 188 of " The Merchant Shipping Act, 1894," which provides that seamen can only be discharged or left behind in a British possession with the sanction of the local superintendent or officer of Customs, and the Board think it would facilitate the settlement of these questions if precise information could be obtained as to the practice at present followed in this matter in the various colonies. I am accordingly to suggest for the consideration of the Secretary of State that the Colonial Governments may be requested to be good enough to forward information with regard to the principles upon which it is decided at each large port whether the sanction required by section 188 shall be granted or not; and whether sanction to the discharge of crews whose agreements have terminated at a colonial port is ever refused, it being a question of some doubt whether section 188 would apply in such cases ; also the extent to which the decision as to granting or withholding sanction in these cases is governed by local laws or ordinances. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Walter J. Howell.

No. 35. 'Sir,— Colonial Office, Downing Street, 14th April, 1897. With reference to your telegram of the 16th ultimo, I have the honour to inform you that the Queen has been pleased to signify her approval that members of the Legislative Council in certain colonies possessing Responsible Government, including New Zealand, may, on retirement or resignation, after a continuous service of not less than ten years, be eligible to be recommended by the Governors of such colonies for Her Majesty's permission to retain the title of " Honourable," and that you will, therefore, be at liberty to recommend for the privilege any gentlemen who may be duly qualified. I enclose a copy of the notice in the London Gazette on this subject, and also of a despatch which I have addressed to the Governors of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia, whose representatives at the recent Conference at Hobart were not in favour of the adoption of the proposal. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government J. CHAMBEELAIN. of New Zealand.

Enclosure No. 1. [Extract from the London Gazette.] Downing Street, 10th April, 1897. This Queen has been graciously pleased to signify Her approval that members of the Legislative Councils in certain colonies possessing Responsible Government may, on retirement or resignation after a continuous service in such Councils of not less than ten years, be eligible to be recommended by the Governors of such colonies for Her Majesty's permission to retain the title of " Honourable." 3—A. 2.

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Enclosure No. 2. My Loed, — Colonial Office, Downing Street, 14th April, 1897. With jregard to your (1) Lordship's telegram of the 22nd ultimo; (2) Lordship's telegram of the 11th March, and despatch, No. 3, of the 29th January; (3) telegram of the 18bh ultimo ; and (4) telegram of the 31st ultimo —on the question of the retention of the title of " Honourable " by members of the Legislative Council after ten years' continuous service, I have the honour to observe that, as stated in my circular despatch of the 14th November last, Her Majesty had already approved of the proposal in the case of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, through whose Government the subject was first brought to my notice, and that since then the Governments of Natal and Newfoundland have requested that the privilege may be extended to those colonies. | \ I have, moreover, received communications from the Governors of Queensland and New Zealand expressing the wish of their Ministers that the proposed privilege should be enjoyed by ex-members of the Legislative Council in those colonies. It is in these circumstances that I have had to consider the resolution (No. 21b) on this subject, which was carried by a majority of four to three at the Conference of Australasian Premiers held at Hobart in February last; and as it is apparent that, had all the Eesponsible Governments of the Empire been represented on that occasion, there would have been a small majority in favour of the proposal, I have felt that I should not be justified in advising Her Majesty, in deference to the resolution of the majority of the representatives of the Australian Governments, to abandon the proposal in the case of any colonies whose Governments may still be in favour of its adoption. You will, however, see from the accompanying notice published in the London Gazette, that the arrangement is merely permissive; and it will therefore rest with the Government of any particular colony to recommend or not any qualified person for the privilege, as it may think fit. I have, &c, J. Chamberlain. (1) Victoria; (2) Tasmania ; (3) South Australia ; (4) Western Australia. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not giren; printing (1,375 copies), £3 10«.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB97. Price 9d.]

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