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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1900 Session I, A-01

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1900. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

INDEX.

No. 1. (No. 18.) Qui Government House, Auckland, 4th May, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that cases may at any time arise which cannot be properly dealt with by the British Besident at Barotonga (Cook Islands) under his commission as Deputy Commissioner. A case in point having recently arisen, I enclose a despatch received by the British Besident from the High Commissioner's Secretary. 2. I venture to suggest the advisability of his receiving a Judicial Commissionership in lieu of the Deputy Commissionership for these islands, as the time necessary to obtain the requisite authority from Fiji is such that much inconvenience, and possibly danger to public interests, may be otherwise incurred by the delay. I—A. 1.

No. of Series. Date. Subject. Page, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 4 May, 1899 17 May, „ 22 May, „ 29 May, „ 12 June, „ 17 June, „ 20 June, „ 23 June, „ 23 June, „ 27 June, „ 6 July, „ 7 July, „ 8 July, „ 12 July, „ 4 Aug., „ 4 Aug., „ 5 Sept., „ 15 Sept., „ 18 Sept., „ 29 Sept., „ 21 Oct., „ 23 Oct., „ 24 Oct., „ 24 Oct., „ 12 Dec, „ 12 Dec, „ 14 Dec, „ 15 Dec, „ 15 Dec, „ Appointment of British Resident, Cook Islands, a Judicial Commissioner Imperial penny postage Resignation of Sir James Prendergast Offer of New Zealand Forces for Samoa " Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1894," Assimilation of New Zealand law to Bankruptcy law : Recognition of title of Trustees of British bankrupts .. Instructions in art sohools Appointments to Legislative Council Appointment of Sir Robert Stout, K.O.M.G., as Chief Justice Appointment of Acting British Consul at Samoa, Major Mair Sir James Prendergast to have the title of " Honourable " Opening of Parliament, 1899 Gift of land to the Queen by a Chief of the Cook Islands Opening of Parliament, 1899 Acting British Consul at Samoa Report on working of Old-age Pensions Aot Explosion of gun-cotton University education for Roman Catholios Acts passed by Cook Islands Legislature .. .. Offer of troops for South Africa Departure of New Zealand Contingent Departure of New Zealand Contingent Prorogation of Parliament Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., Deputy of the Governor during his absence Return of the Governor Trade-marks Convention with Guatemala to be applied to colony Copies of Acts passed, 1899 Treaty of Commerce, &c, with Uruguay : Adhesion of colony .. Gift of land to the Queen by a Chief of the Cook Islands 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 13 13

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3. I would add that there are but twelve posts a year from the Cook Islands to New Zealand, and but one a month between New Zealand and Fiji, the steamers not running in connection. The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, I have, &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies. BANFUBLY.

No. 2. (No. <_.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th May, 1899. With reference to your despatch circular dated the 7th February, 1899, relative to penny postage, I have the honour to inform you that my Government do not see their way at the present time to adopt the Imperial penny postage rate. This decision they have arrived at from financial reasons only. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2,1900, No. 2.

No. 3. (No. 27.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 22nd May, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that I have accepted the resignation of the Chief Justice, His Honour Sir James Prendergast, Kt.; he is retiring after having served the colony twenty-four years in that capacity. I n_vp C\o The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, ' BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 4. (No. 29.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 29th May, 1899. I have the honour to enclose you a copy of a memorandum that I have received this day from my Premier. My Government would be prepared at any time to place at the disposal of the Officer Commanding at Samoa whatever number of men you might deem advisable, should you think fit to accept their offer. I may further add that it will be generally deemed by the people of New Zealand to be a privilege to be permitted to take their share in this work. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, &c, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments, and wishes the Secretary of State to be informed that there is a possibility of Mataafa not accepting the decision of the Samoan Commission, and that if this should happen further hostilities may take place; that in New Zealand we have trained officers accustomed to the bush method of warfare and fighting, and Maori customs of attack and defence : that we have also Volunteer corps of men accustomed to bush life and with experience in the back-woods ; and that we have those of the Native race who are loyal, prepared and desirous of assisting in restoring law and order at Samoa. Seeing the time that must necessarily elapse before either an American, British, or German Force could be landed at Samoa, and our proximity thereto, and the material we have at immediate command, your Excellency's Advisers deem it desirable that you should inform the Secretary of State that we are prepared to help in every way possible. R. J. Seddon. Premier's Office, Auckland, 29th May, 1899.

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No. 5. (No. 35.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 12th June, 1899. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand—General) dated the 20th January, 1899, on the subject of the Shipping and Seamen's Act, I have the honour to inform you that my Government propose to introduce a Bill embodying the amendments suggested by the Board of Trade. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, &c, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1900, No. 1.

No. 6. (No. 37.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th June, 1899. With reference to your despatch circular dated the 10th February, 1899, relative to the bankruptcy law, I have the honour to inform you that my Government advise that there is no provision in the New Zealand bankruptcy law giving a preference to creditors resident in the colony as against creditors not so resident. The law of this colony is contained in " The Bankruptcy Act, 1892," the 120 th section of which, after providing for the payment of certain preferential claims, such as costs, rent, wages, &c, declares that the money received by the assignee from the realisation of the bankrupt's property shall be applied by him in payment, pari passu, of all debts provable and proved in the bankruptcy. 2. The local law as to the distribution of assets appears to be identified with the English law, although in New Zealand, as in England, no doubt occasional differences may arise as regards dealing with real property and conflict of authority between local arid foreign jurisdictions in the administration of estates. 3. I have further the honour to state that this matter will again be considered by my Government. I have, &c. The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1900. No. 4.

No. 7. (No. 38.) Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 20th June, 1899. With reference to your despatch circular dated the 2nd March, 1899, relative to instruction in art, I have the honour to inform you that my Government would be glad to procure such a set of works as are referred to in your despatch on the terms proposed. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 8. (No. 39.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd June, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that there are now six vacancies in the Legislative Council. Acting on the advice of my Ministers, I have filled three of these, having sanctioned the appointment of the following gentlemen to the Council : Mr. Francis H. Fraser, of Wellington; Mr. Hugh Gourley, of Dunedin; Colonel Albert Pitt, of Nelson. I enclose a newspaper extract showing these gentlemen's qualifications. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain. BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies,

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No. 9. (No. 40.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd June, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that the Hon. Sir Bobert Stout, K.C.M.G., has been offered and accepted the position of Chief Justice of this colony, in succession to His Honour Sir James Prendergast, Kt., retired. I enclose herewith a newspaper extract, showing Sir Bobert Stout's past career. I have, &c, The Bight. Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 10. (No. 41.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 27th June, 1899. With reference to your cablegram of the 22nd June, asking for an Acting Consul to be sent to Samoa, vice Mr. Maxse, I have the honour to inform you that prior to the arrival of your cable I had, on the receipt of a similar request from Mr. Eliot, Her Majesty's High Commissioner in Samoa, already appointed Major William Mair to that position, and that he left New Zealand for Samoa immediately the Government steamer " Tutanekai," then at Wellington, could reach Auckland to take him. Major Mair is at present in the New Zealand Civil Service as Native Land Court Judge, and my Government immediately consented to grant him three months' leave of absence, as the matter was urgent. Should any extension of time be required, I should be glad if you would send me a cable to enable me, if possible, to arrange with my Government for an extension of his leave and for the arrangement of his work, which will have become much in arrear. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 11. (No. 43.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 6th July, 1899. I have the honour to submit for your consideration a copy of a memorandum from my Premier, requesting that Sir James Prendergast's name may be submitted to Her Majesty for the privilege of bearing the title of " Honourable," both within this colony and throughout the British dominions. I have much pleasure in recommending his past services to your favourable consideration. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosures. Memorandum for His Excellency. Referring to Lord Carnarvon's despatch of 29th September, 1877, in which the Governor is informed that the Queen has approved of the recommendation that retired Judges of the Supreme Court of the Australasian Colonies should be allowed the privilege of bearing the title of " Honourable " for life within the colony, &c, and in which the Governor is further informed that he is at liberty to recommend for submission to the Queen the name of any Judge retiring from the Bench for these privileges, the Premier has now respectfully to submit to His Excellency the name of Sir James Prendergast, Kt., who retired from the position of Chief Justice of New Zealand on the 25th May last, for recommendation to the Secretary of State. And further, referring to the despatch from the Secretary of State dated 15th June, 1893, in which the Governor was apprised " that the title of ' Honourable,' appertaining to members of the Executive and Legislative Council, is approved by Her Majesty for use and recognition throughout her dominions," the Premier respectfully recommends, for submission to the Secretary of State, that a similar privilege may be extended to Sir James Prendergast. Premier's Office, Wellington, 3rd July, 1899. B. J. Seddon.

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Sir James Prendergast's Career. Son of Sir Michael Prendergast, Q.C., born 1828. 1849—8.A. degree. Cambridge. 1849 to 1856—Studied Middle Temple. April, 1856—Called to the bar. 1856 to 1861—Practised in England. 1862 —Admitted to New Zealand bar. 1863—Appointed Crown Prosecutor and Provincial Solicitor for Otago. 1865 —Appointed non-political Solicitor-General. 1865 to 1875—Attorney-General. 1875 to 1899—Chief Justice. In 1881 made a Knight Bachelor. Administered the Government. 1879—215t February to 27th March. 1880—9 th September to 29th November. 1882—24 th June to 20th January, 1883. 1889—23 rd March to 2nd May. 1892—25 th February to 6th June. 1897—8 th February to 10th August.

No. 12. (No. 44.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 7th July, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that I opened the fourth session of the thirteenth Parliament of New Zealand on the 23rd June, 1899. Copies of the Speech that I read on that occasion, and the Address in Beply, will be forwarded by the next mail. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 13. (No. 45.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Bth July, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that the British Besident of the Cook Islands (Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon) has just completed a tour of the group. At Mangaia an influential chief (Daniela Tangitoru) presented a piece of land of about 5 acres to Her Majesty. The British Besident informed Tangitoru that he had no authority to receive presents on behalf of Her Majesty, and has informed me, with a view to this matter being submitted for her decision. There is a precedent at Barotonga, where Makea Ariki presented to Her Majesty a few acres, which were accepted, and the present British Besidency was erected thereon. I have no information as to whether this land would be desirable for any public purpose. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 14. (No. 47.) Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 12th July, 18t>9. With reference to my despatch (New Zealand—No. 44), dated the 7th No. 12. July, 1899, relative to the opening of Parliament, I have the honour to enclose you the copies of the following documents : (a.) The Speech that I read on that occasion; (6.) Address in Beply presented to me by the Honourable the Legislative Council; (c.) Address in Beply presented to me by the Speaker and members of the House of Bepresentatives. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 15. (No. 53.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 4th August, 1899. In continuation of my despatch of the 27th June, 1899, relative to an Acting Consul for Samoa, I have the honour to inform you that Major Mair arrived at Apia on the 30th June, and found that Mr. Eliot, Her Majesty's High Commissioner in Samoa, had already installed Mr. Hunter as British Consul there. Mr. Eliot, however, requested Major Mair to remain, and has apparently appointed him to investigate claims for losses made by British subjects. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 10.

No. 16. (No. 57.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 4th August, 1899. I have the honour to enclose you a paper relating to old-age pensions, laid before both Houses of the Legislature, giving the workings of that Act up to the 31st March last. Deeming this question would be of more than ordinary interest at the present time, I have obtained further details, bringing the working of the Act up to the 30th June last. On this date the number of claims established was 9,505; the number rejected, 1,028 ; the number withdrawn, 394; and the number partly investigated, postponed, or awaiting investigation, 1,639 : making a total of 12,566 claims. Of the 9,505 claims established, 9,316 are at the present moment in force receiving pensions, 157 deaths having occurred, and thirty-two having been cancelled for various reasons. A very satisfactory feature in connection with the working of the Act has been the very few attempts at fraud and misrepresentation. My Government are of opinion that when the first claims have been dealt with the number of deaths will be almost equal to the number of new claims made. The appropriation for this year is .£150,000, and my Premier estimates that this will more than cover the requisite payments. [ no tta CVO The Bight. Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosures. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency, and has the honour to transmit herewith two copies of the Report upon Old-age Pensions (H.-18), laid before Parliament pursuant to section 62 of " The Old-age Pensions Act, 1898," and also a return bringing the transactions up to the 30th of June last. The number of deaths is significant, as the cancellations for various reasons amount to only thirty-two out of a total of over nine thousand. A very satisfactory feature in connection with the return has been the few attempts at fraud and misrepresentation. The Premier is of opinion that when the first claims have been investigated and have assumed a normal condition the number of deaths will almost equal the number of claims made. The appropriations for this purpose have been taken by the Premier for this year at £150,000, which is estimated to more than cover the payments required. 3rd August, 1899. R. J. Seddon.

" Old-age Pensions Act, 1898."—Statement of Claims, as on 30th June, 1899. Number of claims established ... ... ... ... ... 9,505 „ rejected ... ... ... ... ... 1,028 „ withdrawn ... ... ... ... ... 394 Number of claims awaiting investigation, inclusive of claims partly investigated and postponed ... ... ... ... ... 1,639 Total ... ... ... ... 13,566

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Number of claims established ... ... ... ... ... 9,505 deaths ... ... ... ... ... 157 „ cancellations ... ... ... ••• 32 — 189 Number of pensions in force on 30th June, 1899 ... ... ... 9,316

No. 17. (No. 60.) Sir,— Government House, Wellington, sth September, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that on the 7th October, 1899, whilst some blasting operations were being carried on with dry gun-cotton at Wellington by members of the Permanent Militia, an explosion occurred, causing loss of life. My Government are desirous that the whole matter should be referred to the Imperial authorities for their opinion as to the cause of the disaster, and as a means of elucidating the cause of the deplorable occurrence. I append herewith a copy of a letter from my Premier to the AgentGeneral for New Zealand in London bearing on the subject. The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier has the honour to acknowledge the receipt of His Excellency's memorandum (No. 28) of the 29th ultimo, and in reply thereto to forward for His Excellency's information a copy of a letter which is being despatched to the Agent-General by the outgoing San Francisco mail. The Premier has the honour to request that His Excellency the Governor will move the Secretary of State for the Colonies to grant the assistance of the Imperial authorities in elucidating the cause of the deplorable occurrence. E. J. Seddon, Premier. Premier's Office, Wellington, 4th September, 1899.

Sub-enclosure. Sir, — Premier's Office, Wellington, Ist September, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that while some blasting operations were being carried out with dry gun-cotton at the Defence works in Wellington on the 7th instant, by members of the Permanent Militia, an explosion occurred by which three men lost their lives, and one was seriously injured. The Government are desirous that the whole matter should be referred to the Imperial authorities for submission to the Home Office and military experts for their opinion as to the cause of the disaster, and I beg to forward herewith the following documents in connection with the matter for their information : (1) Copy of letter from Colonel Penton, Commander of the Forces ; (2) copy of evidence taken at the inquest; (3) copy of the rider to the verdict of the jury; (4) copies of plans showing the structure on which the blasting operations were being carried out; (5) photographs of the scene of the explosion. A portion of the rammer mentioned in the evidence, with which the gun-cotton was being rammed, and some of the concrete forming the structure upon which the blasting operations were being carried out, are being forwarded to you by parcel-post. A box of the gun-cotton referred to is being forwarded to you in order that it may be submitted to official testing by the Imperial authorities. I shall be glad if you will forward to me the opinion of the Imperial authorities on this matter as soon as it can be obtained. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. E. J. Seddon, Premier.

No. 18. (No. 63.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 15th September, 1899. With reference to your despatch dated the 13th July, 1899, relative to the university education of Boman Catholics, I have the honour to inform you that the charter of the New Zealand University states that its benefits are for all classes and denominations of our faithful subjects, without any distinction whatever, Accordingly the University of New Zealand itself, and the four

A.-2, 1900, No. 9.

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university colleges to one of which a student must join himself in order to graduate, are quite undenominational in the constitution of their governing bodies, and all their privileges are open to any subject of Her Majesty. 2. My Government have no means of ascertaining how many of the total number of university students are Eoman Catholics. 3. With regard to the governing bodies, the Most Eeverend Archbishop Eedwood is a Fellow of the Senate of the University, the Eight Eeverend Bishop Grimes is a member of the Board of Governors of the Canterbury College, and the Very Eeverend Dr. Waiters is on the Council of the Victoria College, Wellington. 4. These have been elected not as Eoman Catholics, but in the same way as other citizens. Similarly, my Ministers inform me that they understand that one layman of the Eoman Catholic Church is a Fellow of the University Senate, a second is on the Auckland University College Council, and a third is on the Council of the Victoria College. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 19. (No. 64.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 18th September, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that the Cook Islands Legislature have passed the following Bills, which have received the assent of the British Besident : — (1.) " Import Duties Act 1898 Amendment Act, 1899 " : This Act raises the duty on spirits to 12s. per proof gallon; the duty prior to this was 10 per cent, ad valorem. (2.) An Act to provide for the Institution of Local Government within the Islands of the Cook Group : This Act was passed at the instance of the chief men of Barotonga, in order to define the powers of that local body known as the " Au," and it has met with such general approval that it has been adopted by every island of the group. (3.) An Act to provide for the Bating of Land in the Occupation of Foreigners : This Act is for the purpose of making foreign residents contribute the proportion of cost to the construction of bridges and the maintenance of roads, and is a necessary sequence of No. 2. 2. The Parliament have also done much good work in revising and codifying the laws of Mangaia and Aitutaki, which were in a state of chaos. Colonel Gudgeon, the British Besident, expresses his belief that the new code will be adopted by all the other islands of the group. 3. The statement of revenue and expenditure for the past year is satisfactory, and there is an actual cash surplus of over £380. Owing to the primitive printing arrangements at Barotonga the Besident has not, so far, been able to forward the balance-sheet. 4. The Group continues to remain in a satisfactory state. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies

No. 20. (No. 67.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 29th September, 1899. I have the honour to enclose you a resolution passed by the House of Bepresentatives on the 28th September. On the declaration of the division —fifty-four in favour and five against—there was a scene of the greatest enthusiasm, the whole House rising and singing the National Anthem, followed by rounds of applause.

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2. The same evening my Premier had an interview with me, asking me to cable the resolution and offer of services of two companies of Mounted Bifles. Each company is to consist of one hundred rank-and-file and at least four officers. 3. The New Zealand Government will provide outfit, transport to African port, rations, and horse-feed en route; but on landing, transport, rations, and ammunition to be provided by the Imperial authorities. This colony has no transport corps, or, at the present moment, any of the ammunition proposed to be used there. Tents can be sent, if desired. The number of horses it is proposed to send for the two companies is 250. 4. The payment of the corps throughout will be made by the Government. 5. The Legislative Council have passed a resolution approving of the resolution of the House of Bepresentatives. This resolution was passed by thirtysix votes to one against. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 21. (No. 69.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 21st October, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that the departure of the New Zealand Contingent for the Transvaal this day was made the occasion of a display of loyalty and goodfellowship to the Mother-country hitherto unsurpassed in the Southern Hemisphere. It has been estimated that from forty to sixty thousand people were present, every town in the colony nearly being in some way represented. After witnessing the brief ceremony which time alone allowed, I could not but feel assured that the entire mass present felt proud of being permitted to, in however small a way, show their devotion to the Empire ; and the entire colony, with possibly the exception of a handful of men, approves and rejoices in their offer being accepted. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 22. (No. 70.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd October, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that the New Zealand Contingent for South Africa sailed in the s.s. "Waiwera" at 5 p.m. on Saturday, the 21st October, due date. The contingent consists of one major, two captains, six lieutenants, and 204 non-commissioned officers and men. The number of horses embarked, was 249. The contingent themselves are a fine body of hardy young men, and the horses are also satisfactory. Begarding their equipment, the Commander of the Forces has reported to me that there are no deficiencies, but that the contractors have sent in some saddlery of inferior make and workmanship which it was impossible to replace. They may therefore require on arrival in South Africa some small supplement to their horse-equipment, such as bridles, head-collars, and girths. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Embarked in s.s. " Waiwera."—One major, two captains, six lieutenants, 204 non-commissioned officers and men, 249 horses, and two horses of Lieutenant Ward's. For the voyage to South Africa : Lieutenant Ward, R.A., Lieutenant Neile, and Dr. Burns. As far as I can ascertain, no deficiencies, but as the colonial saddlery is of inferior make and workmanship it will require to be supplemented, at least in the way of bridles, head-collars, and girths. 2—A. 1.

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No. 23.

(No. 71.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 24th October, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that ori this day I prorogued the fourth session of the thirteenth Parliament of New Zealand. 2. The Bills which have been passed, when duly sealed, will be forwarded for her Majesty's approval. I have &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 24. (No. 73.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 22nd November, 1899. I have the honour to state that His Excellency Lord Banfurly, the Governor, left New Zealand on the 31st October, 1899, on a visit to the Colony of Victoria. 2. Before leaving, he appointed me his deputy. I have, &c, Bobert Stout, Chief Justice. The Bight Hon, J. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 25. (No. 76.) Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 12th December, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that I returned to New Zealand, and that I have taken over the duties from his Honour Sir Bobert Stout, who acted as my deputy up to the 11th instant. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 26. (No. 77.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 12th December, 1899. With reference to your despatch circular dated the 26th September, 1899, regarding the Convention between the United Kingdom and Guatemala relative to trade-marks : I have the honour to inform you that my Government are desirous that the stipulations of the Convention should be made applicable to the colony. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies,

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No. 27. (No. 78.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 14th December, 1899. I have the honour to forward you a synopsis, prepared by the Law Officers, of the Acts passed during the fourth session of ,the thirteenth Parliament of New Zealand, together with the Acts duly authenticated with the seal of the colony. 2. I have further the honour to inform you that I have reserved my assent to " The Immigration Bestriction Act, 1899," according to Instructions under the Boyal Sign Manual and Signet, paragraph vi., sections 7 and 8. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies. - •

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Enclosure,. Attached hereto is the usual synopsis of the statutes passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand in the fourth session of the thirteenth Parliament of the colony, and which closed on the 24th of October last. The synopsis has been prepared in this office. Crown Law Office, 14th November, 1899. W. S. Reid, Solicitor-General.

Synopsis of Acts passed by the General Assembly op New Zealand during the Session ending 24th October, 1899. Public General Acts. No. 1. The Imprest Supply Act.—Granting £361,000, £9,000, and £100,000 on imprest towards the service of the year. No. 2. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 2).— Granting £386,000, £9,000, and £125,000 on imprest towards the service of the year. No. 3. The Municipal Franchise Reform Extension Act.—Making provision for the final amendment of the burgess-roll for the purposes of the annual election. No. 4. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 3).— Granting £336,000, £9,000, and £50,000 on imprest towards the service of the year. No. 5. The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act.—Authorising the raising of £1,000,000 for the construction of railways, roads, bridges, and other public works mentioned in the Schedule to the Act. No. 6. The Land for Settlements Acts Amendment Act. —Extending the operation of the principal Act until the fourteenth day after the close of the first session of the next ensuing Parliament, also making further provision for workmen's homes, and otherwise amending the principal Act. No. 7. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 4).— Granting £336,000, 39,000, and £5,000 on imprest towards the service of the year. No. 8. The Licensing Poll Regulation Act. —Providing for scrutineers at the licensing poll taken under " The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act Amendment Act, 1895." No. 9. The Native Townships Act Amendment Act.—Amending the principal Act with respect to the mode of payment of compensation and survey charges, by spreading the payment over a number of years not exceeding ten. No. 10. The Police Provident Fund Act.—Establishing a fund to provide pensions and other allowances to members of the Police Force on retirement or death, the fund being formed partly from deductions from the pay of members and partly from contributions from the Consolidated Fund, and the benefits being regulated by length of service. Provisions of a general nature are inserted for the Act. No. 11. The Employment of Boys or Girls without Payment Prevention Act.—Providing that every boy or girl under eighteen years of age employed in a factory shall be paid not less than 4s. a week in the case of a girl and ss. a week in the case of a boy. The Act also forbids the payment of any premium for such employment. No. 12. The Wages Protection Act. —Providing that no money shall be deducted or taken by an employer from wages of his workmen in respect of insurance against accident. No. 13. The Local Government Voting Reform Act.—Abolishing the absentee vote at local government polls, and reducing the maximum property vote from five votes to three. No. 14. The Payment of Jurors Act. —Providing for the payment of Coroners' jurors, and jurors in criminal cases, at the rate of Bs. a day for more than four hours' attendance in the day, and 4s. for not more than four hours' attendance. . No. 15. The Shipping and Seamen's Act Amendment Act.—Repealing certain provisions for granting certificates of service, making special provisions in the case of ships propelled by gas, oil, fluid, or other mechanical power than steam, and providing for the issue of certificates of competency and service to engineers of such ships ; also amending section 32 of "The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877." No. 16. The Government Advances to Settlers Act Amendment Act.—Providing for rebate of \ per cent, interest in cases where the instalment of the loan is punctually paid; also providing that moneys paid in advance may be applied in reduction of future instalments, either with or without a break in the periodical continuity of the due dates ; also providing for the readjustment of a loan when partly repaid, by treating the unpaid balance as a fresh loan; also providing for advances on security of urban and suburban land. No. 17. The Labour Day Act.—Providing that the second Wednesday in October in each year shall be known as Labour Day and be a public holiday. No. 18. The Kauri-gum Industry Act Amendment Act. —Amending the principal Act by providing that no one shall dig on a kauri-gum reserve unless he is a British subject by birth, or naturalisation, or a Maori, and holds a special license extending to such reserve. No. 19. The Pacific Cable Authorisation Act.—Empowering the Governor.in Council to give effect to certain resolutions (set out in the Schedule to the Act) respecting the construction of a Pacific telegraph cable. No. 20. The Government Accident Insurance Act. —Empowering the Government Life Insurance Department to carry on the business of Accident Insurance, the assets and liabilities of the Life Insurance business being separate and distinct from those of the Accident Insurance business; with general provisions for giving effect to the Act.

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No. 21. The Native Reserves Act Amendment Act. —Amending "The Native Reserves Act, 1895," as to new leases. No. 22. The Pharmacy Act Amendment Act.—Limiting subsection 5 of section 27 of the Act of 1898 to shops in New Zealand. No. 23. The Municipal Franchise Reform Extension Act 1899 Amendment Act.—Providing for the final amendment of the burgess-roll on the thirty-first day next preceding each ordinary election, and for the closing of the roll on the fourteenth day before the election. Also entitling residental occupants to be elected as Mayor or Councillor. No. 24. The Trustee Act Amendment Act.—Making fuller provision for the delegation of their powers by trustees ; also empowering one or more trustees (less than the whole) to operate on bank account if so authorised by all the trustees; also making fuller provision for the appointment of new trustees, and empowering Court to relieve a trustee from personal liability for technical breach of trust where he has acted honestly. No. 25. The Government Life Insurance Acts Amendment Act.—Extending the powers of the Deputy Commissioner in certain cases, and empowering the Board to exercise certain powers respecting property in lieu of the Governor ; also declaring that no suit shall be affected by reason merely of the Judge or Magistrate being a policy-holder. No. 26. The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Act.—Reducing the rate of interest payable by local bodies in respect of Government loans, and providing for the readjustment of existing loans on the reduced basis. No. 27. The Railways Authorisation Act.—Authorising the construction of certain railways mentioned in the Schedule to the Act. No. 28. The Land-tax and Income-tax Act.—lmposing the annual land-tax of Id. in the pound on land and mortgages, and income-tax of Is. in the pound on income in the case of companies (including persons engaged in shipping), and in all other cases 6d. in the pound-on income up to £1,000, and thereafter Is. No. 29. The Mining Act Amendment Act. —Amending and extending the existing law as to gold-mining by giving increased facilities for dredging and other mining operations ; also extending the existing provisions as to compensation. No. 30. The Native Land Laws Amendment Act.—Extending power as to orders permitting land to be mortgaged in certain cases; also prohibiting purchases of Native land by the Crown, and restricting the power of sale under mortgages to secure costs of survey of Native land. The Act, however, remains in force only until ten days after the close of the next session of Parliament. No. 31. The Counties Act Amendment Act.—Providing for the alteration of the boundaries of certain counties ; also for the merger of certain road districts. No. 32. The Appropriation Act.—Appropriating for the services of the year £1,394,902 and £2,905,167 out of the Consolidated Fund, £824,413 and £1,374,305 out of the Public Works Fund, and £93,401 and £212,546 out of certain separate accounts; also providing for the transfer of £450,000 from the Consolidated Fund to the Public Works Fund, the payment of the expenses (not exceeding £35,000) of the South African Contingent, and the expenditure of £260 and £1,300 on Government Houses and grounds at Wellington and Auckland. Act Reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon. No. 33. The Immigration Restriction Act.—Prohibiting the immigration into New Zealand of idiots and insane persons, persons suffering from loathsome or dangerous contagious diseases, persons convicted of certain offences involving moral turpitude, and persons (other than of British birth and parentage) who are unable to write in some European language. The Act is framed on the lines of the Natal Act, as suggested by the Secretary of State for the Colonies; and has been reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon, in accordance with the Royal Instructions to His Excellency the Governor, dated 26th March, 1892. Local Acts. No. 1. The Heathcote Road District Sanitation Act.—Providing for the better sanitation of the district. No. 2. The Christchurch City Borrowing Act.—Authorising the City Corporation to borrow £35,000 for municipal purposes upon security of a special rate. No. 3. The Napier Harbour Board Amendment and Endowment Improvement Act.—■ Authorising the Harbour Board to sell certain lands, purchase and lease certain lands, and borrow J613,000 to provide compensation to lessees for improvements. No. 4. The Invercargill Garrison Hall Trustees Empowering Act.—Authorising the trustees to borrow £3,250 on mortgage of land vested in them, and with guarantee of interest on behalf of the Crown, if so thought fit. No. 5. The Borough of Port Chalmers Borrowing Act.—Authorising the Corporation of the borough to borrow £5,000 for municipal purposes on security of a special rate. No. 6. The University of Otago Leases and Securities Act 1898 Amendment Act.—Authorising the University to reserve streets out of lands vested in it. No. 7. The Timaru Harbour Board Act. —Making further provision for the election of members of the Harbour Board, and the exercise of certain functions vested in it. No. 8. The Gore Agricultural and Pastoral Association Empowering Act.—Empowering the association to borrow money on mortgage of certain land, with or without power of sale ; also to lease the land.

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No. 9. The Wellington City Streets Act. —Empowering the City Council to declare certain now existing private streets to be public streets. No. 10. The Auckland Harbour Board Empowering Act.—-Empowering the Harbour Board to borrow £75,000 to be expended on the Calliope Dock ; and otherwise extending the powers and duties of the Board. No. 11. The Auckland Grammar School Act. —Making provision for the government of this school by a Board, and defining the powers and functions of the Board. No. 12. The Wellington City Empowering Act.—Authorising the City Council to execute certain municipal works and borrow money for the purpose, with the previous consent of the burgesses, and making provision for other matters relating to the city. No. 13. The Invercargill Reserves Leasing Act 1884 Amendment Act.—Making further provision for the leasing of certain municipal reserves. No. 14. The Borough of Stratford Private Roads Act. — Authorising the Borough Council to declare certain private roads to be public roads. No. 15. The Linwood Borough Loan Act.—Empowering the Borough Council to borrow £2,000 upon security of a special rate for certain municipal purposes. No. 16. The Mauriceville County Act.—Constituting the Mauriceville County. No. 17. The Auckland City Borrowing Act.—Empowering the City Council to borrow £100,000 upon security of a special rate for certain municipal purposes. No. 18. The Ohinemuri County Electric Power and Lighting Act. —Empowering the County Council to enter into contract for the supply of electricity for lighting and motive-power. No. 19. The Rotokare Domain Act. —Empowering the Hawera Borough Council to lease part of the Rotokare Domain. No. 20. The Christchurch Domains Trust Indemnity Act.—Empowering the Trustees of the Christchurch Domains Trust Fund to pay certain moneys to the Christchurch Domains Board. No. 21. The Timaru Harbour Board Loan Act.—-Empowering the Timaru Harbour Board to borrow £100,000 for the improvement of the harbour. No. 22. The Stratford Borough Empowering Act.—Authorising the Borough Council to make certain payments, and also to borrow £28,700 for certain municipal purposes. No. 23. The Linwood and Woolston Boroughs Loan Act.—Empowering the Borough Councils to borrow £4,000 upon security of special rates for certain municipal purposes. No. 24. The Thames Harbour Board Empowering Act.—Empowering the Harbour Board to sell certain land to the Thames Borough. No. 25. The Te Aroha Borough Reserve Act.—Vesting certain land in the borough as a reserve. No. 26. The Whakatane County Act.—Constituting the Whakatane County. No. 27. The Marlborough High School Act. — Establishing a Board of Governors for the Marlborough High School, and defining its powers aud functions. No. 28. The Melrose Borough Gas Act. — Empowering the Borough Council to construct gasworks for the use and supply of the borough, with the usual powers conferred for such purposes. Private Acts. No. 1. The Canterbury College and Canterbury Agricultural College Indemnity Act.— Empowering the college to make certain payments. No. 2. The Wellington Electric Lighting Act 1891 Amendment Act.—Extending the powers of the New Zealand Electrical Syndicate (Limited) and the Board of control with respect to electric lighting. No. 3, The Cutten Trust Act.—Empowering the trustees under certain deeds of settlement to grant leases providing for payment of valuation to outgoing tenants, or perpetual renewal, under circumstances set out in preamble to the Act.

No. 28. (No. 79.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 15th December, 1899. With reference to your despatch circular dated the 27th September, 1899, relative to the commercial treaty with Uruguay, I have the honour to inform you that this colony, in the event of the exchange of ratifications of the Convention, wish to adhere to the same. They therefore desire the necessary notification of this fact to be made to the Uruguay Minister for Foreign Affairs. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1899, No. 20.

No. 29. ■ (No. 84.) Sir, —• Government House, Wellington, 18th December, 1899. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand—-No. 61), dated the 26th September, 1899, respecting the gift to Her Majesty the Queen of a piece of

A.-2, 1899, No. 18.

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land by a chief of Mangaia, in the Cook Islands, I have the honour to inform you that my Ministers see no reason why the gift of a piece of land to Her Majesty by a chief—Daniela Tangitoru, of Mangaia—should not be accepted. I have therefore instructed the British Besident at Barotonga that Her Majesty accepts the gift, and expresses her high appreciation of the loyal spirit which has prompted the donor. I have, &c. The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,375 copies), £7 Is.

By Authority: John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oo. Price 6(4?. |