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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1901 Session I, A-01

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1901. 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.

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 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 12 Jan., 1900 15 Jan., „ 16 Jan., „ 18 Jan., „ 13 Feb., „ 13 Feb., , 23 Feb., „ 2G Feb., „ 1 Maroh,,, 9 April, „ 25 April, „ 2 May, „ 11 May, „ 19 May, „ 2 July, „ 3 July, „ 4 July, „ 12 July, „ 21 July, „ 26 July, „ 2 Aug., „ 2 Aug., „ 3 Aug., „. 3 Aug., „ 9 Aug., „ 10 Aug., „ 20 Aug., „ 21 Aug., „ 28 Aug., , 11 Sept., „ 12 Sept., „ 19 Sept., „ 25 Sept., „ 26 Sept., „ 29 Sept., „ 29 Sept., „ Twenty-fifth anniversary of the Postal Union Appeal necessary from High Court, Cook Islands Ee-survey of coast of New Zealand Departure of Third Contingent for South Africa Mr. Thomas Thompson to retain title of " Honourable " Departure of Third and Fourth Contingents for South Africa Mangaian stone axe for presentation to the Queen, and Contribution of Cook Islands to Widows and Orphans Patriotic Fund Eeport of British Eesident, Earotonga, on Trade of Cook Islands, year ending 31st December, 1899 Departure of Third Contingent for South Africa, and Eemounts Commandeering of vessels for transports Samoa, and Convention with Germany. Future arrangements for government of other Pacific Islands The Privy Counoil as the final Court of Appeal in Australian Commonwealth Bill Gold and silver exported during year 1898-1899 Status of Irish pharmacists in New Zealand Mr. John McKenzie to retain title of " Honourable " .. John Deighton and Arthur E. Wolfe sentenced to death ; sentence commuted .. Parliament opened by Commission Court of Appeal for Cook Islands Government advances to settlers : might be of service in Egypt Scheme of defence, by the Hon. the Premier French oolonists' sympathy with Her Majesty on death of Duke of Edinburgh .. Addresses from General Assembly on death of Duke of Edinburgh .. .. Addresses from Auckland, &c, on death of Duke of Edinburgh Addresses from General Assembly to Italian Government of sympathy on assassination of King of Italy Terms of engagement of Contingents in South Africa Eates of pay of Contingents in South Africa .. .. .. ... Ee-survey of coast of New Zealand Aots passed, Session 1900 Amount of ammunition supplied to Contingents in South Africa Frenoh aggression in New Hebrides .. Visit of Chilian training-ship " General Baquedano " to New Zealand Eesignation of Captain H. D. 0. Ward, E.A., as Aide-de-Camp Cook Islands, Natives' Sympathy with Her Majesty on death of Duke of Edinburgh Enlistment of a force for service without the colony Sir Eobert Stout, K.C.M.G., appointed Deputy of the Governor Extension of boundaries of the oolony : Eesolution of General Assembly ; visit of Governor to Cook and other Islands to annex Extension of boundaries of colony Eesignation of Captain Ward, A.D.C. Commandeering of vessels for transport Prorogation of Parliament Salmon fisheries of New Zealand Eesolutions of House of Eepresentatives : Eelations of Fiji and New Zealand " New Zealand EnBign Act, 1900," reserved Acts passed, Session 1900 Sir Eobert Stout, K.C.M.G., acting as Deputy of the Governor Governor's visit to annex Cook and other Islands Eesolution, Legislative Council; relations of Fiji and New Zealand Speech by Governor of Fiji : New. Zealand Natives and their lands Ee-survey of coast of New Zealand Kauri gum Industry Act, as affecting Dalmatians Steam communication between New Zealand and San Francisco Sir James Prendergast appointed Deputy of the Governor Treaty with Honduras : New Zealand does not desire to adhere Fiftieth anniversary of founding of Canterbury 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 i 4 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 12 12 13 13 13 14 15 15 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 29 Sept., „ 29 Sept., „ 15 Oct., „ 20 Oct., „ 24,Oot., „ 24 Oct., „ 25 Oct., „ 26 Oct., „ 26 Oct., „ 31 Oct., „ 3 Nov., „ 27 Nov., „ 6 Dec, „ 8 Dec, „ 17 Dec, „ 19 Dec, „ 20 Dec, „ :22 Dec, „ 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 20 25 25 35 35 37 37 38 38 39 39

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No. 1. (No. 3.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 12th January, 1900„ With reference to your despatch (New Zealand—General) dated the 12th October, 1899, relative to the twenty-fifth anniversary of the foundation of the Postal Union, I have the honour to inform you that this colony will be represented by its Agent-General at the Festival which is to be shortly held at Berne. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1900, No. 23.

No. 2. (No. 5.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 15th January, 1900. I have the honour to inform you tbat some appeal seems to be necessary from the judgments of the High Court, Earotonga. As it exists at present, I am advised that there is no appeal to any Court, nor to the Governor of New Zealand. 2. As was to be expected at the first institution of the Court, there have been a large number of cases, and Colonel Gudgeon has in each case sent me a copy of the evidence and his decision. I consider that the judgments have been extremely fair, and without partiality, and that he has_filled bis difficult position in an exemplary manner. The persons convicted have in almost every case appealed to me; one case, bowever, involved an important principle, " Kohn v. The Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand," which has clearly demonstrated to me that some apppeal is necessary. 3. There seems three courses possible, if an appeal is allowed : (1) An appeal to the High Commissioner, Western Pacific; (2) an appeal to the Supreme Court of New Zealand; (3) an Appeal.Court to be held as required at Earotonga by a New Zealand Judge. 4. As the affairs of the Cook Islands are to a large extent under the Governor of New Zealand, I am strongly in favour of the adoption of either the second or third suggestion. The second course would enable the Governor to keep himself thoroughly acquainted with the operations of justice there, but it would necessitate either the boundaries of New Zealand being made to extend beyond the Cook Islands, or a special (British) Act of Parliament to enable the cases to be heard in our Supreme Court. The third course would be the simplest, and would only necessitate an alteration in the High Court Act (Cook Islands). My Government are desirous to meet your wishes as far as possible in this matter, but if the Appeal Court were held in Earotonga the expenses incurred by the Judge would have to be met by the Cook Islands. 5. In conclusion, I would point out that the High Court as at present constituted, the British Eesident being Chief Justice, with no appeal, places absolutely autocratic power in the one individual's hands, and it is somewhat difficult for him to carry out the double office: First as Adviser to the Cook Islands Government, when he may have to recommend a prosecution ; and, second, as Chief Justice to decide the case in Court. 6. Needless to say such a case should not be permitted, but as there is no means of providing a suitable salary for a Chief Justice, and the British Eesident performs the work gratuitously, it was the only course open. There is not either in these Islands any person who, even if a modest salary were forthcoming, would be fit to hold such an appointment. The British Eesident has himself expressed the difficulties of the position. 7. I should be further glad to be informed if the prerogative of mercy rests with the Governor of New Zealand. I have, (fee, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 3. (No. 6.) Sir, — Government House,' Wellington, 16th January, 1900. I have the honour to enclose you a copy of a memorandum I have received from my Premier regarding the resurveying of the New Zealand coast. The original survey of the coasts of New Zealand seems to have been carried out by H.M.S. " Acheron " and H.M.S. " Pandora," between the years 1849 and 1855. The survey then was only a partial one, and there are many inaccuracies in the charts, fresh rocks and other dangers being constantly discovered ; whilst many of the harbour charts, through alteration in the bars, are comparatively of little use. The large increase in the size and draught of steamers in our ports makes the question of a proper survey most urgent. I have, &c, The Eight. Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments, and desires to bring under His Excellency's notice the necessity for a complete resurvey of the coasts of this colony. Some parts have been properly surveyed, and little requires to be done; but there are other parts which have never been completely surveyed, and the charts have proved from time to time to be defective and misleading. The Premier therefore respectfully requests that His Excellency will bring the matter under the notice of the Imperial authorities, and ask them to send a vessel to properly complete the survey. Our Marine Department and its officers would indicate to the commander of the surveying vessel the parts of the coast which require most urgent attention. Premier's Office, Wellington, 15th January, 1900. E. J. Seddon.

No. 4. . (No. 8.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 18th January, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that the Third Contingent from New Zealand, consisting of volunteer men and horses, independent of New Zealand Government assistance, will probably sail in two steamers about the 15tb February. 2. This .Contingent is being raised by the Mayors of the principal towns, each town meeting the expenses of equipment and transport to South iUxica. The number of men and horses is likely to be about 250. 3. My Government have arranged that both men and horses should be inspected and passed as suitable by the Commander of the Forces, and for this purpose will continue the camp now occupied by the Second Contingent, into which the men will be drafted daily, so as to give them the opportunity of drilling together. 4. This Contingent I understand has been accepted by the British Government, through the Agent-General in London. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 5. (No. 11.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 13th February, 1900. I have the honour to request that Mr. Thomas Thompson may receive Her Majesty's gracious permission to retain the title of " Honourable." Mr. Thompson has just retired from office, having severally been Member of the Executive Council and Ministry for nearly four years. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 6. (No. 12.) Sm, — Government House, Wellington, 13th February, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that the Third Contingent from New Zealand, being the First Eough-rider Contingent, will leave on Saturday next. The cost of outfit and transport is entirely met by voluntary contribution. 2. I informed my Ministers that Her Majesty's Government desired to pay the transport expenses, but my Premier pointed out to me that the people had offered this Contingent on these terms, that this had been accepted, and that they desired to carry out their original offer. 3. As regards the transport of the Fourth Contingent (or Second Boughriders), the Government, on behalf of the people, gladly accept the same. The number of this Contingent is at present unknown; it will, however, not be less than 250, with 300 horses. 4. I desire to add that the Contingent could be almost of any size, as the people are volunteering in hundreds in every centre, many offering, if accepted, to contribute largely to their own outfit. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 7. (No. 13.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd February, 1900. I have the honour to forward you a small box containing a Mangaian stone axe. This axe has been forwarded to me by Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon, British Eesident, Cook Islands, on behalf of Makea, chief of the Arikis, who trusts that Her Majesty will be graciously pleased to accept this small gift as a mark of her respect and sympathy. 2. I might take this opportunity to add that the people of the Cook Islands lately collected and sent to me £107 7s. 6d. to be placed to the Widows and Orphans Patriotic Fund, this amount being the result of one week's work, Makea, Ariki, informing me that the people of Earotonga were not only poor but few in number, and that the money was given as freely and with as much good feeling as though they had been born British subjects. 3. It will be of interest to Her Majesty to know how far-reaching is the loyalty and devotion of her most distant subjects, there being only twelve mails a year from New Zealand to these lonely islands. I have, <fee, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 8. (No. 15.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 26th February, 1900. I have the honour to forward for your information a report from Lieut.Colonel W. E. Gudgeon, British Eesident, Earotonga, on the trade of the Cook Islands for the year ending 31st December, 1899. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies. [For Enclosure, see Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1900, No. 21.]

No. 9. (No. 16.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 12th March, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that the Third Contingent left Lyttelton on the 17th February, in the s.s. " Knight Templar." They consisted

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of ten officers, one surgeon, one veterinary surgeon, and 249 non-commissioned officers and men; also 279 horses. I append a nominal roll. The names are reported to me as accurate, but the numbers attached are subject to correction, and a corrected list will be forwarded from Albany. 2. By the s.s. " Undaunted," which sailed a few days later, ninety-six horses were despatched, consisting of thirty presented by Otago as remounts to the New Zealand First Contingent, and sixty-six sent to Lord Eoberts as remounts for the Xew Zealand troops, or for any other purpose he may prefer. 3. The ceremony of the departure from Christchurch was witnessed by avast crowd of enthusiastic people, and the whole route to the station where the troops entrained for Lyttelton, about two miles, was lined with onlookers, every point of vantage being filled ; the crowd cheering the Contingent continuously throughout the march. 4. At Lyttelton, where the embarkation and final farewell ceremony took place, some forty thousand people were present, and their enthusiasm and loyalty was equal to the demonstrations earlier in the day. 5. I might add that the reception accorded to me, as Her Majesty's representative, was second to none I have received since my arrival in the colony. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 10. (No. 22.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 9th April, 1900. I have the honour to enclose you a copy of a memorandum I have received from my Premier. I have, <fee, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency. In view of the diffipulties lately experienced in procuring vessels to convey this colony's Contingents to South Africa, the Premier begs respectfully to request that His Excellency will be good enough to represent to the Imperial Government the expediency of authorising Colonial Governments, by legislation if necessary, to commandeer vessels of the British mercantile marine that may be suitable to be used as troopships, should occasion arise to render it necessary to do so. E. J. Seddon. Premier's Office, Wellington, sth April, 1900.

No. 11. (No. 28.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 25th April, 1900. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand—No. 77) dated the 24th November, 1899, dealing with Samoa and the convention with Germany, I have the honour to enclose herewith a memorandum from my Premier bearing on that subject. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments, and has the honour to return to His Excellency the Governor the despatch (No. 77) from the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies in respect to Samoa's convention with Germany, with the accompanying documents, and would respectfully remark: — 1. The convention made between Great Britain and Germany regarding the disposition of the Navigator Group shows that the predictions uttered about thirty years ago by the New Zealand Ministry have been verified. The Ministry at that time urged the annexation of Samoa, and, ever

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since, this has been the invariable request of the New Zealand Ministers. Assurances were, it is understood, given in 1872 that neither Germany nor the United States of America desired to acquire territory in the Pacific. When Sir William Francis Drummond Jervois was Governor —I think in the year 1885—the New Zealand Government had, with the consent of the natives, arranged to take possession, and were then stopped by the Imperial Government. Now, the two larger islands —Savaii and Upolu—have become part of Germany, and Tutuila and the smaller Samoan islands belong to the United States. Great Britain, that civilised and christianized them ; that first traded with them ; that has even now the most trade and the most white population, and that has spent much blood and treasure in the islands, has abandoned them to the foreign Powers. 2. This has been done against the wishes of the natives of the islands, who have since 1872 been wishing for a British protectorate or occupation, and the Colonies of Australasia feel keenly the placing in the Pacific—in the central group of the Pacific—fortified positions of foreign Powers that may in the future be used as bases of attack upon them and their commerce. The colonists believe that there must have been some grave diplomatic reason for such a step, not disclosed in the official documents, and, as the matter has been ended, it is useless to comment on the reasons put forward in the despatch (No. 77). 3. Whether in the end it will be for Germany's benefit as a manufacturing nation, and one now relying on foreign trade and seeking its future development, to do such an unfriendly act to Australia and New Zealand, remains to be seen. The trade of New Zealand alone with Germany is greater than the trade of Savaii and Upolu can ever be, and the time may not be far distant when the actions of Germany—for it is known that the United States of America did not ask for a partition of Samoa, or wish Britain to be excluded from and made a foreigner in the group —may be regarded in such a way as not to benefit the trade relations between Germany and the colonies. 4. This surrender of Samoa will in future be a source of anxiety, and entail expense on Great Britain and the colonies in preparing for and providing against eventualities. However, now that it has been done it is necessary that, immediately it is opportune, steps be taken to put the islands admitted to be British on a satisfactory footing. I therefore venture to suggest for consideration that the boundaries of New Zealand should be extended so as to include the Cook Group, the Fiji, the Friendly, and the Society Islands, or such of them as might be included within the extended boundaries with advantage and without causing complications. These proposals, if entertained, are subject to ratification by the General Assembly of the colony, which would, no doubt, pass the necessary laws to provide for their administration, and at the same time retain the assistance of the Arikis, and maintain, as far as practicable, the present Government, subject to the laws passed and affecting the general administration of the colony, and being subject to the Governor's veto exercised on the advice of his Eesponsible Advisers. Provision could also be made, as in the case of the Maoris, for electing one or more of the natives from each group to the House of Eepresentatives, and for one or more of the high chiefs being appointed to the Legislative Council of New Zealand. The scheme thus roughly outlined would entail no burden on the Imperial Government, whilst the care and civilisation of the natives would be duly attended to. In respect to the Solomon Group, and other British islands lying convenient to the Australian Colonies, perhaps the Federal Government would take charge, and. the necessary powers should be given to allow this being done. Some definite action of a forward character is required in the Pacific at the earliest opportune moment, for the surrender of Samoa has disheartened the natives in the Islands, disappointed the people of Australasia, and lowered the prestige of Great Britain in this part of the globe. Auckland, 16th April, 1900. E. J. Seddon.

No. 12. (No. 29.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 2nd May, 1900. I have the honour to enclose you a copy of a memorandum dated the Ist instant from my Premier; at his request I cabled you this day very fully on the subject. 2. I concur entirely with him in his desire to keep the Privy Council as a final Court of Appeal. 3. The objection of cost does not apply to the principal cases such as the Midland Eailway dispute, and there can be no doubt that in that case no lesser tribunal would have been satisfactory. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments, and desires His Excellency to inform the Secretary of State that in this colony we look with grave concern on the pressure that is being brought to bear

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in respect to abrogation of the Queen's prerogative, and the right to appeal to the Privy Council; and, whilst admitting that in respect to some commercial disputes for limited amounts the delays and expenses form reasons in favour of a Federal Court, that, in the best interests of the Empire, one of the strongest links that bind us to the Mother-country—viz., the right of appeal to the Privy Council on constitutional grounds, and in important commercial suits in which British subjects outside the colonies are interested —should not be tampered with as proposed; and it should not be forgotten that New Zealand as an outstanding State, and other colonies, are interested; and should the Imperial Government give way to the demands of the delegates of the Australian Federated States, the same privileges could not reasonably be denied to other States if demanded. As showing the advantages of maintaining the present position, there is the Midland Bailway case. Nothing less than the decision of the Privy Council would have proved satisfactory to the shareholders and investors in the Mother-country ; whilst at the same time the people of this colony were well pleased that such a tribunal should finally settle the legal position. Premier's Office, Auckland, Ist May, 1900. E. J. Seddon.

No. 13. (No. 31.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 11th May, 1900. I have the honour to inform you, in further reply to your despatch (No. 32/99), and in continuation of my despatch (No. 10) of the 23rd February, 1899, that I have received the following returns of gold and silver entered for export:— Year ending Kil. . Value. 31st December, 1898 .... 280,175 oz. gold = 8,714-62 .... £1,080,691 31st December, 1899 .... 389,558 oz. „ =12,116-89 ....£1,513,173 31st December, 1898 .... 295,255 oz. silver = 9,183-69 .... £33,500 31st December, 1899 .... 349,858 oz. „ =10,882-05 ... £40,288 I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1899, No. 37. A.-l, 1899, No. 29.

No. 14. (No. 35.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 19th May, 1900. With reference to your despatch circular dated the 2nd April, 1900, requesting information as to the treatment of Irish pharmacists in this colony, I have the honour to inform you that under the pharmacy law of New Zealand Irish pharmacists are equally entitled to recognition with British pharmacists. vide subsection (3) of section 27 of " The Pharmacy Act, 1898." I have, ifec, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2,1901, No. 13.

No. 15. (No. 42.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 2nd July, 1900. I have the honour to request that Mr. John McKenzie may receive Her Majesty's gracious permission to retain the title of " Honourable." Mr. McKenzie has just retired from office, having severally been member of the Executive Council and of the Ministry for over nine years. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 16. (No. 43.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd July, 1900. In conformity with a circular despatch of the sth May, 1882, I have the honour to inform you,— 1. That Arthur Eeginald Wolfe was convicted of murder and sentenced to

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death. Sentence was commuted to imprisonment with hard labour for the term of his natural life, on the 15th February, 1900. 2. Also that John Deighton was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Sentence was commuted to imprisonment with hard labour for the term of his natural life, on the 15th June, 1900. 3. In both cases the jury recommended the prisoners to mercy, and the Chief Justice concurred. I have, <&c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 17. (No. 44.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 4th July, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that the first session of the fourteenth Parliament was opened by Commission on the 21st June, 1900, for the purpose of electing a Speaker, and was formally opened by me on the following day. 2. Copies of the Speech which I read on the occasion, and the Address in Eeply from both Houses are forwarded herewith. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 18. (No. 48.) Sic, —• Government House, Wellington, 12th July, 1900. In reply to your despatch (No. 17) of the 6th April, 1900, relative to the question of a Court of Appeal for the Cook Islands, my Government consider that it is better to leave this question over, pending Her Majesty's decision as to the annexation of this group, and the possible extension of New Zealand boundaries to include these islands. ' . I have, <fee, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1901 No. 15.

No. 19. (No. 51.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 21st July, 1900. I have the honour, at the request of my Premier, to forward you the scheme in use since 1894 in New Zealand for the benefit of struggling settlers in this colony. My Premier considers that perhaps a scheme which has proved successful in New Zealand might be of service in modifying or extending the scheme now under trial in Egypt. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 20. (No. 52.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 26th July, 1900. I have the honour, at the request of my Premier, to forward, you herewith two copies of his outline of a defence scheme, embracing the formation of an Imperial Eeserve Force. 2. He has further asked me that two copies might be sent respectively to the First Lord of the Admiralty, the Commander-in-Chief, the War Office, the Joint Naval and Military Committee on Defence, and the President of the Colonial Defence Committee. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies. [For Enclosure, see Parliamentary Paper H.-19A, 1900.]

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No. 21. (No. 54.) Sic, — Government House", Wellington, 2nd August, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that the French colonists, through their Consul, M. le Comte de Courte, have telegraphed to me expressing their sincere condolence on the occasion of the death of His Eoyal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, and have asked me to transmit the same to Her Majesty. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain. EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 22. (No. 55.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 2nd August, 1900. With further reference to my telegram of to-day, relative to an Address of condolence from both Houses of Parliament to Her Majesty the Queen, I have the honour to forward you herewith the Address for presentation to Her Majesty. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosures. [Addeesses of condolence on the occasion of the death of His Eoyal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.]

No. 23. (No. 56.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd August, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that I have received from the Mayors of Auckland and other towns telegrams requesting me to forward to Her Majesty the Queen their very sincere expressions of condolence and respectful sympathy in the sad loss which has befallen Her Majesty, by the death of His Eoyal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, and praying that Her Majesty may receive strength and comfort from on High to support her in this the time of her very sad bereavement. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 24. (No. 57.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd August, 1900. I have the honour, at the request of the Legislative Council and the House of Eepresentatives of New Zealand, to enclose you herewith, for presentation to the Italian Government, Addresses expressing indignation, sympathy, and sorrow at the dastardly assassination of His Majesty the King of Italy. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 25.

(No. 58.) * Sic, —- Government House, Wellington, 9th August, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge your circular despatch of 30th May, 1900, asking to be furnished with information regarding the terms of engagement of the Contingents from this colony in South Africa. 2—A. 1.

A.-2, 1901. No. 21.

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In accordance therewith, I have pleasure in enclosing the form of agreement and the form of attestation as used for the various Contingents. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies. [For Enclosure, see Parliamentary Paper H.-6, 1899, page 3.]

No. 26. (No. 59.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 10th August, 1900. . I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your despatch (New Zealand —No. 37), dated the 15th June, 1900, relative to the rate of pay of New Zealand Contingents serving in South Africa. The list enclosed gives the full pay of every rank. The Imperial pay in each case is deducted, and the difference alone paid by this colony. 2. There is no branch of the colonial reserve in this colony. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1901, No. 23.

Enclosure. Colonial Eates of Pay, New Zealand Contingents. Per Diem. Per Diem. £ 8. d. j £ p. d. Major ... ... ... ... 1 1 0 j Farriers... ... ... ... 070 Captain... ... ... ... 0 15 0 | Saddlers ... ... ...070 Lieutenant ... ... ... 0 11 0 I Sergeants ... ... ...060 Surgeon... ... ... ...1101 Corporals ... ... ... 050 Sergeant-major ... ... ... 0 8 0 ! Buglers ... ... ... ...0 4 0 Staff-sergeants ... ... ... 0 8 01 Privates... ... ... ... 040 Farrier-sergeants... ... ... 0 7 0 Note.—ln the case of the Fifth Contingent the Imperial Government pay ss. per diem to privates, and at proportional rates to other ranks, should they be employed beyond the limits of Cape Colony or Natal.

No. 27. (No. 60.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 20th August, 1900. In reply to your despatch (New Zealand —No. 12) of the 19th March, 1900, regarding resurvey of New Zealand coasts, I have the honour to inform you that my Government has agreed to the terms therein named—viz., to pay half the cost of the survey. I shall in a future despatch hope to inform you as to the portions of the coast that my Government considers should receive the first attention, this matter being now before the Marine Department. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1901, No. 10.

No. 28. (No. 63.) Government House, Wellington, 29th August, 1900. [The Governor sending Secretary of State synopsis of Acts.]

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Enclosure. Hon. the Colonial Secretary. At the request of the Premier, I beg to submit herewith a synopsis of the Acts passed by the General Assembly in the present session up to and including the 16th instant. I also include a special report on the Governor's Salary and Allowances Bill, which has been reserved by His Excellency for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon. Crown Law Offices, 21st August, 1900. W. S. Eeid, Solicitor-General.

Synopsis of certain Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand, in the Session now in Progress, up to and including the 16th day of August, 1900. Public General Acts. No. 1. "The Bubonic Plague Prevention Act, 1900," has been passed to make special provision to check the disease known as the bubonic plague, and is intended to operate only in such defined areas as may be declared subject to the Act. It is intended to supplement the ordinary law relating to public health, and confers upon the Governor the powers of the Boards of Health or local authorities within any area subject to the Act. Additional stringent powers are conferred on the Governor, whose acts are to be deemed acts of State and not to be questioned in any Court. The Act is temporary in its operation, and expires on the tenth day after the close of the present session of Parliament. No. 2. " The Imprest Supply Act, 1900," grants £361,000, £9,000, and £100,000 towards the services of the current financial year. No. 3. " The Imprest Supply Act, 1900 (No. 2)," also grants £386,000, £9,000, and £125,000 towards the services of the current financial year. No. 4. "The Lunatics Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1882 by appointing the Public Trustee to be committee of estates of persons found lunatic in certain cases, and upon the terms set out in the Act. No. 5. "The Public Contracts Act, 1900," provides that in all "public contracts" (which expression is defined) contractors shall be deemed to have agreed with their workmen to observe the usual length of the working-day, and to pay the wages or other remuneration usually observed and considered fair for the description of labour in the locality to which such contracts relate. The working-day is not to exceed eight hours, and there is to be no " contracting out" of the benefits of the Act. Penalties are prescribed for breaches of the law. No. 6. " The Native Interpreters Classification Act, 1900," provides for the classification into first and second grades of Native interpreters, who are employed and licensed for various purposes under the Acts relating to Native lands. Eegulations may be made by the Governor for examination of persons applying for licenses, and the Governor is also empowered to reduce interpreters to a lower grade for sufficient causes. No. 7. "The Weights and Measures Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1868 in several particulars. No. 8. " The Ministers' Salaries and Allowances Amendment Act, 1900," amends the Act of like title passed in 1887, provides for an additional Minister, and makes increased annual appropriations for the salaries of Ministers of the Crown in future. The Act also recognises certain additional Ministerial offices, and otherwise amends the existing law. No. 9. " The British Investors in New Zealand Government Securities Act, 1900," is to facilitate the investment of trust and other funds in the United Kingdom in New Zealand Government securities. For this purpose the Colonial Treasurer is empowered and directed to pay out of the New Zealand Public Account in London, without further appropriation than the Act, any sum which, by any final judgment, decree, rule, or order of any Court of competent jurisdiction in the United Kingdom is adjudged or declared to be payable by the Government of New Zealand in respect of any New Zealand Government securities, or any sum which may be required in order to enable the Eegistrar of Stock, to which the Imperial Act intituled "The Colonial Stock Act, 1877," applies, to comply with any judgment, decree, or order with which, under section 20 of that Act, he is required to comply. The warrant of the Colonial Treasurer or Agent General, specifying the sum to be paid, is declared to be sufficient authority to the Audit Office and the Commissioners having the control of the Public Account in London to cause the requisite moneys to be issued out of that account. Section 5 declares that if any Act of the General Assembly of New Zealand is passed which, in the opinion of the Imperial Government, in any way injuriously affects the rights or remedies of the holders of New Zealand Government securities, or alters the terms of the contract under which the securities were created or issued, then that Act may properly be disallowed by Her Majesty. ■ Local Acts. No. 1. " The Westport Harbour Board Loan Act, 1900," enables the Westport Harbour Board to borrow an additional sum not exceeding £50,000 for construction of harbour-works, subject to the provisions of previous legislation herein, and to the terms of "The Harbours Act, 1878." No. 2. " The Greymouth Harbour Board Loan Act, 1900," enables the Greymouth Harbour Board to borrow an additional sum of £50,000 for construction of harbour-works, subject to like provisions as in the last previous Bill in this synopsis. No. 3. " The Dunedin City and Suburban Tramways Act, 1900," enables the Corporation of the City of Dunedin to purchase or otherwise acquire tramways for the use of the inhabitants, and also to construct such tramways under the provisions of " The Tramways Act, 1894," which is

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incorporated with this Act. The Act also contains the usual powers for borrowing money for these various purposes, and to levy special rates to pay interest, sinking fund, and other charges, and generally to give full effect to the powers conferred by the Legislature. No. 4. " The Canterbury College Empowering Act, 1900," enables the Board of Governors of Canterbury College to spend not exceeding £4,000 in order to purchase certain lands for the purpose of adding to the site and extending the buildings of the Public Library at Christchurch. The Act contains powers to borrow the necessary funds as stated, and give security for their repayment. No. 5. "The Gisborne Harbour Board Further Empowering Act, 1900," amends previous legislation affecting the Gisborne Harbour Board, and authorises the Public Trustee to pay the Board £20,000, being an unexpended balance of certain loan-moneys, and held by him for the purposes of the Board. No. 6. " The Thames Borough Endowment Act, 1900," provides for the leasing by the Corporation of the Borough of Thames of certain lands described in the Schedule to the Act for any term not exceeding ninety-nine years, in the manner set out in such Act. Beserved Bill. "The Governor's Salary and Allowances Act, 1900," purports to repeal " The Governor's Salary and Allowances Act, 1887," and to revive the establishment and travelling allowances which had ceased to be payable by virtue of the last-named Act. The present Bill has been reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon, pursuant to the terms of section 65 of the Constitution Act (15 and 16 "Vict., cap. 72) and the Eoyal Instructions, dated the 26th March, 1892 (paragraph 6, subclause 2).

No. 29. (No. 62.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 28th Angust, 1900. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand—No. 45) dated the 6th July, 1900, requesting to be informed as to the amount of ammunition taken by the Contingents from this colony to South Africa, I have to inform you that the amount taken was as under: 224,000 rounds, - 303 ball; 16,000 rounds, -450 revolver ball. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2,1901, No. 26.

No. 30. (No. 65.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 11th September, 1900. At the request of my Premier, I have the honour to forward to you a copy of a letter received by him from the Eev. William Grant, relating to French aggression in the New Hebrides ; also a printed memorial on the same subject. 2. My Premier is desirous that a joint Commission should be arranged for with the French Government to inquire into and adjudicate in respect to the matters in dispute. 3. The questions referred to have not previously come under my notice, but they have evidently been reported to Captain Farquhar, of H.M.S. " Wallaroo" ; but being a land dispute, the matter was beyond his power to deal with. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Dear Sir, — The Manse, Leeston, 14th August, 1900. I have the honour to bring before you the enclosed memorial regarding French aggression in the New Hebrides, by instructions from the Mission Synod of the Presbyterian Church there. In forwarding the memorial the Clerk of the Synod says : " It is hardly necessary to say anything as to the supreme importance of securing the interest and help of Great Britain and the colonies in this matter. There is undoubtedly a strong movement on the part of the French towards annexation, and if they are to continue to secure land in this unjust manner the claims of Great Britain to these islands will be imperilled." I feel sure, from what I have read of your public

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utterances upon this subject, that you will, as the head of the New Zealand Government, do all that lies in your power to prevent such a disaster as the annexation of the New Hebrides by the French. I have, &c, William Grant, Convener Foreign Missions Committee, Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. The Eight Hon. Eichard Seddon, D.C.L., P.C., Premier of New Zealand, Wellington.

No. 31. (No. 66.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 12th September, 1900. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand—No. 48) dated the 19th July, 1900, informing me of the proposed visit to Auckland of the Chilian training-ship " General Baquedano," I have the honour to inform you that I regret that I personally will not be in the neighbourhood of Auckland at the end of the year; but the Auckland Harbour Board and Collector of Customs have been informed of the visit of this ship, and will be requested to afford her every facility. I have further instructed Lieutenant-Colonel Gudgeon, British Eesident, Earotonga, to do what he can should this ship touch at his island. I have, <fee, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 32. (No. 67.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 19th September, 1900. I have the honour to forward you the resignation of my Aide-de-Camp, Captain H. D. O. Ward, E.A., which I have accepted. Captain Ward requests that the Commander-in-Chief may favourably consider his application to be antedated to the 21st October, 1899. I desire to indorse his application. When the First Contingent left New Zealand there appeared to be no one qualified in its ranks to teach signalling, and as the Contingent appeared likely to prove most useful acting in units, and would be probably employed in scouting, I saw the necessity of the men being able to communicate by signals, and, after a conversation with my Premier, I gave Captain W r ard, who was proficient in signalling, six months' leave, with a view of teaching the Contingent on their voyage. Captain Ward's services on the voyage received the highest approval of the officer commanding the Contingent, and, in South Africa, Captain Ward has been continuously on active service, partly attached to the New Zealand First Contingent and partly on special service. Captain Ward fulfilled his duties as Aide-de-Camp to me most satisfactorily, and I regretted extremely losing his services at Government House. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 33. (No. 68.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 25th September, 1900. I have the honour to forward herewith, for Her Majesty's gracious acceptance, a copy of a letter received from Makea, the Chief of the Federal Government of the Cook Islands, expressing on behalf of the Natives there their sympathy on the occasion of the death of His Eoyal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 34. (No. 69.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 26th September, 1900. I have the honour to enclose you herewith the opinion of the Crown Law Officer of New Zealand on the subject of legislation enabling the enlistment of a Force for service without as well as within the colony. I should be glad if you would kindly inform me whether Her Majesty's Government will pass the necessary legislation, or whether they would prefer New Zealand to pass an Act as may be deemed by them necessary for Her Majesty's approval. I have, &c, EANFUELY. The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Hon. theYDefence Minister. I understand it is suggested that the General Assembly should pass an Act for the following purposes: — (1.) To enlist men in the Defence Force of the colony who shall be liable for the service of the Empire, without as well as within the limits of the colony. (2.) To give power to the Governor to order men so enlisted.to proceed on service outside the colony to serve with the Imperial Forces. No question arises as to providing for enlistment for service in the colony; but as regards service beyond the colony the position is different. The Constitution Act (section 53) empowers the General Assembly to pass laws for the peace, order, and good government of New Zealand which are not repugnant to the law of England. The operation of such laws is confined to the colony, and cannot be extended beyond its limits. Any local law affecting the discipline or control of Her Majesty's Eegular Forces in the colony must be reserved for the Eoyal assent; and no such law could purport to do so beyond the colony. Hence, if a Force were raised on the terms proposed, it seems clear that the law of this colony could not control it so far as it had become an Imperial Force, nor when such Force had left New Zealand. The telegram of the Secretary of State, of the 11th August last, refers to section 177 of " The Army Act, 1881," and says that nothing is required but a colonial Act empowering the Colonial Government to enlist troopers for service in any part of the world. The section referred to is to the effect that when any Force of Volunteers, Militia, or other Force is raised in a colony, any law of that colony may extend to such Force, whether within or without the limits of the colony; and where any such Force is serving with part of Her Majesty's Eegular Forces, then so far as the law of the colony has not provided for the government or discipline of such Force, "The Army Act, 1881," is to apply, subject to such exceptions and modifications as the general officer commanding Her Majesty's Forces, with which such Force is serving, may specify. It is not clear whether this telegram relates to the proposal made by the Government of New Zealand (above set out), or generally to enlistment of men in the colony for Imperial service anywhere. If the latter, and the Colonial Government merely acted as the agents of the Imperial Government to enrol men for its service, such Government taking control of the troops in the colony, it may be that no local enactment would be necessary, and that section 177 of the Army Act would suffice. But this is not the proposal of the Colonial Government. The Force to be raised is the Defence Force of the colony, subject to a power that its members may be ordered to serve with the Imperial Forces in any part of the world. To be effective, the law must provide for the discipline and control of the Force when its members have virtually become part of Her Majesty's army —not only in the colony, but until actually incorporated with the Imperial Forces. Section 177 of " The Army Act, 1881," is only permissive, and not enabling ; and I do not think its terms are sufficient to control the express provisions of the Constitution Act of this colony which have been previously referred to. On the whole, therefore, and having regard to the importance of the matter, I am of opinion that the proposed legislation is not within the powers of the General Assembly, and that the objects to be attained should be provided for by an Act of the Imperial Government, setting forth the terms and conditions on which such Forces could be raised in colonies for Imperial service, or for service in a colony, with liability to be called onto serve with Imperial Forces anywhere, and, in either case, providing for the discipline and control of such Force until it actually formed part of Her Majesty's regular army. If thought more fitting, the Imperial Act could authorise colonies to legislate in the direction indicated, subject to such restrictions as deemed expedient. Crown Law Offices, 12th September, 1900. W S. Rbid.

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No. 35. (No. 71.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 29th September, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that during my absence at the Cook Islands my duties will be performed by the Chief Justice, Sir Eobert Stout, K.C.M.G. I expect to return to New Zealand about the Ist November. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 36. (No. 72.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 29th September, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that both Houses of the Legislature of New Zealand have passed the enclosed resolution regarding the extension of the boundaries of the colony. I propose to leave to-morrow, the 30th September, in H.M.S. " Mildura," to inform myself as to the aspirations of the inhabitants of the various islands in the Cook Group, and Savage Island, and I propose, should I deem it meet with the views expressed in your despatches, to proclaim them annexed to Great Britain, and hoist the British flag. I have received in the past few days further petitions desiring annexation, and I believe that this is the true desire of the islands with which I am personally acquainted. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. That, whereas it is desirable, in the best interests of the colony and of the inhabitants of certain islands of the Pacific hereinafter mentioned, that those islands should be annexed to this colony, this Council therefore approves of the alteration of the boundaries of this colony, and consents to the extension of the said boundaries so as to include the Cook Group, including the Islands of Earotonga, Mangaia, Atiu, Aitutaki, Mitiaro, Mauke, Hervey (Manuae) ; also the following islands : Palmerston (Avarau), Savage (Niue), Pukapuka (Danger), Eakaanga, Manihiki, and Penrhyn (Tongareva).

No. 37. (No. 73.) Sic, — • Government House, Wellington, 29th September, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that in case of the annexation of any of the Cook Islands, and Savage Island, and declaring therein Her Majesty's sovereignty, &c, I shall in the Proclamation announce that all laws shall continue and the administration proceed as heretofore, pending Her Majesty's Government making other provisions. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 38. (No. 74.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 29th September, 1900. With further reference to my despatch (New Zealand—No. 67) dated the 19th September, 1900, relative to the resignation of Captain H. D. O. Ward, E.A., from my staff, I have the honour to inform you that I have received the following memorandum from my Premier, dated the 29th instant :— " The Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency, and desires on behalf of the colony to express its appreciation of the services rendered by *

No. 32.

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Captain Ward to the New Zealand Contingents, more particularly on the voyage from New Zealand to the Cape, during which time he taught flag signalling. The officers commanding the Contingent have intimated that this has been of great service to their men." I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 39. (No. 75.) Sic, —■ Government House, Wellington, 15th October, 1900. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand—No. 53) dated the 26th July, 1900, relative to the commandeering of vessels for transport, and asking to be supplied w 7 ith a report as to the difficulties of procuring transports for the conveyance of colonial contingents to South Africa, I have the honour to forward you herewith a copy of a memorandum from my Premier bearing upon the subject. I have, (fee, EOBEET STOUT, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, Deputy Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier has the honour to return the despatch, of which a copy has been made, and to inform His Excellency that, owing to the scarcity of ships in New Zealand at the time of the despatch of the various Contingents, it was with extreme difficulty that transports could be obtained, and that large amounts had to be paid for passage-money to enable the troops to be sent, as practically vessels could only be obtained on such terms as owners were willing to accept. The cost of conveying Contingents was as follows : — First.—" Waiwera," Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company ... £11,800 Second.— ditto ditto ... ... £14,175 Third.—"Knight Templar," Messrs. Turnbull & Co. ... ... £6,317 Is. Bd. Fourth and Fifth.— " Monowai," Union Steamship Company of New Zealand ... £12,000 " Gymeric," Messrs. Bannatyne & Co. ... ... ... £12,375 "Maori," Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company ... ... £9,975 " Waimate," New Zealand Shipping Company ... ... £12,900 besides a sum of £2,949 14s. 2d. for insuring quick despatch. E. J. Seddon, Premier. Premier's Office, Wellington, 9th October, 1900.

No. 40. (No. 76.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 20th October, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that on this day I prorogued the first session of the fourteenth Parliament of New Zealand. 2. The Bills which have been passed will be forwarded by this mail for Her Majesty's approval. I have, &c, EOBEET STOUT, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, Deputy Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 41. (No. 78.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 24th October, 1900. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand—Circular) dated the 24th August, 1900, asking for information with reference to the salmon fisheries of this colony, for the information of the Eoyal Commission on Salmon Fisheries, I have the honour to inform you that I find it is not possible to give a categorical reply within the terms of reference of the Eoyal Commission,

A.-2, 1901, No. 37.

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because it is still doubtful whether the intermittent attempts made during the last thirty years to acclimatize salmon in the waters of New Zealand have been attended with success. It may, however, be of interest to the Commissioners to know that, while this uncertainty as to salmon exists, the attempts made have resulted in establishing a splendid sea-going Salmonoid, which will prove a valuable addition to the supply of market fish, and will materially add to the earnings of our fishermen. This fish displays such variable characteristics that their identification is proving somewhat perplexing to scientific experts. I have, &c, EOBEET STOUT, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, Deputy Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 42. (No. 79.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 24th October, 1900. I have the honour to forward you herewith copies of a resolution passed by the House of Eepresentatives in reference to the relationship which should subsist between Fiji and New Zealand. I have, &c, EOBEET STOUT, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, Deputy Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. (1.) That in the opinion of this House it is desirable that representations be made to the Imperial Government praying it to relieve Fiji from the position of a Crown colony, seeing that to continue the present form of government in the Fiji Islands is inconsistent with freedom, justice, and equity, and is an abrogation of civil and political rights, depriving as it does the European population, who are mostly New-Zealanders and Australians, of all voice in the making of laws, and debarring them from having the control of moneys raised from taxation; and it is desirable that a form of government more suited to the altered conditions and requirements of the people, and one which would be in the best interests of the Europeans and native population, should be granted to Fiji. (2.) That, as resolutions have been passed at public meetings held, and representative residents— men of position and standing in Fiji—have by memorial expressed the wish for a closer relationship with this colony, and seeing that from the geographical position of the islands and New Zealand extension of trade and mutual exchange of products and other lasting benefits would ensue both to this colony and Fiji, this House fully believes and indorses the opinion expressed by the memorialists that federation would be to the advantage of both colonies, subject, however, to terms and conditions to be hereafter agreed upon, and consents to the incorporation of Fiji as an integral portion of this colony; and that the sanction of the Imperial Government be obtained thereto.

No. 43. (No. 80.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 25th October, 1900. I have the honour to transmit a Bill passed by the two Houses of Parliament entitled " The New Zealand Ensign Act, 1900." The Bill is reserved for the pleasure of Her Majesty. By section 735 of " The Merchant Shipping Act, 1894," any Bill purporting to deal with the flags to be used in the colonies must be so reserved. 2. The Bill contains the following clause : "4. This Act shall be reserved " for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon, and shall come into " operation on a day to be fixed by the Governor by Proclamation in the Gazette : " Provided that such Proclamation shall not be made unless it contains a state- " ment that Her Majesty has been pleased to approve of this Act." 3. This is not in accordance with the clause requested by the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies in his despatch circular, dated the 20th June, 1884, to be used in such cases. It was as follows : " This (law, Act, " Ordinance) shall not come into operation unless and until the Officer Adminis3—A. 1.

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" tering the Government notifies by Proclamation that it is Her Majesty's " pleasure not to disallow the same, and thereafter it shall come into operation " upon such a day as the Officer Administering the Government shall notify by " the same or any other Proclamation." 4. The Government of New Zealand agreed to the request in this despatch, but suggested that in consequence of the provisions of the Interpretation Act the word " Governor " should be substituted for the words " Officer Administering the Government." 5. This is the first occasion that such a clause as now appears in this Bill has been used in New Zealand. 6. I enclose memoranda that have passed between the Premier and myself in regard to it. 7. I would like to make, in explanation of the reason why I deemed the prerogative of the Governor interfered with, the following observations :— (a.) By our Constitution Act the Governor is a constituent part of the General Assembly. Our statutes are enacted by "the General Assembly of New Zealand," and the Assembly consists of the Governor, the Legislative Council, and the House of Eepresentatives. Our Constitution Act differs in this respect from the Constitution Acts of the Australasian Colonies. The clause in its present form dictates to the Governor what he shall do. No clause is really necessary at all, but if one was inserted it should, I submit, have been in the form approved of by Her Majesty's Government in England, and mentioned in the circular despatch before referred to. It would be considered improper in a statute to dictate to the House of Eepresentatives how it shall perform its duties, and it is equally wrong to tell the Governor how he shall perform his functions. (b.) This clause also makes a breach in the uniformity of procedure in regard to Bills reserved, which the circular despatch meant to provide for, and to which procedure all the other colonies agreed. (c.) You will observe in my memorandum to the Premier, No. 107, that I warned him that I would not be surprised if the assent of Her Majesty were refused to the Bill. He has chosen to run that risk. There would, I believe, have been no difficulty in getting the House to agree to the clause in the proper form if a message had been sent to the House recommending it. 8. I have the honour to refer you to the debate on the Bill, which appears in Nos. 23 and 26 of Hansard, pages 566, 567, and 56 to 65. There was a special reference to the clause by one member of the Legislative Council (Hon. G. McLean), who asked why there was an alteration in the phraseology of the clause. No reply was given to this question by the Minister of Education, who is the Minister representing the Ministry in the Council. No reference was made to the clause in the House of Eepresentatives. I do not think the members of either House believed there w r as any significance in the form of the clause adopted, or that any constitutional principle was involved in passing the clause in a new form. I have, &c, EOBEET STOUT, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, Deputy Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosures. " The New Zealand Ensign Act, 1900." ,;: For the Eight Honourable the Premier. Section 4of this Bill seems to invade the prerogative of the Governor. I doubt if the two Houses ought to put in a Bill that it should be reserved. It is for the Governor to express his opinion on the subject in accordance with the law. Eobert Stout, Deputy Governor.

Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency, and, in respect to the question raised that section 4 of the New Zealand Ensign Bill seems to invade the prerogative of the Governor, begs to state that he does not think the Governor's prerogative is involved. On the contrary, it

* Note. —This memorandum was inadvertently omitted when the other enclosures were sent with the despatch, but has since been forwarded to the Secretary of State.

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would be a serious limitation of the constitutional powers of Parliament if it could not insert in a Bill a clause requiring it to be reserved, especially seeing that the powers of the Governor as to reserving Bills are limited to what is contained in the Eoyal Instructions. The Premier admits that clauses such as No. 4 are not uncommon, and though the word " reserved " may not be used, the effect is the same, and it is submitted that the form is not material. It was with a view of securing reciprocity throughout all the self-governing colonies that Lord Derby, in 1884, sent out a model clause, and the Governor in acknowledging it refers to it as " a clause recommended to be used in reserving Acts for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure." Premier's Office, Wellington, 16th October, 1900. E. J. Seddon.

Memorandum for the Eight Hon. the Premier. The Deputy Governor begs to inform the Premier, with reference to his memorandum (No. 132) dated the 16th instant, — 1. He has no desire to enter into a controversy as to whether a precedent will not be established that may be deemed hereafter an invasion of the Governor's rights and privileges, but he may add that the opinion he previously expressed is not shaken by the Premier's memorandum. 2. To end, however, any controversy, he hopes the Premier will see his way to advise that a message be sent to the House of Parliament recommending that for clause 4 in the Bill the following be substituted, namely : " This Act shall not come into operation unless the Governor notifies by Proclamation that it is Her Majesty's pleasure not to disallow the same, and thereafter it shall come into operation upon such day as the Governor shall notify by the same or any other Proclamation." 3. This was the form which the Secretary of State for the Colonies requested (see his despatch of 20th June, 1884) should be adopted in the colony, and he knows no reason why his request should not be complied with. 4. If it is not complied with, it would not surprise him if the assent of Her Majesty were refused to the Bill. Government House, Wellington, 17th October, 1900. ■ Eobeet Stout.

Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency the Deputy Governor, and, whilst giving full consideration to His Excellency's minute on the New Zealand Ensign Act, and memorandum (No. 107) of the 17th October, regrets to say that as a great constitutional principle is involved— namely, the right of Parliament to provide by Act that an Act shall be reserved for Her Majesty's pleasure—he does not feel warranted in departing from the advice respectfully tendered, to assent to the above-named Bill, and in the usual course he therefore returns the Bill and respectfully repeats his advice. The Premier further desires to assure His Excellency that Parliament in no way wishes to invade the prerogative of the Governor, nor does the Premier see how, on a fair reading of the clause, any such construction can reasonably be drawn from it. The Premier would further add that the clause suggested by His Excellency is precisely to the same effect as the clause to which exception has been taken. B. J. Seddon. Premier's Office, Wellington, 18th October, 1900.

Memorandum for the Eight Hon. the Premier. The Deputy Governor begs to acknowledge the Premier's memorandum (No. 134) of the 18th instant referring to the New Zealand Ensign Bill. 2. He will transmit the Bill to the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies for submission to Her Majesty. He will forward the memoranda that have passed concerning the Bill. 3. He much regrets that the suggestions he made have not been accepted. 4. If the clause he suggested, which was in the form that the circular despatch from the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies requested should be followed in the case of Bills to be reserved, is "precisely to the same effect as the clause to which exception has been taken," he is at a loss to conceive why his suggestion should not have been accepted. He cannot understand how any "great constitutional principle can be involved when both clauses have "precisely the same effect." 5. He has made his objection and his suggestion for three reasons: (a.) He considered, though he thought it had been done inadvertently, that in the Governor's absence the prerogative and functions of the Governor were being interfered with, (b.) He thought the request in the circular despatch referred to, which was agreed to by all the colonies (New Zealand included) in 1884, might have been acceded to. It seems to him but scant courtesy to extend to the Imperial authorities that this small and admittedly formal request should be denied, and that a new practice should, sixteen years after the colony had agreed to the request, be set up, and that in variance with what the Imperial authorities desired, (c.) He was under the impression that the clause had been inserted through inadvertence by the draftsman, and that the circular despatch of 1884 had been overlooked. It appears that he was in error in that respect. He must assume that as " a great constitutional principle " is involved, the Parliament knew this, and deliberately refused to accept the form of clause recommended by the Secretary of State for the Colonies. He thinks he should have been informed that this was intended to be done, and not left to discover it after he had taken objection to the wording of the clause. Eobekt Stout. Government House, Wellington, 19th October, 1900.

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Memorandum for His Excellency the Deputy Governor. The Premier begs to acknowledge the receipt of His Excellency's memorandum of the 19th instant, with respect to the New Zealand Ensign Bill, and notes with satisfaction that the usual course is being adopted in transmitting the Bill for submission to Her Majesty. It would appear that the Premier must have failed to put clearly before His Excellency the reason why he did not feel justified in asking Parliament to alter the Bill in terms of His Excellency's objections, or His Excellency would not have misapprehended it, as he seems to have done in the memorandum now under reply. His Excellency in his first memorandum objected to the clause in the Bill as being an invasion of the Governor's prerogative, and expressed the opinion that the House had no right to require the Bill to be reserved. This is the constitutional principle involved; and, in pointing out that the clause in the Bill and the clause suggested by His Excellency were of precisely the same effect, the Premier hoped to satisfy His Excellency that the one clause no more invaded the Governor's prerogative than the other. With this explanation His Excellency will scarcely need the Premier's assurance that there has been no intention to show discourtesy to the Imperial authorities, or deliberately refuse to accept the clause recommended by the Secretary of State. The Premier may add that the position he has felt compelled to take in this matter was taken after consultation with Mr. Speaker, who fully concurred. The Premier will feel obliged if His Excellency will forward this memorandum with the others relating to the Bill, including, of course, His Excellency's original minute, without which the main point involved would not appear. Premier's Office, Wellington, 25th October, 1900. B. J. Seddon.

Memorandum for the Eight Hon. the Premier. The Deputy Governor begs to inform the Premier, with reference to his memorandum (No. 138) of 25th October, that he has forwarded this memorandum, along with the other memoranda, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. As the question is referred to the Colonial Office, it is not necessary to continue the discussion. He only desires to add that he regrets that he does not appreciate the reasons or position taken up by the Eight Hon. the Premier for departing from the agreement made in 1884 between the Imperial authorities and the colonies in reference to the proper form of clause to be inserted in a Bill to be reserved. Eobeet Stout. Government House, Wellington, 26th October, 1900.

No. 44. • (No. 81.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 26th October, 1900. I have the honour to forward you herewith a synopsis prepared by the Law Officers of the Acts passed during the first session of the fourteenth 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 Deceased Husband's Brother Marriage Act, 1900 " (No. 72), and " The New Zealand Ensign Act, 1900 " (No. 73). No. 71 (" Governor's Salary and Allowances Act, 1900"), I have already notified you, as by my despatch (New Zealand—No. 63) dated the 29th August, 1900. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EOBEET STOUT, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Deputy Governor.

Enclosure. Special Eepokt. For the information of His Excellency the Governor, I beg to report as follows :— 1. The synopsis furnished to His Excellency on the 21st August last, and that hereto attached, contains a list of all the Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand during the session which ended on the 22nd day of October, now instant. 2. In my opinion, such of the said Acts as are hereafter referred to in this paragraph, and which have been assented to by His Excellency in the name and on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, are not repugnant to the law of England ; nor was it necessary that they, or any of them, should have been reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon in accordance with the Eoyal Instructions of the 26th day of March, 1892. The Acts in question are the following : — Public General Acts, (a.) The Acts numbered from 1 to 70, both inclusive,

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Local Acts, (b.) The Acts numbered from 1 to 34, both inclusive. Private Acts. (c.) The Acts numbered from 1 to 3, both inclusive. 3. In my opinion, the Bills numbered 71, 72, and 73 respectively have been properly reserved by His Excellency for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon, for the reasons particularly set out in the synopsis above mentioned. Dated at Wellington this 24th day of October, 1900. W. S. Eeid, Solicitor-General. Fuethee Synopsis of Acts passed by the Geneeal Assembly of New Zealand in the Session ended the 22nd day of October, 1900, and which have been passed since the prior Synopsis furnished on the 21st August last. Public General Acts. No. 10. "The Noxious Weeds Act, 1900."—This Act has been passed to prevent the spread of noxious weeds, and to secure that hedges be properly trimmed. The Act provides for the appointment of Inspectors by the Governor, and for the general administration of the Act both as regards ordinary lands and Native lands. Inspectors may enforce the Act, and persons offending are liable to penalties. No. 11. " The Imprest Supply Act, 1900 (No. 3)," grants £386,000, £9,000, and £50,000 toward the services of the current financial year. No. 12. " The Shorthand Eeporters Act, 1900," empowers the Governor to appoint shorthand reporters for the purpose of reporting proceedings in the Supreme and other Courts of the colony. Eeports, when transmitted and certified, are to be prima facie evidence, and may be used in legal proceedings. The Governor may make regulations for the examination of reporters as to their fitness, and generally for regulating proceedings under the Act. No. 13. " The Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1877, and gives power to societies to acquire lands for their purposes, and to raise money on debentures for such purposes. No. 14. "The Customs Duties Amendment Act, 1900," alters certain duties of Customs, and amends the law relating thereto, and respecting the importation of goods. No. 15. "The Supreme Court Judge Appointment Act, 1900," makes further appropriation for the salaries of Judges of the Supreme Court by providing for one additional Puisne Judge. No. 16. "The Education Boards Election Act, 1900," amends " The Education Act, 1877," and provides a different method for the future election of Education Boards, the conduct of such elections, and determining disputes in respect thereof. No. 17. " The Government Valuation of Land Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1896 in several particulars, defines and enlarges the powers of the Valuer-General, makes several new provisions as to the mode in which District Valuers are to exercise their functions, and provides for appeals on points of law from the decisions of Assessment Courts. No. 18. " The Eating on Unimproved Value Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1896 by removing certain restrictions as to taking a poll for the adoption of the principal Act. No. 19. "The Imprest Supply Act, 1900 (No. 4)," grants £336,000, £39,000, and £50,000 towards the services of the current financial year. No. 20. " The Testator's Family Maintenance Act, 1900," provides that where a person dies leaving a will and without making adequate provision for the maintenance of his wife, husband, or children, the Supreme Court may order that such provision shall be made out of the estate of the deceased as the Court sees fit. The Court may make conditions in respect of its order, and, as regards deceased Maoris, the Native Land Court is given jurisdiction. The Act limits the time for making applications under it to six months from the date of grant of probate of the will. No. 21. " The Post Office Act, 1900," consolidates all the existing statute law relating to the Post Office, and repeals prior legislation on the same subjects. No. 22. " The Inspection of Machinery Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1882 and its amendments in several particulars. No. 23. " The Indictable Offences Summary Jurisdiction Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1894 by extending the summary jurisdiction of Stipendiary Magistrates sitting alone as regards certain offences, and also making certain other provisions in regard to offences which may be dealt with summarily. The right to claim a trial by a jury in case of offences otherwise triable summarily is preserved, and the procedure in such cases is prescribed. Other amendments are also made as regards age of consent, and juvenile offenders in certain cases. No. 24. " The Local Bodies' Loans Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1886 in several particulars. No. 25. " The Public Health Act, 1900," is a general measure, consolidating and amending the law relating to public health. All the prior statute law is repealed. The Act is divided into four Parts: 1., creating a Department of Public Health, and providing for the creation of health districts and the appointment of officers; Part 11., providing for sanitation in its various branches, with large powers to the health authorities; Part 111., relating to quarantine; and Part IV.,' relating to vaccination. No. 26. "»The Criminal Code Act 1893 Amendment Act, 1900," extends the provisions of the principal Act to "incest," which is defined in the second section of the Act, and section 3 prescribes the punishment for the offence. No. 27. " The Government Eailways Act, 1900," consolidates and amends the law relating to the maintenance and management of Government railways. The prior law is repealed.

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No. 28. " The Old-age Pensions Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1898 in several matters of detail, and makes the principal Act permanent in its operation. No. 29. " The New Zealand Consols Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the Act of 1894 by allowing the Treasury to receive deposits up to £250,000 in addition to the sum of £500,000, as fixed by the principal Act. No. 30. "The West Coast Settlement Eeserves Act Amendment Act, 1900," gives amended powers of leasing reserves of land, and also to acquire land for access to reserves, and extends the time for repaying advances under the principal Act of 1892. No. 31. "The Fisheries Encouragement Act Amendment Act, 1900," extends the period within which a bonus may be paid by the colony for the export of fish. No. 32. " The Midland Authorised Area Land Settlement Act, 1900," makes provision respecting the settlement of the unsettled portion of the land known as the " Midland authorised area " under the circumstances set out in the preamble to the Act. No. 33. "The Sale of Poisons Act Amendment Act, 1900," extends the provisions of the principal Act of 1871 to certain compounds of poisons, with exemptions as mentioned in section 3. No. 34. " The Civil Service Examination Act, 1900," amends the existing law relating to the examinations of cadets in the public service. No. 35. " The Hospitals and Charitable Aid Boards Act, 1900," provides for better representation on certain Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards mentioned in the Act, and amends the existing Acts accordingly. No. 36. " The Imprisonment for Debt Limitation Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1874 by abolishing the jurisdiction of Justices of the Peace, and limits the making of orders of committal against judgment debtors in certain cases. No. 37. "The Pacific Cable Act, 1900," limits the proportion to be guaranteed by New Zealand towards the cost of this cable to one-ninth of the total cost as stated. No. 38. " The Slaughtering and Inspection Act, 1900," regulates the slaughter and inspection of live-stock, and the inspection of meat for consumption in the colony and for export therefrom. This Act is a consolidating and amending measure, and repeals the prior statute law in force on the subject. No. 39. " The Manual and Technical Instruction Act, 1900," makes provision for manual, technical, and commercial education by the various public educationala uthorities, and defines and regulates the duties and powers of the several authorities concerned in public education thereunder. No. 40. " The Oompanies Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1882 as regards promoters' shares, contracts relating to paid-up shares, mortgages by companies, and striking defunct companies off the register. No. 41. " The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1900," amends the existing law by reducing the rate of interest on such loans, and making other provisions in respect thereof. No. 42. " The Foreign Insurance Companies' Deposits Act Amendment Act, 1900," prescribes a fee to be paid for the Public Trustee's certificate under section 4 of the principal Act. No. 43. " The Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act, 1900," amends the law with respect to compensation to workers for accidental injuries suffered in the course of their employment. The Act applies, with certain exceptions, to persons employed by the Crown in New Zealand, defines the respective duties and rights of employers and employed, and prescribes the course of procedure for determining questions arising under the Act. The time within which proceedings may be taken is limited by section 12 ; and in section 18 special provision is made for securing compensation or damages to certain classes of workers. No. 44. " The Eepresentation Act, 1900," provides for an increase in the number of members of the House of Eepresentatives on the expiration of the present General Assembly. The total number of such members will then be seventy-six instead of seventy as at present, exclusive of Maori members elected under Part V. of " The Electoral Act, 1893." No. 45. "The Animals Protection Acts Amendment Act, 1900," amends the existing law as to the game season, the export of game, and the close season to be observed as regards certain native game. No. 46. " The Electoral Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1893 in several matters of detail in which the law was defective or obscure. No. 47. " The Public Works Acts Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1894. It also provides that the Midland Eailway, of which possession has been taken by the Government, as stated in section 23, shall be deemed to be a Government railway. No. 48. "The Maori Councils Act, 1900," purports to confer a limited measure of local selfgovernment upon the Maori race in the colony, under the circumstances set out in the preamble. Districts are to be proclaimed by the Governor, and Maori Councils constituted in the mode prescribed by the Act. These Councils will be regulated, and have the various powers of local self-government detailed in the Act. No. 49. "The Land and Income Assessment Act, 1900," is a measure consolidating and amending the law relating to the assessment of land and income for the purpose of taxation. It repeals all the prior statute law on the subject with the usual saving. No. 50. " The Municipal Corporations Act, 1900," consolidates and amends the laws relating to Municipal Corporations. This measure repeals all the Acts relating to Municipal Corporations generally, and is arranged in divisions relating to the constitution of boroughs, the executive, finance, alterations in districts, general powers, particular powers, private works, and subsidiary and incidental provisions. No. 51. "The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1900," consolidates and amends the law relating to the settlement of industrial disputes by conciliation and arbitration. All the previous statute law is repealed, and the Act does not apply to the Crown or departments of the Government, except as regards Government railways.

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No. 52. "The Land for Settlements Consolidation Act, 1900," consolidates and amends the law relating to the acquisition by the Crown of private lands for the purposes of settlement. It repeals the prior law, and provides generally for the acquisition of such lands for the purpose stated, the mode of payment for land acquired, and its disposal thereafter. No. 53. " The Eailways Authorisation Act, 1900," empowers the Governor on behalf of Her Majesty to construct certain railways mentioned, and declares how the cost is to be defrayed. No. 54. " The Wes'tport-Ngakawau Eailway Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1890 by providing that a certain deficiency in the cost of working the railway shall not be enforced against the holders of certain coal-mining leases. It also repeals certain prior enactments. No. 55. " The Maori Lands Administration Act, 1900," is a general measure intended to provide for the dealing with and administration of lands held by Maoris (with certain exceptions) by means of Maori Councils to be constituted as provided by the Act. The powers and duties of such Councils, as to the administration of Maori lands in their districts, are set out in the Act. No. 56. " The Private Industrial Schools Eegulation and Industrial Schools Act Amendment Act, 1900," provides for the better inspection and control of private industrial schools, and amends the law in other respects relating to industrial schools generally. No. 57. " The Crown Tenants' Eent Eebate Act, 1900," provides for granting a rebate of rent to tenants of Crown lands in certain cases. No. 58. " The New Zealand Institute of Surveyors and Board of Examiners Act, 1900," provides for the formation of an Institute of Surveyors and its incorporation, constitutes a Board of Examiners of Surveyors, and regulates the duties, powers, and procedure of such Board. No. 59. " The Egmont National Park Act, 1900," provides for the setting-apart of certain lands around and in the vicinity of Mount Egmont, and certain ranges of hills known as the Patua Eanges, as a national park, and provides for the control and management thereof, as set out in the Act. No. 60. " The Public Eeserves Acts Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1891 in several particulars. No. 61. " The Manawatu Eailway Purchasing Act, 1900," empowers the Governor to enter into negotiations with the Manawatu Eailway Company for the purchase of its railway, plant, and other property. No. 62. " The Military Pensions Extension to Contingents Act, 1900," provides for the extension of " The Military Pensions Act, 1866," to the various Contingents from New Zealand that have served in South Africa. No. 63. " The Public-School Teachers' Salaries Act, 1900," provides how certain moneys appropriated by Parliament shall be expended in payment of salaries. No. 64. " The Mining Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1898 in several particulars. No. 65. " The Trading-stamps Abolition and Discount-stamps Issue Act, 1900," prevents the use of trading-stamps, and provides for the creation and issue by the Commissioner of Stamps of discount-stamps. No. 66. " The Urewera District Native Eeserve Act Amendment Act, 1900," extends the powers conferred on the Commissioners appointed under the principal Act, 1896. No. 67. "The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1900," empowers the Colonial Treasurer, on being authorised by the Governor in Council, to raise £1,000,000 upon the terms stated in the Act. The moneys raised are to be credited to the Public Works Fund, and applied for the works and purposes stated in the Schedule to the Act. No. 68. "The Land-tax and Income-tax Act, 1900," is the annual Act granting to Her' Majesty the several duties of land-tax and income-tax imposed by this Act for the twelve months commencing on the Ist of April, 1900. No. 69. "The Defence Act Amendment Act, 1900," amends the principal Act of 1886 in certain particulars, and makes better provision for the enrolment of Militia, the creation of an Imperial Eeserve, the Permanent Militia, and other provisions of a general nature. No. 70. " The Appropriation Act, 1900," is the annual grant to Her Majesty of the sums mentioned in the Act,.for the services of the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1901. Further Acts reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon. No. 72. " The Deceased Husband's Brother Marriage Act, 1900," purports to legalise marriage with a deceased husband's brother. This Bill has been reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon, because it is repugnant to the laws of England (5 and 6 Will. IV., cap. 54) relating to marriages within the prohibited degrees of consanguinity or affinity. No. 73. " The New Zealand Ensign Act, 1900," purports to declare what shall be the New Zealand ensign, but expressly provides that the Act shall be reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon, and shall only come into force thereafter as provided in section 4. The Bill is repugnant to certain provisions in Part I. of the Imperial Act, cited as " The Merchant Shipping Act, 1894," but has been passed under the special powers conferred on Colonial Legislatures by the 735 th section of the Act last referred to, and is not to take effect until the approval of Her Majesty has been proclaimed in the colony. Local Acts. No. 7. "The Eotorua Town Council Act, 1900," provides for the better Government of the Town of Eotorua by incorporating its inhabitants, and defines the powers of the Town Council. No. 8. "The Wellington City Betterment Act, 1900," provides that the Wellington City Council may require the owners of lands lying adjacent to public streets widened by such Council, and whose lands are increased in value by such widening, to bear part of the cost of the execution of the works.

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No. 9. " The Alexandra Borough Eace Enabling Act, 1900," empowers the borough to use the water from a certain water-race for purposes not authorised by the license. No. 10. "The Clutha Eiver Board Empowering Act 1898 Amendment Act, 1900," provides for the appointment of the Clutha Eiver Board every "three years. No. 11. " The City of Auckland Loans Acts Amendment and Council Empowering Act, 1900," declares revenues of Auckland City Council to be security for all moneys borrowed, and incorporates the Auckland City Sinking Funds Commissioners. No. 12. " The Wellington Corporation Land Exchange Act, 1900," authorises the Corporation to exchange a certain piece of land, and provides for the removal of certain shelters erected for drivers of vehicles. No. 13. "The Devonport Borough Enabling Act, 1900," provides for the adjustment of boundaries on certain property and roads. No. 14. "The Coromandel Harbour Board Dissolution Act, 1900," dissolves the Coromandel Harbour Board, and vests the powers and property thereof in other authorities. No. 15. " The Greytown Electric Lighting and Loan Empowering Act, 1900," empowers the borough to produce and supply electric lighting, and to borrow money for that purpose. No. 16. "The Masterton County Act, 1900," constitutes the county and defines its boundaries. No. 17. "The Auckland Electric Lighting Act, 1900," empowers the Corporation to contract for the supply of electricity and electrical energy within the city. No. 18. " The Queenstown Electric Lighting Act, 1900," empowers the Corporation to contract for the supply of electricity and electrical energy within the borough. No. 19. " The Auckland Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1900," authorises the Board to use £90,000, the unraised portion of a certain loan, for wharves and harbour-works, to raise money to pay compensation to its tenants, and also provides for other matters. No. 20. " The Wellington City Leasing Act, 1900," confers additional leasing powers upon the Corporation in respect of lands leased by it. No. 21. " The Hawera Borough Drainage Empowering Act, 1900," empowers the Council to provide for the drainage of the borough, and defines its powers in respect of such drainage. No. 22. "The Nelson Harbour Board Act, 1900," constitutes the Nelson Harbour Board, provides for the payment of a subsidy out of the Consolidated Fund, and empowers the Board to borrow on the security of its endowments and a special rate. No. 23. "The Johnsonville School Eeserve Act, 1900," empowers the Johnsonville Town Board to use rents and income of school reserve for erecting buildings and for general and technical education. No. 24. "The Christchurch District Drainage Act 1875 Amendment Act, 1900," empowers the Christchurch Drainage Board to borrow a further sum of £25,000 to complete the sewerage system, to be secured by a special rate, and also authorises advances to owners of property to facilitate sewer connections. No. 25. "The Dunedin District Drainage and Sewerage Act, 1900," makes provisions for the drainage and sewerage of the district of Dunedin, and for this purpose constitutes the Dunedin Drainage and Sewerage Board, with general powers as to drainage, levying a sewage rate, and borrowing not exceeding £200,000. No. 26. " The Thames Borough Loans Conversion Act 1898 Amendment Act, 1900," authorises the Borough Council to pay money, in respect of conversion of loans under principal Act out of sinking funds set free, and to apply residue of sinking funds to such purposes as Council thinks fit. No. 27. "The Thames Borough Waterworks Account Act, 1900," empowers Corporation to deal with surplus profits of its Waterworks Account. No. 28. "The Hakataramea Public Hall Act, 1900," vests the Hakataramea public hall in trustees, and provides for their election. No. 29. " The Borough of Eangiora Water-supply Act, 1900," empowers the borough to obtain a water-supply. No. 30. " The Hobson Bay Watershed Sewage Act, 1900," provides for the drainage of Hobson Bay watershed, and for this purpose constitutes the Hobson Bay Watershed Sewage Board, with general powers as to drainage, levying contributions from contributing bodies in district, and borrowing not exceeding £15,000. No. 31. " The Mokau Harbour Board Act, 1900," constitutes a harbour district and Board for the Mokau Harbour. No. 32. " The Castlepoint County Act, 1900," constitutes the county and defines its boundaries. No. 33. " The Hawera Borough Eeserves Act, 1900," empowers the Hawera Borough Council to grant leases of the borough reserves. No. 34. " The Wanganui Eiver Trust Act 1891 Amendment Act, 1900," provides for election of three additional members of Wanganui Eiver Trust by burgesses of Wanganui Borough. Private Acts. No. 1. " The Pahiatua Gasworks Act, 1900," empowers Henry William Briggs to do all work necessary to establish gasworks and supply gas to the Borough of Pahiatua. No. 2. " The Paeroa Gasworks Act, 1900," empowers a company to do all works necessary to establish gasworks at the Township of Paeroa, and supply of gas to the said township and its suburbs. No. 3. " The Bank of New Zealand Officers' Guarantee and Provident Association Act, 1900," constitutes the Bank of New Zealand Officers' Guarantee and Provident Association a body corporate, to be managed by a Board acting in accordance with the rules for the conduct and management of the business and affairs of the association set out in the Schedule to the Act.

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No. 45. (No. 82.) Sic,— Government House, Wellington, 26th October, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that His Excellency the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., left by your directions for the Cook Islands on the 30th September. His Excellency is expected to return to New Zealand in a few days. During the Governor's absence I have been administering the affairs of the colony. I have, &c, EOBEET STOUT, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, Deputy Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 46. (New Zealand.—No. 83.) Sir,— H.M.S. " Mildura," Lyttelton, 31st October, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that, in conformity with your instructions, I started from Wellington in H.M.S. " Mildura " (Captain Baynes, E.N.) on Sunday, 30th September, and proceeded direct to Earotonga, which island we reached on Saturday, 6th October (western time), at 4.30 p.m. The British Eesident, Colonel Gudgeon, came on board, and we then arranged the order of procedure. On Monday, Bth October, I landed at 11 o'clock, and addressed the chiefs and inhabitants, who had assembled to the number of about two-thirds of the population. I then left the chiefs to consider the question, and to send their reply to me on board H.M.S. "Mildura." At about 12.30 p.m. I received a reply that they were unanimously in favour of annexation, at the same time sending to me a formal cession of Earotonga, also of the Islands of Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro, and Takutea, which exclusively acknowledged Ngamaru as their chief. A.t 1.30 p.m. I officially landed to perform the ceremony of annexation, Captain Baynes landing a guard of honour of the Eoyal Marines, of sailors, and a drum and fife band. I then read the Proclamation accepting the cession, and the Proclamation of annexation, including the Hervey Group, Captain Baynes hoisting the Union Jack, and the "Mildura" saluting with twenty-one guns, the ceremony concluding with three cheers for Her Majesty the Queen. The leading chiefs then expressed their gratification at the annexation, which had taken place without a single dissentient. 1 consider Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon deserves much praise for the manner in which he has successfully overcome all the difficulties since his appointment. The most troublesome of the Europeans, finding there was a firm hand directing affairs, and that offenders could not go unpunished, have now mostly left the island. There is no doubt that he enjoyed the full confidence of the Natives and Europeans alike.

The Rev. Mr. Cullen, the London Missionary Society's representative at Mangaia, requested me to grant him a passage from Rarotonga. Colonel Gudgeon considered his presence at Mangaia would be useful. I therefore asked Captain Baynes to take him. I also brought Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon, and Mr. Goodwin, the interpreter to the Cook Islands Government. H.M.S. " Mildura " sailed at 6 p.m., reaching Mangaia the following morning, Tuesday, the 9th October, at daybreak. Mangaia is a fair-sized island, with a considerable production for export of copra, bananas, pineapples, oranges, and other fruits. There is apparently no anchorage, and no landing for ships' boats, disembarcation being effected first in the ship's boats, which conveyed us close to the reef, thence by transhipment into canoes, the largest holding about eight people. These carried us safely through the surf. I was, on landing, conducted to the residence of " King " John, the principal Ariki, and there addressed the assembled chiefs and people, informing them of the annexation of Rarotonga and other islands, and desiring 4—A. 1.

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to learn their wishes. I then left the chiefs to discuss matters, Colonel Gudgeon remaining with a view of answering any questions they might desire to put. The ownership of the land was the only question they were in doubt about, and on being informed that this was acknowledged, they unanimously decided in favour of annexation, signing the deed of cession. In Mangaia the land is differently held to Earotonga and other islands, each family being the acknowledged owner of the land they bold, and it being beyond the power of the Ariki to dispossess them, except for crime. In Earotonga the Ariki asserts the right to the land, and the inferior families therefore only apparently hold it at his pleasure, and, no matter what improvements or planting they may do, they are liable to be turned away without cause or reason. This is very detrimental to the development of property in this island, as the natives do not care to improve the land, fearing the Ariki would alone reap the reward. In consequence they are content if their labour provides them with a ; bare subsistence. On receiving the deed of cession, I proceeded to the chief Ariki's house, and read the Proclamation accepting the cession, and the Proclamation of annexation. The procedure was similar to that at Earotonga, concluding with the singing of the National Anthem. We then returned on board, and proceeded to Aitutaki, which we reached the following day at noon. Owing to s.s. " Ovalau " being here loading fruit, I had not so large a gathering of the people as I should have liked, but the chiefs were almost all present. Eegarding this island there seems to have been some confusion. New Zealand has always understood that it was annexed about the year 1890. The people of Aitutaki have laboured under the same belief. I thought it, however, desirable, as I had no official record, to inquire into the question. No copy of the original Proclamation was obtainable from the chiefs. The Eev. Mr. Lawrence showed me a copy of the Proclamation of a protectorate, which was printed among the New Zealand parliamentary papers. He further informed me that the people understood it as a Proclamation of annexation. Under these circumstances, I considered it was unnecessary to obtain the cession from the chiefs, especially as they had, by their conduct, conclusively proved that they considered themselves part of the British Empire, they having in the past objected to being governed by the Cook Islands Parliament on the strength of their being British. They had also prided themselves on this account as being superior to the other islands of this group. I addressed the people, and informed them of the annexation of the rest of the group. The flag was then formally hoisted by Lieutenant Eideout, E.N., who was acting as my aide-de-camp in place of Captain Alexander, who was confined to his room from an accident. I then declared the island annexed. The people seemed generally gratified and pleased with the ceremony; there were no dissentients. From Aitutaki we proceeded to Penrhyn (a British possession). This island is intimately connected with Earotonga, the London Mission sending missionaries there, and the doctor to the Cook Islands Government visiting it in the missionary steamer. My Ministers were desirous of obtaining the best information, and I therefore asked Dr. May, E.N., to furnish me with a special report on the leprosy, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gudgeon on trade and affairs generally. 1 regret to report that both show an unsatisfactory state of affairs, and it is evident that no improvement can take place through native sources, That a Eesident, in any case for a year or two, is needed to initiate reforms and see justice carried out, is also evident. The Natives are being demoralised by ' the wholesale importation of liquor, chiefly " absinthe," which, I understand, is brought in by French traders, or vessels flying the French flag. The expense incurred should be easily met after the first year by the revenue obtainable. The same British Eesident could undertake the charge of Manihiki, or Humphrey Island, and Eakaanga, also of Suwarrow, there being fairly good communication between these islands by trading schooners, and the same need of supervision being required. These islands are all presumed to be only British protectorates (except Penrhyn). The Colonial Office List, 1899 page 322, states that Humphrey

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(Manihiki) and Eeirson (Eakaanga) were annexed in 1889, but the traders understand it was only a protectorate. I venture to suggest that these islands should be included in any extension of the boundaries or jurisdiction of New Zealand. The Danger group are also worthy of consideration. I have, however, no information regarding them. In the past these islands have all been little visited, and British authority has been more a name than a reality. Their industries, instead of having been fostered with care, have been deteriorated by traders accepting immature pearlshell, and if the present course were allowed to continue all exports would soon cease, and the natives, now accustomed to spirits and strong liquor, would lose all sense of civilisation. From Penrhyn I proceeded to Niue, or Savage Island, touching on the way at Manihiki. A report on this island by Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon appears in Enclosure 11. On the 19th October H.M.S. " Mildura " arrived at Niue. After an interview with the Eev. Mr. Lawes, the missionary, I wrote to the " King" asking him to meet me on the following morning, 20th October, at 9 a.m., and expressing my desire to address the chiefs at a later hour. The interview was entirely satisfactory, and we adjourned from the mission station to the schoolhouse, where the chiefs were assembled. The " King " then addressed them regarding their views on annexation, stating that he was entirely in its favour, but that he had not signified his assent pending their decision. When the " King " had concluded I addressed them, Mr. Lawes acting as interpreter, the language in this island being different from that of the Cook Islands and Penrhyn, &c. The chiefs, after a short consultation with the members present from their respective villages, one after the other spoke in favour of annexation, each on concluding signing the deed of cession. All were unanimous. They, however, distinctly pointed out their desire that in no case should any control be exercised over them from Tonga, and requesting a British Eesident. The flag was then hoisted with the usual ceremony, and the Proclamation read. I append a report by Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon on the present state of affairs at Niue. From Niue we proceeded to Tonga for coal for the return journey. In conclusion, I have the honour to inform you that all documents, Proclamations, conversations, &c, were translated into the native tongue, and that the chiefs and natives in every instance thoroughly understood the question, and, understanding, were unanimous in their decision. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosures. We, the hereditary Arikis of Earotonga, acting with the approval and consent of the Mataiapos and Eangatiras of the island, do hereby cede to Her Majesty Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India, the sovereignty of the said island, subject only to the condition that it shall be annexed as part and parcel of the British Empire. Makea. Vakapoea. Tinomana. Voimutu. Pa. Kaimaitana. Kaeika. V. Maoata. Kainuku. Teeei. Taeaaee. Tamaeua. Signed n our presence in the Palace of Makea, Ariki, at Earotonga, on the Bth day of October, 1900 W. E. Gudgeon, British Eesident. J. Goodwin, Secretary to the Federal Government, Cook Islands.

We, the hereditary Arikis of Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro, and Takutea, acting with the approval and consent of the Mataiapos and Eangatiras of the islands, do hereby cede to Her Majesty Victoria,

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Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India, the sovereignty of the said islands, subject only to the condition that they shall be annexed as part and parcel of the British Empire. Ngamaeu. Signed in our presence in the Palace of Makea, Ariki of Earotonga, on the Bth day of October, 1900. W. E. Gudgeon, British Eesident. J. Goodwin, Secretary to the Federal Government, Cook Islands.

(Eoyal Arms.) Pboclamation as to the Cession of ceetain Islands in the Pacific Ocean to Hee Majesty Queen Victoeia. Wheeeas it has been satisfactorily shown that the inhabitants of the islands in the Pacific Ocean specified or referred to in the Schedule hereto desire that the said islands and the full absolute sovereignty thereof should be ceded to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, to the intent that the said islands should form part of Her Majesty's dominions : Now, therefore, I, TJchter John Mark, Earl of Eanfurly, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, in the name and on behalf of Her Majesty Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India, and by her command signified to me by the Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, do hereby proclaim and declare that such cession is accepted by Her Majesty, and that on and from the date of this Proclamation the said islands shall form part of Her Majesty's dominions, and the full and absolute sovereignty thereof shall be vested in Her Majesty and Her Heirs forever. Given under my hand and seal, at Earotonga, this Bth day of October, 1900. Schedule. The group of islands known as the Cook and Hervey Group, consisting amongst others of (approximately, as far as latitude and longitude is concerned), — . Lat. Long. Earotonga... ... ... ... ... 21° 12' S. 159° 47' W. Takutea ... ... ... ... ... 19° 49' S. 158° 16' W. Atiu ... ... ... ... ... 20° OS. 158°jl0'W. Mitiaro ... ... ... ... ... 19° 49' S. 157° 10' W. Mauke ... ... ... ... ... 20°10'S. 157° 22' W. Hervey (Manuae and Te Anotu) ... ... 19° 18' S. 158° 43' W. Witness — . Eanfuely. Makea.

H. Baynes, Captain, E.N. (Eoyal Arms.) Pboclamation as to Taking Possession of ceetain Islands in the Pacific Ocean on behalf of Hee Majesty Queen Victoeia. Wheeeas by command of Her Majesty Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India, such command having been signified to me by Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, I have, in Her name and on Her behalf, by Proclamation of even date herewith, accepted the cession of the islands in the Pacific Ocean specified and referred to in the Schedule hereto, and declared them to be part of Her Majesty's dominions, and the full and absolute sovereignty thereof to be vested in Her Majesty and Her Heirs for ever: And whereas the said islands now form part of Her Majesty's dominions accordingly : Now, therefore, I, Uchter John Mark, Earl of Eanfurly, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, do hereby proclaim and declare that by command of Her Majesty, signified to me in manner aforesaid, I have this day entered upon the Island of Earotonga in the name of all the said islands and have taken formal possession of all the said islands in the name and on behalf of Her Majesty, by causing the hereinbefore recited Proclamation to be publicly read and Her Majesty's colours to be hoisted with the usual ceremony. Given under my hand, at Earotonga, this Bth day of October, 1900. Schedule. The group of islands known as the Cook and Harvey Group, consisting amongst others of approximately, as far as latitude and longitude is concerned), — Lat. Long. Earotonga... ... ... ... ... 21° 12' S. 159° 47' W. Takutea ... ... ... ... ... 19° 49' S. 158° 16' W. Atiu ... ... ... 20° OS. 158° 10' W. Mitiaro ... ... ... ... ... 19° 49' S. 157° 10' W. Mauke ... ... ... ... ... 20° 10' S. 157° 22' W. Hervey (Manuae and Te Anotu) ... 19° 18' S. 158° 43' W. Witness*— Eanfuely. Makea. H. Baynes, Captain, E.N.

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We, the hereditary Arikis of Mangaia, acting with the approval and consent of the Mataiapos and Eangatiras of the Island, do hereby cede to Her Majesty Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India, the sovereignty of the said Island, subject only to the condition that it shall be annexed as part and parcel of the British Empire. John, Ariki. Ngaierua. Matoera. Nooroa, Ariki. Te Auitai. Amene. Mouruatangi. Te Mangoro. Ingatu. Atii. Pareina. Tieke. Aramamao. Mauri. Tenioiti. Lourono. Pokino. Taapi. Ngaoriu. Waipoiti. Puroku. Kirimanianiania. Eunatai. Kaurarewa. Li Opokione. Kiripaori. Pau te Au. Euataioti. Oruru. Te Au. Euaporo. Tiraopu. Auteirea. Mataiti. Williamu. Makaiamo. Signed in our presence, in the house of John Trego, Ariki, at Mangaia, on the 9th day of October, 1900. W. E. Gudgeon, British Eesident. J. Goodwin,' Secretary to the Government, Cook Islands.

(Eoyal Arms.) Pboclamation as to the Cession of ceetain Islands in the Pacific Ocean to Hee Majesty Queen Victoeia. Wheeeas it has been satisfactorily shown that the inhabitants of the island in the Pacific Ocean specified or referred to in the Schedule hereto desire that the said island and the full and absolute sovereignty thereof should be ceded to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, to the intent that the said island should form part of Her Majesty's dominions : Now, therefore, I, Uchter John Mark, Earl of Eanfurly, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, in the name and on behalf of Her Majesty Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India, and by Her command signified to me by the Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, do hereby proclaim and declare that such cession is accepted by Her Majesty, and that on and from the date of this Proclamation the said Island shall form part of Her Majesty's dominions, and the full and absolute sovereignty thereof shall be vested in Her Majesty and Her Heirs for ever. Given under my hand and seal, at Mangaia, this 9th day of October, 1900. Schedule. Mangaia.—Latitude, 21° 55' S. ; longitude, 157° 56' W. Eanfuely. Witness— John Tbego, Ariki. Nooeoa, Ariki.

H. Baynes, Captain, E.N. (Eoyal Arms.) Pboclamation as to Taking Possession of ceetain Islands in the Pacific Ocean on behalf of Hee Majesty Queen Victobia. Wheeeas, by command of Her Majesty Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India, such command having been signified to me by Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, I have, in Her name and on her behalf, by Proclamation of even date herewith, accepted the cession of the island in the Pacific Ocean specified and referred to in the Schedule hereto, and declared it to be part of Her Majesty's dominions, and the full and absolute sovereignty thereof to be vested in Her Majesty and Her Heirs for ever : And whereas the said island now forms part of Her Majesty's dominions accordingly : Now therefore I, Uchter John Mark, Earl of Eanfurly, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, do hereby proclaim and declare that by command of Her Majesty, signified to me in manner aforesaid, I have this day entered upon the Island of Mangaia in the name of all the said islands, and have taken formal possession of the said island in the name and on behalf of Her Majesty by causing the hereinbefore recited Proclamation to be publicly read and Her Majesty's colours to be hoisted with the usual ceremony. Given under my hand and seal, at Mangaia, this 9th day of October, 1900. Schedule. Mangaia—Latitude, 21° 55' S.; longitude, 157° 56' W. Eanfuely. Witness — John Teego, Ariki. Nooeoa, Ariki. H. Baynes, Captain E.N.

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(Eoyal Arms.) Pboclamation. In the name of Her Majesty Victoeia, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India. Wheeeas I, Uchter John Mark, Earl of Eanfurly, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, have it in command from Her Majesty Queen Victoria, through Her Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, to assert Her Sovereign rights over the Island of Aitutaki, in the Cook Group : And whereas the said Island is said to have been annexed during the year 1891, and for the past nine years it has been the boast of the native inhabitants thereof that they were not as other islands of the Pacific, but were absolutely subjects to Her Majesty : And whereas there is no official record in the islands or information forthcoming regarding this Act of Annexation : Now, therefore, I, Uchter John Mark, Earl of Eanfurly, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, do hereby proclaim and declare to all men that, from and after the date of these presents, the full sovereignty of the Island of Aitutaki (latitude 18° 55' S., longitude 159° 49' W.) vests, together with its dependencies, in Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Her Heirs and successors for ever. Given under my hand, at Aitutaki, this 9th day of October, 1900. Witness — Eanfuely. W. E. Gudgeon, British Eesident.

My Loed,— H.M.S. " Mildura," Australian Station, October, 1900. I have the honour to present to you a short report on the lepers at Molokai, Penrhyn Island, whom I visited on the 13th October, 1900, together with a few suggestions for the purpose of preventing the spread of leprosy in Penrhyn and the neighbouring islands, and for ameliorating the condition of those already affected by the disease. I have, &c.,_ Peecival M. May, Surgeon, E.N. His Excellency the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G.

The Lepers at Molokai, Penrhyn Island. On the 13th October H.M.S. " Mildura" arrived at Penrhyn Island with his Excellency the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand, on board, at whose wish I visited the lepers at Molokai, a small island, which is part of the Penrhyn atoll. Lying alongside the lagoon were about a dozen huts, but there was little sign of life about the island. However, on landing and examining the huts the lepers were found in them, lying or sitting down. The first five cases showed only too plainly the ravages of the disease, being typical examples of nodular leprosy, mixed leprosy, and nerve leprosy. First Case. —Male, aged about nineteen, had been suffering from the disease for about a year. There was no history to be obtained as to when or how the disease was contracted. He was being looked after by his mother, who was free from leprosy. Second Case. —Female, aged about forty-five, three years' duration ; disease making its usual slow progress. Third Case. —Female, aged about sixteen. The most severe and advanced case in the island. Quite blind, and unable to speak. Duration of the disease, about eighteen months. Fourth Case. —Male, aged about twenty-five. Duration of disease, about a year. Fifth Case. —Female, aged about twelve. Duration of disease, eighteen months. These last three were dwelling together, and they were the most severe of the cases I saw in the island ; they were being attended to, as regards their food, by an elderly woman, who was not a leper. The remainder of the cases, four in number, all females, were to be found at the other end of the village. They were not at all of an advanced type, and their stay in the island has not been long. In at least two cases, the diagnosis seemed to me to be uncertain, but the time at my disposal did not enable me to make the minute examination necessary to make an absolute diagnosis. Besides these, there were six women who were not lepers in attendance on those afflicted with the disease. Leprosy apparently was introduced into Penrhyn Island by a native of Samoa—one Tapena by name—in 1883. There is also a record of a leper coming from Honolulu—one Oranga—at about the same period. Owing, perhaps, to the partial segregation practised, the disease does not seem to have made very great strides, although the percentage out of a population of 450 is nearly as large as in the Sandwich Islands —viz., 2 per cent. As far as I could ascertain, the disease has not increased for some years. The longest period that a leper had been at Molokai was three years, and the shortest one year. There has been about twenty deaths ; thus a total of twenty-nine cases have occurred during a period of seventeen years. The people were keen on gaining information for the prevention of the spread of the disease, and also as to how it might be recognised. Owing to the short time at my disposal, it was not possible to make a close examination of all the cases. Of course, the well-marked cases needed no further diagnostic evidence; but there were two or three cases which would need careful microscopic evidence before an exact diagnosis could be made,

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At present, the method seems to be that, if any suspicious eruption appears on any inhabitant of Penrhyn Island, he is at once taken off to the leper island of Molokai, where, if he has not leprosy, he stands a great chance of getting it in the future. The following suggestions appear to me worthy of consideration : — 1. That a Government medical officer be appointed, and that he should visit the island once in three months, or oftener if necessary. He could then see all the " suspects," and decide whether they were or were not suffering from leprosy ; he could also report on the general health of the people, and give any directions necessary for the treatment of the sick. 2. Instead of a supposed leper being at once deported to the leper island, he or she should be isolated in some other part, as a " suspect," until the Medical Officer should confirm or disprove the diagnosis. 3. That an intelligent native who is willing to look after the sick on the leper island should be given instruction, such as would enable him to administer drugs and apply dressings to the ulcers and wounds of the lepers. 4. That the following remarks as to the prevention of leprosy be translated into the native language, and distributed amongst the inhabitants, so that they may know what leprosy really is, and how it may be stamped out from their midst. (1.) Leprosy is caused by a germ, and is contagious through contact, either directly or indirectly, with a leper. Therefore the leper is a source of danger to any community he may live amongst. All lepers should accordingly be isolated most rigorously, and kept away from the healthy inhabitants, and when found in villages, their clothes, &c, should be destroyed, and not left about to spread infection. (2.) Lepers should be very cleanly in their persons and houses. (3.) They should not be allowed: (a) To beg in the villages; (b) to keep shops; (c) to handle food or clothes, &c, intended for others; (d) to go out as servants ; («) to frequent public places. (4.) A child born of leper parents should be at once removed from them. (5.) All intercourse between the healthy inhabitants of Penrhyn Island'and Molokai should be restricted as much as possible. No -cohabitation should be allowed. (6.) No leper should be allowed to leave the Island of Molokai on any pretext whatever. When they die, all their clothing should be burnt. In concluding this memorandum, I must express regret that the shortness of my visit prevented me from making it as full as I would wish; also, the services of a competent interpreter not being forthcoming, I was unable to obtain as much information as desirable regarding the history of individual cases. Peecival M. May, M.E.C.S. Eng., F.E.C.P. Lond., Surgeon, Eoyal Navy.

My Loed,— 15th October, 1900. I have the honour to submit the following report on the subject of the Island of Penrhyn for your information : — This island is known to the people of the Cook Group by the name of " Mangarongas," and to the Polynesians generally under that of " Tongareva." It is situated in latitude 9° S., longitude 158° 3' 30" W., and is an exceedingly good instance of the atoll or barrier reef island, tbe land being a mere strip of drift sand and coral, sparsely covered by cocoanut palms, enclosing a lagoon of fairly deep water, in which is found the valuable pearl-shell of the Eastern Pacific, worth at the present day from £150 to £220 per ton. The chief settlement of this island is Omoka, where not less than 280 natives and seven foreigner- traders reside. This village is in a very convenient position, being only a quarter of a mile from the western or leeward passage through the reef, which is known by the native name of •" Taruia." Ten miles to the north-east of Omoka is the Village of Te Tautua, where there are 170 natives of the island living, and, lastly, there is the leper village of Molokai, where nine of these unfortunates are supposed to be living isolated from their fellow-tribesmen. This loathsome disease was not known in Penrhyn until about the year 1883, when it was introduced from Samoa by one Tapena, and from Honolulu by a man named Urunga. Since that date no less than twenty persons have died of the disease; nine cases are at Molokai, and it is supposed that there are others at large. The steps necessary to preserve the bulk of the population against infection were discussed with me by an intelligent native minister of the London Mission, and I gathered from him that, although the lepers are not allowed to leave their island home, yet there is nothing to prevent the friends of the afflicted visiting them, and it is notorious that a woman from the settlement stayed some days with her leper husband at Molokai within the last few months. It would seem that it is not possible to prevent the continuance and spread of this dangerous disease unless some competent and reliable European be employed to supervise and direct the measures that ought to be taken to insure complete isolation. The actual area of the land in Penrhyn is very small, for though the reef is perhaps fifty miles in circumference, and encloses a lagoon containing one hundred square miles of water, yet the cocoa-palm does not grow on more than one-fourth of the reef, which is not only very narrow, but also barren, producing only the cocoanut, though I observed a few bananas growing fairly well in the Omoka Village. The Island of Penrhyn has long received its education, both religious and secular, from Barotonga, where there is a training-college for the young Maoris who desire to join the London Mission; and as often as possible I have sent Dr. W. B. Craig, of Barotonga, to attend the Penrhyn people medically.

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So far as can be ascertained, the population of Penrhyn is stationary, and I assume this to mean that those families who, in days long past, were afflicted with the diseases brought by whaleships have now died out; and if this be the case, jthen there is no reason why the population should not shortly begin to increase. I am hoping that it may be possible to send Dr. Craig round the northern island twice a year and bring any serious cases, other than leprosy, to the Cook Island Hospital. In any case, his instructions, if attended to, and perhaps enforced by kindly pressure, would materially assist in preserving the native race of these islands. While on this subject I must, however, express my conviction that, however well-conceived the measures taken may be, they will fail absolutely unless the sale of spirits to persons of the Maori race be absolutely prohibited, and this law enforced. Large quantities of absinthe have quite lately been introduced into Penrhyn by vessels flying the French flag, and the trade of the island demoralised thereby, inasmuch that the more honest traders must either join in these illicit practices or lose their trade. Two Tahitian half-castes—Ora Johnson and Mapui—have been the chief offenders in this direction, and it was reported to me that the latter had eighteen cases of absinthe stored in the Village of Te Tautua. As to the control that should be exercised over the sale of strong drink in all the Pacific islands, I have the honour to make the following suggestions : — 1. That no spirituous liquor other than claret or lager beer should be allowed to be sold to any South Sea Island native. 2. That no native should be supplied with any larger quantity of claret or lager than one quart bottle per diem, and that no dealer shall sell either claret or lager without the authority of a permit signed by the Eevenue Officer. 3. That it shall not be lawful to sell intoxicating drink of any description whatever on any island where there is no Eevenue Officer. 4. That no spirits of any description shall be shipped to any South Sea island under the control of New Zealand, excepting only Earotonga, from which the British Eesident may approve of a limited quantity of spirits being exported to any other island for the use of foreign residents. In making these suggestions, I have not lost sight of the fact that the payment of revenue officers will be a serious charge on the finances of New Zealand; but lam convinced that the revenue of Penrhyn and some other islands will be sufficient to cover all the charges incidental to a proper administration of the said islands. I have to report that the present export of pearl-shell from Penrhyn is said not to exceed 60 tons per annum, whereas Mr. Ellis, of Manihiki, informs me that during the years 1871 to 1874 inclusive he alone shipped 100 tons of shell each year from Penrhyn to Tahiti. I attribute the falling-off in quantity to the fact that for the last ten years immature shell has been taken and exported, and that there has been no close season. There is a standing feud between the two villages of Omoka and Te Tautua, and, as the people of Penrhyn are a quarrelsome race, I would suggest the expediency of appointing a Eesident Agent; but, if this man is to be of any use, he must thoroughly understand the native character and speak their language. If he has these qualifications he will be able to decide the disputes of the island. Such a man might act directly under the Government of New Zealand; but, if they should see fit, it would be better that such men should act under my instructions, for the people of European descent resident in Polynesia require close supervision. The Penrhyn traders are all French citizens, and have a monopoly, which they are using to the detriment of the natives, not paying them more than hajf the value of their shell, and that for the most part in trade goods, on which they make enormous profits. It is to be feared also that spirits form no inconsiderable part of the trade. The management of Penrhyn would not be complete unless Humphrey, Eeirson, and Suwarrow Islands are all placed under the same control; and if these islands could be annexed it would greatly simplify matters. If this cannot be done, then I presume that they would be worked on the same lines as the Cook Islands prior to annexation—a system that did not prove entirely satisfactory. I have also to point out that Danger Island is in close proximity to Humphrey and Eeirson, and is deserving of your attention. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, British Eesident, Cook Islands. His Excellency the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand.

My Loed,— 17th October, 1900. I have the honour to forward the following report on the conditions of the two Islands of Manihiki and Bakaanga (Humphrey and Beirson), obtained from personal intercourse with the natives of the first named, on the 15th October, 1900. The Island of Manihiki is in latitude' , S., longitude W,; and Bakaanga in latitude S., longitude W. Manihiki has two villages, that of Tahunu containing 360 native inhabitants, while Tukas has approximately 200. In this island, for the first time during my residence in the Pacific, I have found a really healthy and increasing population of sturdy, well-built men and women ; in proof of which statement I may say that, whereas in Barotonga no less than twenty children died during the late epidemic of whooping-cough, only two died in Manihiki. The health of the island is generally good, but I regret to say that there are two lepers here who came from Bakaanga, and who, in spite of the advice given by Dr. Craig during his late visit, have not yet been isolated.

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The population of Eakaanga is about 370, and they belong to the same tribe as the people of Manihiki. Indeed, in old times the whole tribe lived together, and occupied the two islands alternately. It was only on the advice of the missionaries that they separated and occupied both islands permanently. Both Eakaanga and Manihiki are coral islands, but the latter is an atoll enclosing a lagoon that has been exceedingly rich in pearl-shell; but which, by reason of the grasping demands of French traders, and the want of care exercised by the native owners, has been worked out, and is not now payable. The result of this criminal carelessness is that the lagoon must be closed for from four to five years. The northern side of the Barrier Eeef has been densely planted with the cocoa-palm—in fact, it may be said that there is not one island of the reef that has not been planted, or does not produce copra. It is unfortunate that the palms have been planted so closely together, that at least two-thirds ought to be thinned out, and, if this were done, the yield in copra would be doubled. Under present conditions, 200 tons of copra, worth £1,500, is the ordinary produce of a good year, but it does occasionally fall as low as 100 tons. A very large number of nuts are consumed, by the people of the island, who have only brackish water, and for this reason use a large number of nuts —indeed, the diet of the island is almost exclusively fish and cocoanut. Eakaanga is a low coral island, but has neither lagoon nor pearl-shell; the production of copra is, however, about equal to that of Manihiki, and apparently the soil is superior in quality, for they are able to grow the purako, a species of taro (Caladium). Panapa, a teacher of the London Mission, informs me that the general health of his flock is not inferior to that of Manihiki. The price paid for pearl-shell at Manihiki has heretofore been about 9d. per pound, but I regret to say that much of it has been paid for by the French traders in spirits, that have been sent out of the Paumotus, the French Government having become alive to the necessity of fostering sobriety among their Polynesian citizens. The administration of the law in this island is little short of disgraceful. The Ariki is an imbecile, and is governed by a few corrupt men, who run the island in their own interests, eject people from their lands, and generally oppress the people. Two or three of their victims applied, to me to reinstate them by holding a Court, but I, unfortunately, -could not help them, for I have no jurisdiction under the Pacific Order in Council outside the limits of the Cook Islands; and I am, moreover, of opinion that under a protectorate a Commissioner has no power to interfere in purely native disputes. I may also state for your Lordship's information, that some of the more intelligent natives complained bitterly of some decisions lately given by the captain of one of Her Majesty's ships of war, who, it would seem, was at the mercy of his interpreter, and naturally knew nothing of the customs and language of the people. The people of Manihiki are disposed to take the utmost advantage of the British protectorate; they are sincerely alive to the advantages thereof, but they, none the less, give their trade to the French traders, who are not bound by any law, and will supply them with spirituous liquors to any extent. For this reason the Ariki and chiefs of Manihiki show no special anxiety for annexation, which, as they know full well, would not only end the sale of spirits, but would also enforce a just administration of the law. The only remedy in such a case appears to be the appointment of a subagent, who shall be responsible to some central authority, and the island itself should be annexed. A protectorate cannot enforce either sobriety or justice, for it does not take the administration out of the hands of men who are clearly unfit for the duties they have assumed. I have, &c, E. Gudgeon, British Eesident, Cook Islands. His Excellency the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand.

We, the King and chiefs of the Island of Niue, do hereby consent to Her Majesty Queen Victoria taking possession of this island, and in proof thereof have hereunto subscribed our names this 19th day of October, 1900. Togia, Tagaloailuga (Liku). Ko c Patuiki Niue Tekai. Lagahetan (Tamalagan). Niuloa (Alofi). Kautapu (Mutalau). Sosene (Avatele). Hipa (Tamaitokula). Kapagahemata (Tamakautoga). Ikenei (Uhomotu). Pokihaga (Tapiti). Matiu (Makepu). Puletagaloa (Hakupu). Signatures witnessed by—Francis Edwin Lawes, Missionary of L. M. Society ; Malcolm Eoss, Special Correspondent, London Times, &c.; Frederick Goodwin, Secretary to the Federal Government, Cook Islands; W. E. Gudgeon, British Eesident, Cook Islands.

(Eoyal Arms.) In the Name of Her Majesty Queen Victoeia, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireiand, Empress of India. Wheeeas I, Uchter John Mark, Earl of Eanfurly, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief over the Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, have it in command from Her Majesty through her Principal 5—A. 1.

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Secretary of State for the Colonies, to assert Her Sovereign rights over the Island of Niue : And whereas the King and chiefs of the island have on more than one occasion sought to become subjects of Her Majesty: Now therefore I, Uchter John Mark, Earl of Eanfurly, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Com-mander-in-Chief in and over the Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, do hereby proclaim and declare to all men that, from and after the date of these presents, the full sovereignty of the Island of Niue, situated in latitude 19° 2' S., and 169° 49' W., vests, together with its dependencies, in Her Majesty Queen Victoria, her heirs and successors for ever, the said island having been taken possession of by Her Majesty with the consent of the King and local chiefs thereof. Given under my hand at Niue, this 19th day of October, 1900. Eanfuely.

My Loed ,— H.M.S. " Mildura," 19th October, 1900. I have the honour to forward the following report upon the Island of Niue, based upon the information gathered during the recent visit to that island. Niue is about thirty-six miles in circumference, and geologically resembles Mangaia, the littoral zone being the coral reef, which in times long past had been upheaved at least 40 ft. above the sea-level. The centre of the island is said to be volcanic, and evidently is superior in fertility to the coast zone. The whole of the land is clothed in vegetation of the usual tropical class, including* the cocoa-palm, orange, pineapple, banana, and yam. Want of communication with the civilised world has, however, prevented the export of most of these fruits, the result being that the energies of the natives has for the most part been directed towards the manufacture of copra, the yield being 700 tons for the year 1900. This crop was abnormal, for it would seem that the ordinary output does not exceed 500 tons, but, like all other South Sea Islands, the productive powers cannot be said to have fully developed. The only other export has been fungus for the Chinese market. The people of Niue are now planting coffee, and it seems not unlikely that this shrub may be found very suitable to the soil of the islands. So far as I can ascertain, Niue is not likely to prove suitable for the cultivation of the vanilla bean, but I propose to test this matter by sending cuttings of the plant to the island chiefs by the first opportunity, inasmuch as it is my experience that it is always the unexpected that happens in the South Seas. The most urgent requirement of the island at the present time is that the various landing-places shall be improved, for it is almost impossible to land goods or ship produce, except in very calm weather, but the excavation of a shallow basin near the Village of Alofi would enable the traders to ship the produce of the island in any ordinary weather. The island is divided into eleven districts, each under its own chief, and all of them subject to the King, Tongia, viz. : Alofi, 719 inhabitants ; Tamakautonga, 275 inhabitants ; Avatele, 401 inhabitants; Fatian, 104 inhabitants; Hakupu, 456 inhabitants; Liku, 383 inhabitants; Tamataugan, 234 inhabitants ; Mutalau, 524 inhabitants ; Tamahatokula, 248 inhabitants ; Upotnotu, 428 inhabitants ; Makefu, 196 inhabitants ; Mission students, 49 inhabitants ; away in ships, 561 men. The political system of the island is as follows : Each district is governed by an hereditary chief, and these men elect a king from among their number, but the real power remains in the hands of the district chief. The present king is Tongia, an old man, who has reigned for two years, since the death of Fateike, who reigned for twelve years from the death of Tuitonga, who preceded him. Each of these kings had on different occasions petitioned for annexation to the British Empire. There are four representative firms (all British subjects), carrying on the trade of this island, and, in all, seventeen European residents, but, strange to say, not one Chinaman, for the reason, I am told, that these people are not allowed to land. The sale of liquor to all persons of the Native race is strictly prohibited, and up to the present day no lands have been leased to any one, whether European or Maori. This policy is probably due to missionary influence, and possibly has done no harm so far. It is reported that the population has diminished one-fifth in the last twenty years, and this may be the case; but the people appear to be healthy, and well fed, and the children appear to be fairly numerous. lam therefore inclined to believe that, whatever the cause of decrease may have been, that cause has now, in great measure, been removed. It is said that the semi-religious persecution of those who have offended against the moral code of the London Mission has had the effect of driving many of the best men from the Island to Earotonga and elsewhere. It is possible that this tale may be true, for there can be but little doubt that [this same code drove many of the Natives of both sexes from the Cook Islands to Tahiti, to which place they fled for the purpose of raising money wherewith to pay the fines imposed upon them as a punishment for an offence which is not recognised as a crime by any Christian or civilised community. The laws to which I refer are to be found in Polynesia only, and are not only ridiculous, but have failed to affect the evil at which they were aimed ; for the Polynesians, whether male or female, are probably more immoral at the present day than they have been at any previous period of their history, and the only effect of the heavy fines imposed has been to demoralise both Judges and police, by giving them a direct interest in the conviction of offenders, since the fines recovered were for the most part plundered by those officials. It appears to me that, for some time to come, the Native officials of the annexed Islands will require careful watching in order to check the eccentricities to which I have referred. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, British Eesident, Cook Islands. His Excellency the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand.

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We, the hereditary Arikis of Manuae and Te Anotu, acting with the approval and consent of the Mataiapos and Eangatiras of the island, do hereby cede to Her Majesty, Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India, the sovereignty of the said island, subject only to the condition that it shall be annexed as part and parcel of theßritish Empire. John Pakoti, Ariki o Manuae. Signed in our presence in the Courthouse of Aitutaki, on the 9th day of October, 1900. W. E. Gudgeon, British Eesident. Fbedeeick Goodwin, Secretary to the Federal Government, Cook Islands.

No. 47. (No. 86.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd November, 1900. I have the honour to enclose you herewith a resolution passed by the Legislative Council of New Zealand on the 20th October, praying for the incorporation of Fiji with this colony. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. . Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. (1.) That in the opinion of this House it is desirable that representations be made to the Imperial Government praying it to relieve Fiji from the position of a Crown colony, seeing that to continue the present form of government in the Fiji Islands is inconsistent with freedom, justice, and equity, and is an abrogation of civil and political rights, depriving as it-does the European population, who are mostly New-Zealanders and Australians, of all voice in the making of laws, and debarring them from having the control of moneys raised from taxation ; and it is desirable that a form of government more suited to the altered conditions and requirements of the people, and one which would be in the best interests of the Europeans and native population, should be granted to Fiji. (2.) That as resolutions have been passed at public meetings held, and representative residents— men of position and standing in Fiji—have by memorial expressed the wish for a closer relationship with this colony, and, seeing that from the geographical position of the islands and New Zealand, extension of trade and mutual exchange of products and other lasting benefits would ensue both to this colony and Fiji, this House fully believes and indorses the opinion expressed by the memorialists that federation would be to the advantage of both colonies, subject, however, to terms and conditions to be hereafter agreed upon, and consents to the incorporation of Fiji as an integral portion of this colony ; and that the sanction of the Imperial Government be obtained thereto.

No. 48. (No. 87.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 27th November, 1900. I have the honour to forward you herewith a memorandum I have received from my Premier. I regret the remarks made by His Excellency Sir George O'Brien, on the occasion of the opening of the Wainibokasi Hospital, about Native lands. In the Cook Islands every one is now peaceful and content, but should this speech reach the natives there, which of a surety it will, I consider it will offer an opening for those malcontents who in the past have caused trouble, and, further, that all future efforts to advance native interest may be looked upon with suspicion. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency, and advises that the attention of the Secretary of State for the Colonies should be drawn to the speech delivered by Sir George O'Brien, Governor of Fiji and High Commissioner of the Western Pacific, on the occasion of the opening of the Wainibokasi Hospital, and which was reported in the Fiji Times of the 31st October, 1900, and which, by order of the Governor, was ordered to be printed and circulated in the Na Mata in the Fijian language, a paper which circulates largely, not only amongst the Fijians, but is also, the Premier understands, distributed and read by the natives of Tonga, Friendly Islands, and other islands in the Pacific.

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That the Eepresentative at Fiji—if the report be correct—should, as contained in paragraphs 6 and 7, reflect not only on New Zealand, but on all colonies where self-government exists, and where there are coloured aboriginal natives holding the land, by stating in effect that to get the land was the object of obtaining responsible government, is to be extremely regretted ; and the statement that in New Zealand the white people have got nearly all the land, and that the Maoris, the coloured people, are cooped up in the fragment of land that has been left to them, and many of them have no land at all, is misleading and incorrect. In the North Island there are thirty thousand Natives, and they own some 5,000,000 acres of land ; not only that, but the laws of the colony fully demonstrate that the New Zealand Parliament has endeavoured to safeguard and preserve the lands to the Natives, and prevent them from being imposed upon or becoming landless. The South Island Natives, who are comparatively few in number, in the very early days of the colony, and prior to New Zealand being a self-governing colony, ceded and disposed of their lands to the New Zealand Company and to the parent colony. In recent years the reserves and land owned by the Maoris were found to be insufficient, and some of the Natives became landless ; to meet the difficulty 65,000 acres of Crown lands were granted to them free of cost. The Natives of New Zealand have representation in the Parliament of the colony, and in the Executive Council and Cabinet, and enjoy greater freedom and privileges than do those of our own flesh and blood in Fiji. The attack on the fair fame of our colony, in respect to the treatment of the Native race and its dealing with their lands, is therefore inexplicable and undeserved, and, coming from Her Most Gracious Majesty's Eepresentative in another colony is, the Premier respectfully submits, unprecedented and reprehensible. The paragraphs 8 and 9 of the speech, as reported, are objectionable, and the inference sought to be drawn—namely, that in acceding to the prayer of the white people of Fiji New Zealand was actuated by a desire to take the lands from the Natives, and that if federation with this colony took place there would be a remission of the Native poll-tax, but that the land would be lost to the Natives—is a libel of an aggravated and uncalled for character, It is well known to His Excellency, and to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that it has ever been the desire of the Government of New Zealand to improve the condition of the Polynesian and Papuan races inhabiting the islands in the Pacific ; and by a reference to the Premier's Memorandum No. 91, setting forth the conditions on which the boundaries of our colony were to be extended so as to include the Cook and other Islands, it will be found, — (1.) That the ownership of the land in the Cook Island Group be admitted. (2.) That a Court on the same lines as the Native Land Court established in New Zealand, or a Commission, should define the ownership of the particular areas, and decide as to its subdivision and partition. (3.) That, on this being ascertained, the land should be Crown-granted and alienated through the Crown, as agreed upon by the Maori chiefs under the Treaty of Waitangi, and thus safeguard the interests of the Natives, and prevent them from becoming landless or being taken advantage of. To prove that his Excellency the Governor of Fiji is ungenerous and unjust in imputing to this colony selfish and improper motives,"it may not be out of place to review what led to the action taken. In 1883 there was a movement made in Fiji for the confederation of Australia, New Zealand, and the Islands ; and in the session of that year the New Zealand Parliament passed the Confederation and Annexation Act. In 1884 a Conference was held in Sydney, and the result was in favour of Fiji -being annexed to New Zealand. In 1885 the inhabitants petitioned the New Zealand Parliament for annexation. This was declined. Since that, a latent feeling and the Federation movement in Australia revived the movement in Fiji for a constitutional change in the direction of obtaining self-government, the ultimate object being federation with this colony, and last session a petition praying for this to be done was presented to Parliament, and the prayer of the petition was granted. The resolutions of both Houses of the General Assembly of this colony were sent to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. The Premier forwards the following as annexes : — (1.) Fiji Times of the 31st October, containing the speech referred to ; (2.) Fiji Times of the 3rd November, containing reference to the issuing of the Na Mata ; (3.) The Na Mata, containing in the native language the speech to which exception is taken ; (4.) Parliamentary Paper A.-3h., showing the past action in respect to the question of Fijian federation; (5.) Parliamentary Paper A.-3g., being the petition presented to the New Zealand Parliament on the same subject. The Premier also forwards as further annexes the following:— (6.) Address of the Maori King, Mahuta, on his arriving in Wellington; (7.) His letter to the Premier on leaving Wellington after the session ; (8.) Letter from the Maori chiefs of the East Coast; (9.) Letter from Hori Kingi, Parata, Mate, and the other leading chiefs of the Northern Maori District, — and desires His Excellency to transmit the same to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. In conclusion, the Premier earnestly expresses the hope that the Secretary of State may give this matter his earnest attention. It is due to this and other self-governing colonies that the charges made should either be proved or withdrawn, for the Premier submits that the effect of statements of this kind has a deep-rooted feeling in the native mind, and such statements coming from the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific will prejudice the Natives against British rule,

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and be bound to hamper both the Commonwealth of Australia and the colony in respect to the Imperial and Federal movement in connection with the islands in the Pacific, and other nations will use these remarks of His Excellency the Governor of Fiji in order to further their own ends, and will alarm the natives, by telling them that to be subject to British rule means the loss of their land. In respect to the Tongan Islands, the effect of the speech will set back British interests for a considerable time. This is all the more to be regretted, for it is well known that there has existed strained relationship owing to indifferent government. This action will tend to intensify the present misrule and make things worse than ever. B. J. Seddon. Premier's Office, Wellington, 20th November, 1900.

No. 49. (No. 88.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 6th December, 1900. With further reference to my despatch (New Zealand—No. 60), dated the 20th August, 1900, regarding the resurvey of New Zealand coasts. 1. I have the honour to inform you that my Ministers consider the portions of the coasts mentioned below should be first surveyed, the places being named in their order of importance : — 2. The east coast of the North Island, from Cape Kidnappers to Cape Palliser, especially that portion of it covering the foul ground north and south of Flat Point, where it is stated on the chart that this has only been partially examined. 3. Portland Island to East Cape, especially that portion between Table Foreland and Gisborne. 4. Bay of Plenty, particularly that portion between Tauranga Harbour and Town Point, where several rocks have been reported but not definitely placed. 5. A small portion of the coast off Coromandel Harbour, where changes in the coast-line have been reported by the Harbourmaster there, and two or three uncharted rocks have been reported by a Mr. Surflen off Waimate Island. 6. West coast of North Island, from Cape Maria Van Dieman to Manukau Harbour. There is almost a complete absence of soundings in this portion of the coast. A barque, " Lord of the Isles," which was wrecked only a few weeks ago off Kaipara Harbour, would probably have been saved if there had been any soundings given off the port. South Island of New Zealand. 7. Cascade Point to Farewell Spit, especially between Kahurangi Point and Greymouth. The coast-line between Cape Foulwind and Greymouth is said to be so far relatively wrong that a course steered as taken from the chart would soon put the ship on shore. 8. A small portion of the coast on each side of the French Pass, viz., Admiralty Bay to the east of it, and between Pepin Island and Fraser's Point to the south-west, which appear to have been only partially surveyed, as no soundings are given. 9. Antipodes Island and Bounty Islands have never been surveyed. The sketch survey made by Captain Fairchild is altogether erroneous. The size of Antipodes Island is approximately correct, but the lay of the land and the rocks off it are completely in error. One of the medium-sized islands close to the anchorage off the depot at the Bounty Islands was not charted, and any bearings taken at either of these places are useless. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 27.

No. 50. (No. 89.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Bth December, 1900. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand—No. 29) dated the 16th May, 1900, asking for information regarding " The Kauri-gum Industry Act Amendment Act, 1899," as affecting Dalmatians, I have the honour to inform you that this Act has no special application to Dalmatians, but that

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incidentally it does affect them, by enacting (section 2) that no person shall be entitled to dig on a kauri-gum reserve unless he is the holder of a special license and is a British subject by birth or naturalisation; so that if a Dalmatian is not naturalised he cannot dig on such reserves. The Act, however, does not alter his position with respect to an ordinary license. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 51. (No. 94.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 17th December, 1900. I have the honour to enclose you a memorandum I have received from my Premier regarding the present position of steamship communication between the colony and San Francisco, with special reference to Honolulu. There is a considerable amount of feeling in New Zealand about vessels belonging to this colony being debarred from carrying passengers and merchandise between Honolulu and American ports, whereas at the same time they have to compete with these steamers in both passengers and merchandise between New Zealand and Australian ports. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The annexation of Hawaii by the United States, and the bringing of that group of islands under the provision of their navigation laws, thus preventing British-owned vessels from carrying on trade between these islands and the United States, is calculated to have a serious effect upon the trade of this colony. For thirty-one years the mails between England and New Zealand have been carried by steamers subsidised heavily by the Government of this colony, and until the 24th October last one steamer, owned by a British company trading here, has regularly taken part in this mail-service. The service has now, however, been transferred to an American-owned line of steamers—that of Spreckels Brothers —the United States Government giving a direct subsidy of £52,000 per annum for ten years. With this subsidy, added to the fact that none of our steamers can trade between Hawaii and the United States, it follows that we are completely excluded from conveying either our own mails or passengers or cargo to that country; and, in addition to this, the steamers, which are being run to the prejudice and exclusion of our own vessels, operate against British-owned steamers trading between Australia and New Zealand, and upon their trips here they will necessarily carry passengers across intercolonially, and this will result most prejudicially against the development of trade by our own steamers, even in our own waters. Another way in which the altered service will operate against the possible introduction of an alternate service in this country is this : Prior to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States, Honolulu was made a coal depot for steamers trading under the British flag, via Vancouver, to these colonies, and it was the practice of the Canadian mail-ships to land some 500 tons of coal at a time, which they were allowed to do without port charges, at Honolulu. Since the annexation of the islands, however, this has not been allowed, and an impost of 3s. per ton is levied upon the coal required for steamers not trading within the prescribed territory at all. The Premier therefore begs respectfully to request that His Excellency will refer the matter to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in order that representations may be made to the United States Government upon this important subject, with a view of establishing a modus vivendi with the United States of a more equitable character than that now existing. As the matter is one of great importance to this colony, the Premier can only strongly impress upon His Excellency's attention its great urgency. The subject is at present the basis of a considerable amount of friction, and it is very difficult to tell how far such a feeling as now exists may grow. E. J. Seddon.

No. 52. (No. 95.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 19th December, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that in the course of a few days I am leaving for a tour of inspection, on the Government steamer " Hinemoa," of the Southern Islands,

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I shall be absent from New Zealand for nearly a month. During my absence my duties will be performed by the Hon. Sir James Prendergast, K.C.M.G., late Chief Justicaof the colony. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 53. (No. 96.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 20th December, 1900. With reference to your despatch circular, dated 7th September, 1900, relative to a treaty with Honduras, I have the honour to inform you that my Government do not desire to adhere to the treaty. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 54. (No. 99.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 22nd December, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that I have received the following resolution passed at the Jubilee Meeting held this week at Christchurch, commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the founding of the Province of Canterbury : — " Her Majesty's loyal and loving subjects in Canterbury, rejoicing on " this their day of Jubilee, tender their heartfelt thanks to Almighty God for " the many blessings they have enjoyed under Her Most Gracious Majesty's " beneficent reign, and earnestly pray that she may long continue to rule over " them." I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,375 copies), £20 6s.

Price is.] By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9ol.