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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1909 Session II, A-01

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1909, 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.

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No. of ieries 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1.'! 14 15 16 17 IS 1!) 20 21 22 23 24 25 2(1 27 2S 29 ,30 .31 32 33 Date. Subject. 20 Mar., 1908.. | Consumptives arriving in New Zealand 20 ,, ,, . • I Gold and silver exported, 1907 5 April, ,, .. I Ratification by New Zealand of Convention of Universal Postal Union 5 ,, ,, .. j Certificate of survey concerning registration of vessels .. .. 23 May, ,, .. I Uniformity in company laws of the Empire .. .. .. .. ... 29 „ „ .. i Earl of Crewe appointed Secretary of State for the Colonial Department .. 4 June, ,, .. j Candidates for master or mate to be proficient in first aid to the injured 22 ,, ., .. Restrictions upon British ships not engaged in coastal trade of New Zealand 30 ,, „ .. Gun for memorial to Captain Cook at Ship Cove 30 ,, ,, .. Uniformity in trade statistics of the Empire .. 3 Julv ,, .. ! Reciprocity in examination and authorisation of surveyors 4 „ ,, .. Attachment of members of Imperial Yeomanry to Colonial Mounted Forces, and vice versa 11 ,, ,, .. Attestation of documents to be used in New Zealand 14 ,, ,, .. Publication of letters patent constituting office of Governor of New Zealand 29 ,, „ .. Limitation of length of Parliamentary speeches in New Zealand 3 Aug., ,, .. Opening of Parliament 28 „ ,, . . Proposed lighthouse, Auckland Islands 28 ,, ,, .. Transfer of land in Buckle Street, Wellington, to New Zealand 11 Sept., ,, .. Restrictions upon British ships not engaged in coastal trade of New Zealand 29 „ ,, .. Blood-sucking flies, fleas, ticks, &c, in New Zealand 4 Oct., ,, .. Report on Defence Forces of New Zealand 19 ,, ,, .. " Shipping and Seamen Act, 1908," reserved for Royal assent 3 Nov., „ .. New Zealand Acts, 1908 21 ,, „ .. Restrictions upon British ships not engaged in coastal trade of New Zealand 22 ,, ,, .. " Chinese Immigrants Act Amendment Act, 1907," assented to . . 4 Jan., 1909.. Treatment of commercial travellers' samples .. 9 ,, „ .. ] Resignation and appointment of Ministers 25 ,. „ .. Authentication of signatures to documents 5 Feb., „ .. Gold and silver exported, 1908 1 Mar., ,, .. Proposed money-order convention with France 1 ,, ,, .. New Zealand coat-of-arms 18 ,, ., •. Use of the term " Imperial " by registered companies .. 18 ,, ,, .. Refund of Customs duties on goods not accepted or re-exported Subject. Page. 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 (i 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 15 15 16 16 17 18 18 18 19 19

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No. 1. No. 15. My Lord, t Government House, Wellington, 20th March 1808. At the request of my Ministers, I have the honour to draw your Lordship's attention to the large number of persons who come to New Zealand suffering from consumption and who, under " The Immigration Eestriction Act, 1899 " (a copy of which is enclosed) are not permitted to land. 2. My Government do not wish to deny the benefits of this climate to Britishers who are in the curable stages of consumption, but at the same time they consider that it is unfair to expect this Dominion to receive indigent cases, whether curable or not. 3. Almost every ship arriving from Great Britain—about forty annually—brings one or more passengers whose health is the subject of enquiry by the Health Department. It not infrequently happens that a man spends all he has in order to come out here in search of health and is then prohibited from landing. 4. The agents in New Zealand of the various Shipping Companies are well aware of the embargo which is placed upon such passengers, but, although they have advised their principals at Home, the practice still continues. 5. My Ministers desire to suggest that, if greater care could be exercised at the medical inspection which is made at the port of departure, much disappointment and waste of money might be prevented. I have etc., The Right Honble the Earl of Elgin, PLUNKET, E.G., P.C., G.C.5.1., G.C.1.E., &c, &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 2. No. 16. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 20th March 1908. In continuation of my despatch, No. 30 of the 23rd April 1907, and with reference to Colonial Office despatch of the Bth December 1898, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that the quantities of Gold and Silver entered for export for the year ended 31st December 1907 were 508,210 oz., equal to 15,807 - 46 kilogrammes, valued at £2,027,490 ; and 1,562,603 oz., equal to 48,603-51 kilogrammes, valued at £169,484 respectively. I have etc., The Right Honble the Earl of Elgin, PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 3. No. 23. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, sth April 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch, Miscellaneous, of the 4th December last, on of the ratification of the Convention of the Universal Postal Union at Rome on the 25th May 1906. 2. In compliance with your request I enclose herewith a document ratifying the Convention on behalf of New Zealand. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 4. No. 24. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, sth April 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch, No. 13, of the 30th January last, on the subject of a new form of certificate of survey concerning the registration of vessels.

A.-2, 1908. No. 24.

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2. My Government has decided to adopt the new form from the date suggested by the Board of Trade, viz. the Ist July next, and I am desired to request that be made for 500 copies of the form to be sent to the Marine Department here for the use of Registrars in this Dominion. 3. The Registrars will be instructed to make the necessary alterations in manuscript in the existing stocks of the Register and of the certificate of Registry and Transcript of Register in the same way as the Registrars in the United Kingdom have been instructed. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 5. No. 38. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 23rd May 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your predecessor's despatches, Miscellaneous of the 31st July 1907 and No. 28 of the 26th February last, on the subject of the desirability of securing greater uniformity in the Company Laws of the Empire. 2. I regret the delay that has occurred in replying to the former despatch, but my Ministers have now sent me a minute upon this subject to the following effect. 3. " The existing legislation in this Dominion regarding Joint Stock Companies is contained in ' The Companies Act, 1903,' which repealed and consolidated all previous Acts. In the event of an Act to amend and consolidate the existing Companies Acts (Imperial) being passed by the Imperial Parliament, the Government of this Dominion would be prepared to consider any amendments of the said Companies Act, 1903, which might be necessary to secure uniformity with Imperial Legislation and meanwhile would be glad to receive any scheme or suggestion tending to uniformity and simplification which the Imperial Government may have to offer." I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 6. No. 41. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 29th May 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch, Circular, of the 16th April, informing me that His Majesty the King has entrusted to your care, as one of the Principal Secretaries of State, the Seals of the Colonial Department. I have etc., The Right Honble the Earl of Crewe, PLUNKET, K.G., P.C., &c, &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies. No. 7. "' No. 42. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 4th June 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your predecessor's despatch, No. 47, of the 26th March last, upon the subject of instructing candidates for certificates of proficiency as Master or Mate in the principles of first aid to the injured. 2. I herewith enclose, for transmission to the Board of Trade, copies of the Regulations, which my Government has issued on this subject. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

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No. 8. No. 48. My Lord, - Government House, Wellington, 22nd June 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your predecessor's despatch, No. 54, of the 2nd April last, transmitting a copy of a letter from the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom, communicating a Resolution passed at the Annual Meeting of the Chamber. 2. My Ministers are of opinion that it would not be advisable for the New Zealand Government to promise the Imperial Authorities that it will not initiate legislation imposing restrictions upon British ships not registered in nor engaged in the coastal trade beyond those imposed by the Imperial Merchant Shipping Acts, as such a promise might hamper future legislation, especially as regards ships engaged in the inter-Colonial trade. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

A.-2, 1909, No. 5.

No. 9. No. 49. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 30th June 1908. In reply to your predecessor's despatch, No. 5, of the 17th January last, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that the Captain Cook Memorial Committee will gladly accept the iron smooth bore gun offered by the Admiralty as a trophy for the memorial to Captain Cook at Ship Cove, Queen Charlotte Sound, and that arrangements will be made for its shipment free of charge to the Admiralty. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 10. No. 50. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 30th June 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your predecessor's despatches, Miscellaneous of the 30th July 1907 and No. 53 of the 2nd April last, with reference to the resolution passed at the Colonial Conference on the subject of the desirability of securing greater uniformity in the trade statistics of the Empire. 2. I enclose, for your Lordship's information, a copy of a memorandum which I have now received from my Prime Minister, in which he makes certain comments upon the note mentioned in the resolution. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

Enclosure. Wellington, 11th June, 1908. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. Eefebring to Despatch dated 30th July 1907 from the Secretary of State for the Colonies and to the accompanying papers relating to the Colonial Conference of 1907, I have the honour to furnish your Excellency with the following comments on the " Note on Trade Statistics " —see page 521. 1. Common Statistical Year. It is assumed that the practice in New Zealand of making out the returns for the Calendar year is in accordance with the wishes of the Board of Trade. 2. Countries of origin and ultimate destination of goods. Goods on through bill of lading or on transhipment entry are entered as from the country from which they were originally shipped. The same principle governs the export return. The goods are entered as exported to the country or ultimate destination so far as this can be ascertained. In the case of foreign goods liable to surtax, the particular foreign country from which they come is not shown, but the total value and amount of duty is shown separately. It would be in vain to expect Importers to state the country of origin in the case of goods not subject to surtax in the case of goods not coming direct from such country. In many cases this information is not known and any attempt to exact it would result in very imperfect and unreliable information being given.

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3. Classification of articles: —Every care is taken to give sufficient details without burdening the jeturn unduly. The order in which goods are stated approximates to that shown in the detailed import and export returns of the Board of Trade. 4. Classification of Articles in groups. There would be no objection to embodying a return for imports similar to that shown in the Statistics of the Board of Trade 1906, Summary No. 2, but it is considered desirable that this should be done simultaneously by Canada, Australia and New Zealand. So far as New Zealand is concerned there is a return already in the Annual Volume of Statistics (see 1906 page 302), which shows a summary of imports in groups of principal articles, but the grouping does not accord with the order adopted by the Board of Trade. The New Zealand Government would be glad to aid in the assimilation of returns with those of the United Kingdom, but is reluctant to make changes unless the principal British Possessions act s multaneously, because changes of classification or of order when adopted hinder comparison with returns of previous years. (sgd) J. G. Waed, Prime Minister.

No. 11. No. 51. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 3rd July 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your predecessor's despatch, No. 56, of the Bth April last, on the subject of the proposal to establish reciprocity between the several parts of the British Empire in matters connected with the examination and authorization of Surveyors. 2. In response to Lord Elgin's request, I enclose herewith two copies of the Examination Regulations for Surveyors under " The New Zealand Institute of Surveyors and Board of Examiners Act, 1900." 3. These Regulations contain the subjects in which a candidate for the position of a Surveyor is examined by. the Surveyors Board. 4. I am also forwarding copies (in duplicate) of the examination papers used in last September's examination. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 12. No. 52. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 4th July 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your predecessor's despatch, No. 59, a.-2, 1909, of the 11th April last, on the subject of the attaching of individual members of the No - 7 - Imperial Yeomanry to Colonial Mounted Forces and vice versa. 2. My Ministers inform me in reply that the Government of this Dominion concur in the proposed alterations to the Army Act and state -that the necessary steps will be taken to introduce the requisite amendments to the Defence Acts to Parliament during the present Session. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 13. No. 54. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 11th July 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your predecessor's despatch, No. 37, A.-2,1909, of the 11th March last, on the subject of the attestation of documents to be used in No - 4 - New Zealand. 2. Act 54-55 Vict. Cap. 50 is not in force in this Dominion and there is no provision in the law of New Zealand corresponding to Section 2 of that Act. 3. My Prime Minister informs me that an amendment of the New Zealand law • will be made in order to accord with the Imperial Act. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

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No. 14. - No. 56. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 14th July 1908. In reply to your despatch, Miscellaneous, of the 14th May last, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that the Letters Patent constituting the office of Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Dominion of New Zealand were published in the New Zealand Gazette of the 11th June 1908. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 15. No. 58. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 29th July 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch, No. 96, of the sth June last, asking for information on the subject of the methods adopted in limiting the length of Parliamentary Speeches in New Zealand. 2. There is no method adopted for limiting speeches in the Legislative Council of this Dominion. 3. In the House of Representatives the Standing Orders Nos. 108 and 111 fix a time for speeches, and under the Standing Order No. 173 the Speaker, or, in a Committee of the whole House, the Chairman, may require a Member to discontinue his speech. 4. I enclose two copies of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (1906). I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 16. No. 62. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 3rd August 1908. I have the honour to inform your Lordship that I opened the Fourth Session of the Sixteenth Parliament of New Zealand on the 29th of June last. 2. Enclosed I forward, for your Lordship's information, copies of the Speech that I delivered on that occasion, together with copies of the Addresses in reply from the Legislative Council and House of Representatives. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor. y'

No. 17. No. 66. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 28th August 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch, No. 80, of the 22nd May last, enclosing a copy of a letter from the Board of Trade on the subject of the desirability of establishing a lighthouse and fog-signal in the locality of the Auckland Islands.. 2. I duly submitted your despatch to my Ministers and have now received from my Prime Minister the enclosed copy of a minute from the Minister for Marine, which explains the present position as regards this question. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

A.-2, 1909. No. 13.

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Enclosures. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 24th August, 1908. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments, and in returning G.H. 492/1908 of the 22nd May, attaches "hereto a memorandum from the Hon. the Minister for Marine, which explains the position regarding the question of establishing a lighthouse and fog signal station on the Auckland Islands. J. G. Warp

The Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister. After the wreck of the " Dundonald " on the Auckland Islands in March 1907, the Court of Enquiry into the wreck recommended the erection of a lighthouse and fog-signal on the Snares, suggesting that the cost of construction and maintenance should be distributed between Great Britain, the Commonwealth and the Dominion. The opinion of the Imperial Authorities, who have had the Court's report before them, is that their General Lighthouse Fund is not available for establishing a lighthouse and fog-signal on an island which is a part of the possessions of the Dominion, and ask whether our Government proposes to take any action in the matter. The Government of the Commonwealth, after the enquiry mentioned, was communicated with, and asked whether it would contribute towards erecting a lighthouse on the Snares, the reply being that the Commonwealth Government had not as yet taken over the control of lighthouses, but intended to do so shortly, and that when it had assumed control, the erection of a light on the Snares would be one of the matters to be attended to first. From this it would seem that there is a consensus of opinion that the Snares, and not the Auckland Islands, should be lighted. ( s gd) J- A. Millar. • 17/8/08.

No. 18. No. 67. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 28th August 1908. I have the honour to inform you that I have been requested by my Prime Minister to transmit to your Lordship the accompanying copy of a memorandum from the Minister for Lands relative to certain land at present in the legal possession of the Imperial Government. 2. The land in question is comprised in Sections numbered 226 and 233, City of Wellington, upon which a drill-shed in Buckle Street has recently been erected. 3. My Ministers desire me to request that the two areas described in the enclosed schedule may be transferred to the Governor of New Zealand. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

Enclosures. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 21st August, 1908. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments and transmits herewith a memorandum from the Minister for Lands relative to certain land at present in the legal possession of the Imperial Government, and desires that His Excellency will ask His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies to transfer the two areas described in the schedule accompanying the Minister's communication, to the Governor of New Zealand. (sgd) J. G. Ward. Department of Lands, Wellington, 17th August, 1908. The Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister. A communication has been received from the Council of Defence, stating that it is proposed to vest in trustees the land on which the new Drill-shed in Buckle Street is erected, viz., Sections Nos. 226 and 233, City of Wellington. The land is at present in the legal possession of the Imperial Government, as is also an adjacent area known as the Mount Cook Reserve, the former area having been granted to the Secretary of State for War on 31st May, 1858, and the latter having been granted to the Principal Officers of Her late Majesty's Ordnance on 9th July, 1850. On 20th May, 1880, Lord Kimberley, then Secretary of State for the Colonies, in a despatch (copy attached) to Sir Hercules Robinson late Governor of New Zealand, suggested that a legal transfer of the lands should be effected, and stated that he was prepared to take the necessary steps to vest the lands in the Governor of New Zealand, in the manner provided by " The Colonial Fortifications Act, 1877."

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Nothing further was, however, done in the matter, and the lands still remain in the legal possession of theHmperial Government. •• I have therefore to ask that you will recommend His Excellency to embody the above particulars in a despatch to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, requesting him to transfer the two areas described in the accompanying Schedule to the Governor of New Zealand. Plans of the., areas in question are also attached hereto. Robert McNab,

Minister of Lands. No. 19. No. 70. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 11th September 1908. In reply to your despatch, No. 117, of the 2nd July 1908, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that I have received a communication from my Ministers stating that " the representations made by the Association of Chambers oi Commerce of the United Kingdom will receive consideration when shipping legislation is being dealt with, but that the Government of the Dominion cannot promise that restrictions beyond those imposed upon British ships by the Imperial Merchant Shipping Act will not be imposed upon British ships owned in the United Kingdom and not engaged in the New Zealand coastal trade." I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 20. No. 74. My *Lord, Government House, Wellington, 29th September 1908. In reply to your predecessor's circular despatch of the 30th December 1907, with reference to the collection of specimens of blood-sucking flies, fleas, ticks, etc., I have the honour to inform your Lordship that I have how received from my Prime Minister the enclosed copy of a memorandum upon this subject. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

Enclosure. Department of Agriculture, Wellington, 19th September, 1908. The Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister. Referring to Government House papers No. 112/1908 attached hereto, in reference to the collection in New Zealand of specimens of blood-sucking insects for the British Museum, and for the Professor of Biology at Cambridge, I regret that it has not up to the present been found possible to arrange for this work being undertaken. An additional entomologist has, however, been appointed to the Department of Agriculture, and when he takes up his duties on Ist prox. one of the first purposes for which his services will be utilised will be the making of the required collection of blood-sucking insects, and as soon as the work is completed I shall notify you in order that His Excellency may be informed. Robert 'McNab, Minister of Agriculture.

No. 21. No. 76. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 4th October 1908. I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship the enclosed ten copies of the Report on the Defence Forces of New Zealand by the Council of Defence for the year ending 29th February 1908. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor,

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No. 22. . No. 79. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 19th October 1908. I have the honour to forward herewith a copy of " The Shipping and Seamen ~Act, 1908," (Consolidated No. 178), duly sealed and authenticated. 2. This Bill has been reserved for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure thereon and a report by the Attorney-General respecting the Bill is attached. 3. Six other copies of the Bill are transmitted herewith for the use of the Board of Trade in accordance with the circular despatch of the Secretary of State for the Colonies dated 23rd December 1903. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

Enclosure. Special Report on the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1908, (Consolidated No. 178). This is the Act mentioned in Section 5 of " The Consolidated Statutes Enactment Act, 1908," being one of the Acts set forth in Appendix D. thereof which have been consolidated as mentioned in the preamble to the said " Consolidated Statutes Enactment Act, 1908 ", a copy of which is annexed. This " Shipping and Seamen Act, 1908," is a consolidation of the enactments mentioned in the First Schedule thereto and contains no new matter, but it has been reserved for the formal assent of His Majesty the King pursuant to the requirements of the Imperial Act relating to Merchant Shipping. J. G. Findlay, Attorney General. Attorney General's Office, Wellington, 10th Sept., 1908.

No. 23. No. 81. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 3rd November 1908. I have the honour to forward herewith a Synopsis, prepared by the Law Officers, of the Acts passed during the fourth Session of the sixteenth Parliament of New Zealand, together with the Acts duly authenticated with the seal of the Dominion. I have etc., The Right Honble (sgd) PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

Enclosures. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 2nd Nov., 1908. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments, and begs to forward, for transmission to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a synopsis, prepared by the Law Officers, of the Acts passed during the fourth session of the sixteenth Parliament of New Zealand, together with the Acts duly authenticated with the seal of the Dominion. J. G. Ward. Special Report. 1. The synopsis attached hereto contains a list of all the Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand during the Session which ended on the 10th day of October, 1908. 2. In my opinion none of those Acts is repugnant to the law of England. ■ . 3. In pursuance of the provisions of the Imperial Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, No. 178 of the Consolidated Statutes, the Short Title of which is the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1908, has been reserved for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure thereon. Dated at Wellington, this 22nd day of October, 1908. J. G. Findlay, Attorney General,

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Synopsis of Acts passed by the General Assembly op New Zealand in the Year, 1908. "■ Session ending on the 10th day of October, 1908. Public General Acts. 1. Imprest Supply Act, 1908 : Granting to His Majesty for the service of the year ending 31st March, 1909, the sums of Seven hundred and twelve thousand pounds ; Fourteen thousand pounds ; and One hundred thousand pounds. 2. Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1908 : Authorising the raising of a loan of One million two hundred and fifty thousand pounds, in aid of certain specified public works and other purposes. 3. Imprest Supply Act, 1908 (No. 2) : Granting to His Majesty for the service of the year ending 31st March, 1909, the sums of Seven hundred and twelve thousand pounds, Fourteen thousand pounds, One hundred thousand pounds. 4. Consolidated Statutes Enactment Act, 1908 : Enacting a revised and consolidated edition of the Public General Statutes of New Zealand, containing two hundred and eight Acts prepared by the Commissioners appointed by the Governor in pursuance of the Reprint of Statutes Act, 1895. This enactment contains four Appendices setting forth : — • (1) A list of the Short Titles of the Consolidated Acts. (2) A list of the Short Titles of the enactments consolidated and repealed. (3) A list of enactments not included in the consolidation, and (4) The Consolidated Statutes printed separately in five volumes, and numbered consecutively from No. 1 to No. 208. 209. Local Authorities' Indemnity Act, 1908 : Authorising and validating the expenditure of moneys by certain local authorities in connection with the reception, welcome, and entertainment of the American Fleet at the Port of Auckland. 210. Imprest Supply Act, 1908 (No. 3) : Granting to His Majesty for the service of the year ending 31st March, 1909, the sums of One million two hundred and twelve thousand pounds, Fourteen thousand pounds, and One hundred thousand pounds. 211. New Zealand Society of Accountants Act, 1908 : Establishing a body corporate to be called the New Zealand Society of Accountants ; providing for the registration of qualified persons as members of that Society ; and for the election by the members of a governing body to be called the Council; also setting forth the qualifications required by future candidates for admission as members of the Society. 212. Incorporated Societies Act, 1908 : Repealing the Unclassified Societies Registration Act, 1908 ; and making further and more elaborate provisions for the incorporation of Societies which are not established for the purpose of pecuniary gain. 213. Coroners Amendment Act, 1908: Amending the Coroners Act, 1908 and providing amongst other things that: — (a) A coroner may hold inquests without a jury. (b) It shall not be necessary for any juror (or in certain cases for the coroner) to view the body of a person upon whom an inquest is being held. (c) Persons having an interest in the proceedings may attend inquest and examine witnesses ; and (d) Witnesses may receive payment for expenses. 214. Town Boards Amendment Act, 1908 : Altering the manner of election of members of Town Boards. 215. Town Boards Amendment Act, 1908 (No. 2) : Declaring certain town districts mentioned in the Schedule not to form part of the counties within the boundaries of which they are situated, and authorising the Governor .at any time after the passing of the Act to declare that any other town district with a population of more than five hundred shall not form part of a county. 216. Local Elections and Polls Amendment Act, 1908 : Providing that a Deputy Returning Officer under the principal Act may in certain cases make the declaration required by section thirteen thereof »* before a Justice of the Peace instead of '"before the Returning Officer. 217. Civil Service Amendment Act, 1908 : Making further exemptions from the requirements of section four of the principal Act for the purpose of enabling the permanent appointment to the Public Service without examination of persons possessing expert knowledge of any profession, trade, business, industry or calling, or of any science or art; also the appointment of artisans and other workmen. 218. Taupo No. 2 Block Act, 1908 : Repealing as from the passing thereof section 32 of the Maori Land Claims Adjustment and Laws Amendment Act, 1906, by virtue of which certain land at Plimmerton, known as Taupo No. 2 was constituted a scenic and historic reserve, the said land not being required for that purpose. 219. Destitute Persons Act Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending the Destitute Persons Act so that a grandparent of a destitute person shall not be liable for the maintenance of that person so long as there is any other near relative capable of maintaining him. 220. Declaratory Judgments Act, 1908 : Enabling the Supreme Court to give declaratory judgments or orders ; that is to say, enabling the Court to give authoritative decisions as to the interpretation of statutes, regulations, &c, or of deeds, wills or other documents without the necessity of any actual case having arisen, requiring such interpretation to be given. Persons interested may apply to the Supreme Court by means of originating summons for such declaratory orders, and declarations so made shall have the same effect as if they were contained in a judgment.

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221. Wellington and Manawatu Railway Purchase Act, 1908 : Making provision for carrying into effect the purchase by the Crown of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway. This Act vests in the Crown as from the seventh of December, 1908, the said railway, and certain land and other property, such as rolling-stock, machinery, &c, connected with the railway and described in the Schedule to the Act. The sum of Nine hundred thousand pounds together with the price of all railway stores held by the company as on the sixth of December, constitutes the purchase money of the said railway. The Act makes definite provisions as to the mode of payment, &c, and provides that the servants of the Company may be appointed as permanent officers of the Government Railways Department. 222. Imprest Supply Act, 1908 (No. 4) : Granting to His Majesty for the service of the year ending 31st March, 1909, the sums of Seven hundred and eight thousand pounds ; Ninety thousand pounds ; and One hundred thousand pounds. 223. Impounding Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending the principal Act by providing that cattle seized under section 17 thereof shall be delivered up to the owner or other person on his behalf, upon payment of expenses and driving charges, before they have been actually impounded. 224. Inspection of Machinery Amendment Act, 1908 : Making miscellaneous amendments to the principal Act. 225. Naval Subsidy Act, 1908 : Increasing the annual subsidy payable by New Zealand in respect of the maintenance of the Royal Navy from £40000 to £100000. The arrangement so made is to continue in force for ten years from the twelfth day of May, 1909. 226. Second Ballot Act, 1908 : Amending the law relating to the representation of the people in Parliament, by providing that, if at an election no candidate receives an absolute majority of the valid votes recorded, then a ballot shall be taken between the two candidates who received the highest and next highest number of votes respectively ; and that the candidate received most valid votes at the second election shall be deemed to be duly elected. 227. The Harbours Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending the Harbours Act in various particulars ; section four makes new provisions as to the issue of pilotage rates exemption certificates. Section 6 makes provision as to the control of harbours on days when regattas or boat races are being held thereon. 228. Justices of the Peace Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending the provisions of the principal Act. Section 2 provides that informations or complaints and affidavits as to the service of any summons, &c, authorised by the principal Act, may be taken or received by a Justice, by the Clerk of a Magistrate's Court or by his deputy. Section 3 makes further provision as to the procedure in declaring a person to be a habitual offender. 229. Government Advances to Settlers Amendment Act, 1908 : Making miscellaneous amendments of the principal Act. Section 3 authorises the raising of a total amount of Six million pounds instead of Five million pounds for the purposes of the principal Act. Section 4 authorises an annual loan of £500.000 instead of £200.000 for the purpose of advances to workers. Sections 5 and 6 make provisions authorising lessees under the Land for Settlements Act and the Land Act to mortgage their leases to the Government Advances to Settlers Office Superintendent. 230. Immigration Restriction Amendment Act, 1908 : Providing that the principal Act so far as it relates to a reading test for Chinese Immigrants shall not apply to Chinese returning to New Zealand within four years after leaving if name and thumb print registered ; or to Chinese returning prior to the first day of January, 1909. 231. Local Bodies' Loans Amendment Act, 1908 : The first part of this Act make provision for the raising of loans by local authorities from the public instead of from the Government. Such loans shall be guaranteed by the Government, if approved by the Governor by Order in Council. The total amount so guaranteed by the Government in any one year shall not exceed £500.000 The second part makes various amendments of the principal Act. 232. Counties Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending in various particulars the Counties Act, 1908. 233. Infants Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending the Infants Act, 1908, in various particulars. 234. Defence Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending the Defence Act, 1908, in various particulars. 235. Education Reserves Leases Validation Act, 1908 : Validating certain leases granted by the Otago School Commissioners ; and authorising the Wellington School Commissioners to borrow £6000 to discharge certain existing liabilities. 236. Monopoly Prevention Amendment Act, 1908 : Extending the operation of the provisions of the Monopoly Prevention Act, 1908, in so far as they affect the manufacture, importation and sale of agricultural implements, to 31st December, 1910. 237. Railways Authorisation Act, 1908 : Authorising an extension of about twelve miles of the Midland Railway. 238. Education Amendment Act, 1908 : Providing a new scheme for the classification of public schools, and of the salaries of teachers employed therein ; also defining the respective powers and duties of Boards of School Committees in connection with the appointment and transfer of teachers ; and amending the principal Act in various other particulars. 239. Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Act, 1908 : This Act is designed to remedy defects found to exist in the principal Act. Sections 3 and 4 define the terms " strike " and " lock-out " respectively ; section five provides penalties of £10 for a worker, and £500 for an employer who takes part in any strike or lock-out in any industry in respect of which an award or industrial agreement is in force. By section 6, penalties are provided to be enforced against persons encouraging or assisting a strike or lock-out. In section 9, special provisions are made with respect to certain specified industries which directly affect the convenience or health of the public ; and a worker or employer engaged in any of those industries must give at least fourteen days notice of intention to strike or to lock out, and on default shall be liable if a worker to a fine of £25; if an employer to a fine of £500.

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On the conviction of an industrial union or industrial association for encouraging a strike, &c, J;he Court in its discretion may suspend registration for a period not exceeding two years. Part II of this Act makes further provision for the enforcement of awards and of industrial agreements and provides for the recovery of penalties in the Magistrate's Court only. By Part 111, Conciliation Boards are abolished, and in lieu thereof provision is made for the establishment of Councils of Conciliation. The Governor is authorised to appoint four Conciliation Commissioners, to hold office for three years, subject to re-appointment at the expiration of their terms of office. Parties to a dispute may each nominate as many as three assessors, and a Commissioner and the assessors so nominated and appointed, act as a Council of Conciliation in respect of the dispute for which the Council is established. The function of the Council is to endeavour to promote an amicable settlement of the dispute. Failing such settlement, the dispute is to be referred to the Court of Arbitration. Part IV contains miscellaneous amendments of the principal Act. 240. Public Bodies Leases Act, 1908 : Extending and defining the powers of certain public bodies with respect to the leasing of lands held by such bodies. 241. Public Works Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending the principal Act in various particulars, and in addition by virtue of section five, authorising the Governor to grant to any person or body corporate, a license for the utilisation of the water power of New Zealand for electrical purposes. Such license may be in perpetuity, or for any term as the Governor thinks fit, and may reserve to the Crown a power of purchase at any time. 242. Acts Interpretation Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending the Acts Interpretation Act, 1908, in various particulars. 243. Fire Brigades Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending in various particulars the Fire Brigades Act, 1908. Section 2 provides that the dissolution of a Fire Board can take place only upon the vote of the ratepayers. Section four gives a Board power to take land under the Public Works Act as a site for a station, &c, section six confers borrowing powers up to £10.000 ; and section seven allows for the testing by an Inspector of the efficiency of fire brigades, and includes the right for such purposes to raise false alarms of fire. 244. Local Authorities Superannuation Act, 1908 : Authorises local authorities to establish superannuation funds for the benefit of their employees. Any local authority may establish a superannuation fund by means of a special resolution, to take effect upon its confirmation by the Governor. The benefits conferred upon contributors are practically identical with those conferred upon contributors to the Public Service Superannuation Fund. 245. Old-age Pensions Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending in various particulars the Old-age Pensions Act, 1908. By section 2 the Registrar becomes the Commissioner, and Deputy Registrars become Registrars. New provisions are made as to the mode of computing the annual income of an applicant for a pension and on the commission of certain offences, the Magistrate is given power to suspend and, in some cases, to cancel the pension certificate of the offender. 246. Valuation of Land Amendment Act, 1908 : Confers the right of appeal against new valuations made for the purposes of the Stamp Duties Act, or the Death Duties Act under section twentynine of the principal Act. 247. Quackery Prevention Act, 1908 : Designed to protect the public from the devastations of medical quacks, by making it an offence, punishable, on a first conviction by a fine of One hundred pounds, and on subsequent conviction by a fine of Two hundred pounds, to take part in any way in the publication of false advertisements for promoting the sale of any medicine, preparation or appliance for the prevention, alleviation or cure of any human ailment or physical defect. 248. Workers' Compensation Act, 1908 : Consolidating and amending the law with respect to compensation to workers for injuries suffered in the course of their employment. The benefits of the Act are extended to all workers engaged in the trade or business of the employer and whose average weekly earnings do not exceed five pounds. The maximum amount of compensation recoverable is increased from four hundred to five hundred pounds. Special provisions are made with respect to accidents inflicting permanent incapacity, happening to workers under twenty-one and the average weekly earnings of any such worker shall be deemed to be not less than two pounds per week. This provision is necessary because the actual loss of wages does not represent the true loss occasioned to the worker. Section eleven extends the benefits of the Act to seamen employed on board New Zealand ships, no matter where the ship may be at the time of the accident. The rule as to common employment is abolished and the Employers' Liability Act repealed. 249. Land Drainage Amendment Act, 1908 : Giving power to new Boards to borrow in anticipation of revenue ; validating a special order by the Taieri Land Drainage Board for raising a loan of £20,000, and authorising the Ellesmere Land Drainage Board to purchase certain existing drainage works. 250. Public Service Classification and Superannuation Amendment Act, 1908 : Part I establishes a Teachers' Superannuation Fund in lieu of the fund under Part IX of the Education Act, 1908, and confers upon contributors to the fund so established benefits practically identical with those enjoyed by contributors to the Public Service Superannuation Fund. Part II makes various necessary amendments in the Public Service Classification and Superannuation Act; amongst others, provision is made for the prevention of cases of hardship arising out of only a short break in the continuity of a contributor's service.

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Part 111 deals with contributors to the Government Railways Superannuation Fund and provides that, if within six months after the commencement of this Act the sum of £1500 is paid to the fund on behalf of those contributors who joined in the strike of 1890, such contributors shall be entitled to count for purposes of superannuation the period of their service prior to that date. Provision is also made for cases of other broken service. 251. Coal-mines Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending the principal Act in various particulars. 252. Land-tax and Income-tax Act, 1908 : Imposing land-tax and income-tax for the year ending 31st March, 1909. 253. Maori Land Laws Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending the law relating to Maori Lands. 254. Fisheries Amendment Act, 1908 : Authorising the issue to the Maoris of the Arawa District of licenses to fish for trout (not exceeding twenty licenses in any one season) at a rate not exceeding five shillings each for the whole season. 255. Stamp Duties Amendment Act, 1908 : Exempting declarations made for the purposes and under the authority of the Public Health Act, from the payment of stamp duty. 256. Validation Court Empowering Act, 1908 : Validating certain orders made by the Native Land Court with respect to the partition of lands, it being alleged that in the making of those orders the Court has exceeded its jurisdiction. 257. Mental Hospitals Reserves Act, 1908 : Authorising the disposal by lease of certain mental hospital reserves at Nelson ; and also authorising an exchange between the Wellington Hospital Contributors and the Crown of certain lands in the Wellington District. The land so to be conveyed to the said contributors is to be used by them as a site for a hospital for infectious diseases ; that conveyed to the Crown to be an endowment for mental hospitals. 258. Appropriation Act, 1908 : Being the annual grant to His Majesty of the sums mentioned in the Act for the service of the year. Local and Personal Acts. 1. Meikle Acquittal Act, 1908 : Reversing the judgment of the Supreme Court whereby John James Meikle was, in the year 1887, convicted of sheep-stealing and sentenced to imprisonment for seven years, This is for the purpose of giving effect to the report of the Commissioners appointed by the Governor, on the fifteenth day of March, 1906, for the purpose of inquiring into the truth of a petition presented \o Parliament alleging that the said John James Meikle was wrongly convicted of the said offence. 2. Oamaru Reserves Act, 1908 : Giving power to the Corporation of the Borough of Oamaru to lease certain land vested in it to the Oamaru Fire Board ; and exempting the said land and certain other land vested in the said Corporation for purposes of public utility from the provisions of section 140' (2) of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1908. 3. Oamaru Harbour Board Loan Act, 1908 : Authorising and empowering the Oamaru Harbour Board to borrow Fifty thousand pounds for the purchase of a dredge, and otherwise for improving the port of Oamaru. The said shall not be raised except with the consent of the ratepayers of the district; and the Board shall levy a special rate for the payment of the expenses of raising the loan and for providing for the annual charges and the establishment of a sinking fund. 4. Westport Harbour Board Loan Act, 1908 : Authorising and empowering the Westport Harbour Board to raise a further loan of £200.000 at a rate not exceeding five per centum per annum for the completion of harbour works, and for the improvement of the Westport Harbour. 5. Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington Empowering Act, 1908 : Authorising and empowering the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington to dispose by sale of certain lands in the City of Wellington, and with the proceeds to purchase other land and to erect school buildings thereon ; also to lease certain other land and with the proceeds to keep in order the Roman Catholic Cemetery in the said City. 6. Lincoln Road Board Empowering Act, 1908 : Enabling the Lincoln Road Board to close a certain road along the northern bank of the River Halswell, which is not required for purposes of public convenience, and to construct and open a new road over certain land described in the Schedule. 7. Christchurch City Betterment Act', 1908 : Providing that where the Christchurch City Council in future widens any street or part of a street, the owner of land having a frontage to the opposite side of the street shall be liable to pay compensation to the Corporation, representing the amount of increased value to such land held by them. Also giving power to the said Council to improve streets under its control, and for that purpose to acquire lands, borrow money, and sell or lease surplus lands. 8. Inangahua County Empowering Act, 1908 : Repealing section 3 of the Inangahua County Council Empowering Act, 1894, and authorising the said Council to levy a rate not exceeding one half penny in the pound upon the capital value of rateable property in the Reefton District as described in the Schedule to the Act. 9. New Plymouth Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1908 : Auth.ori.sing and empowering the New Plymouth Harbour Board to raise a loan of £300.000 for the purposes of paying off part of a former loan, and also for the construction of harbour works and the further improvement of the said harbour. The Act also provides for the taking of a poll of the ratepayers, the levying of a special rate, the establishment of a sinking fund, &c.,.' 10. Auckland Harbour Board Loan and Empowering Act, 1908 : Authorising the Auckland Harbour Board to raise a loan of One million pounds for the purpose of constructing harbour works as specified in the Schedule to the Act. The Act also empowers the Board to acquire lands having a water frontage to the Harbour of Auckland, and to cancel or determine any leases or licenses by virtue of which the holders thereof are entitled to access by water to the foreshore or to adjacent lands,

3—A. 1.

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11. Whakatane County Act Amendment Act, 1908 : Repealing section 4 of the Whakatane County Act, 1899. 12. Auckland (Symonds Street) Cemeteries Act, 1908 : Making provision for the closing of the Cemeteries at Symonds Street in the City of Auckland ; vesting part of the land reserved for purposes of the said cemeteries in the Auckland City Council, and providing that the lands so vested shall be used partly for a public reserve, and partly for the erection of public baths, &c, 13. Canterbury College Empowering Act, 1908 : Validating the purchase of certain lands by the Board of Governors of Canterbury College ; authorising the purchase of other lands, with the sanction of the Governor ; authorising the expenditure out of capital moneys in payment of an overdraft incurred for the purposes of erecting certain buildings ; authorising the payment of reasonable travelling expenses to members of the Board, &c, 14. Opunake Harbour Act, 1908 : Constituting the Opunake Harbour District and the Opunake Harbour Board giving power to the Board to take and acquire property from the Opunake Wharf Company (Limited).; also power to borrow £40,000 for the taking over of the present wharf and the maintenance and construction of works in connection with the said harbour. 15. Matamata County Act, 1908 : Constituting the Matamata County, and altering the boundaries of the Piako and West Taupo Counties accordingly. 16. Wellington Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1908 : Empowering the Wellington Harbour Board to carry out an agreement with the Wellington Patent Slip Company (Limited) for the purchase by the Board of the Patent Slip and other property of the said Company ; also authorising the Board to acquire land at Evans Bay for purposes of reclamation. 17. Christchurch City Sanitation Empowering Act, 1908 : Authorising the Christchurch City Concil to borrow £30,000 for the purposes of sanitation, in the City of Christchurch. 18. Auckland University College Land Act, 1908 : Validating the sale by the Crown of section 245 a Block II Whakatane Survey District, part of which land was vested in the Auckland University College Council, at the time of the said sale. 19. Waipuka Block Road Revesting Act, 1908 : Closing part of the Waipuka Block Road through certain nat.ve land in the Kidnapper Survey District and revesting the portion closed in the original native owners or in their successors in title as the case may be. 20. Gore Public Library Vesting Act, 1908 : Cancelling the reservation by which certain lands in the Borough of Gore are held as a site for Government Buildings, and vesting the same in the Corporation as a site for a public library. 21. Hauraki Plains Act, 1908 : Authorising the Minister of Finance to issue a sum not exceeding £80,000 to be expended according to the direction of the Minister of Lands for the settlement of the Hauraki Plains. 22. Hokitika Harbour Amendment Act, 1908 : Amending in various particulars the Hokitika Harbour Act, 1908. 23. Waikohu County Act, 1908 : Constituting the Waikohu County, and altering the boundaries of the Cook County accordingly. 24. Auckland and Manukau Canal Act, 1908 : Empowering the Auckland Harbour Board to acquire land under the Public Works Act for the construction of a canal connecting the Waitemata Harbour with the Manukau Harbour. Until the land so taken is required for the purposes of the construction of such canal, the Board may lease it in the same way as it has power to lease other lands held by it. 25. Auckland and Suburban Drainage Act, 1908 : Providing for the drainage of the City of Auckland and the suburbs thereof. Establishing a Drainage Board and setting forth the powers and functions of that Board. 26. Carterton Borough Council Vesting and Enabling Act, 1908 : Vesting certain land, previously held in trust for fire brigade purposes, in the Corporation of the Borough of Carterton as an estate in fee simple, free from incumbrance and derecting that the revenues derived therefrom shall be used for the requirements of the. Carterton Fire Brigade. 27. Christchurch Drainage Act, 1908 : Amending in various particulars the Christchurch District Drainage Act, 1907. -^ 28. Foxton Harbour Board Act, 1908 : Constituting the Foxton Harbour Board ; describing the constitution thereof and vesting in the Board certain lands for the purposes of endowments. 29. Gonville and Castlecliff Tramway District Act, 1908 : For facilitating the construction, administration and working of tramways in and for the district of Gonville and Castlecliff. Making provision for the election of the Gonville and Castlecliff Tramway Board ; determining the manner of election and the qualification of voters ; and setting forth generally the powers and duties of the Board. 30. Hawera Technical School Site Exchange Act, 1908 : Providing for an exchange between the Corporation of the Borough of Hawera and the Wanganui Education Board of certain lands vested in them for Municipal purposes and for a site for a technical school respectively. 31. Murchison County Act, 1908 : Constituting the Murchison County, and altering the boundaries of the County of Inangahua accordingly. 32. Napier Public Baths Act, 1908 : Empowering the Napier Harbour Board to lease part of the foreshore to the Corporation of the Borough of Napier as a site for public baths and authorising the Napier Borough Council to erect public baths thereon. 33. Ohura County Act, 1908 : Constituting the Ohura County and altering the boundaries of the Waitomo County accordingly. 34. Otago Dock Trust Merger Act, 1908 : Providing for the merger of the Otago Dock Trust in the Otago Harbour Board,

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35. Otago Heads Native Reserve Road Act, 1908 : Vesting certain land, being part of the Otago Heads Native Reserve in His Majesty the King for purposes of a road ; fixing the survey of the said Nktive Reserve ; validating certain agreements entered into by Natives and providing compensation for lands taken v 36. Palmerston North Dairy School Reserve Act, 1908 : Authorising the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association to transfer certain lands vested in it to the Crown as a reserve for the purposes of a dairy school and dairy experimental station ; and in consideration of such transfer empowering the Governor to discharge from trusts certain land already vested in the said Association. 37. Ross Goldfields Electric Power Transmission Act, 1908 : Authorising the Ross Goldfields (Limited) to construct, maintain and work an electric installation within the County of Westland for working and lighting the Company's Mines at Ross. 38. Waimate West County Act, 1908 : Constituting the Waimate West County and altering the boundaries of the Hawera County accordingly. 39. Wellington City Empowering Act, 1908 : Empowering the Wellington City Council to improve streets under its control, and for that purpose to acquire lands and to sell or lease surplus lands ; also to extend the Melrose District Drainage system to other parts of the City ; and authorising the said Council to acquire the Athletic Park at Wellington for the exclusive purposes of a sports ground. 40. Wellington Harbour Board Reclamation and Empowering Act, 1908 : Conferring certain powers upon the Wellington Harbour Board and the Corporation of the Borough of Miramar ; and enabling the Wellington Harbour Board to acquire certain lands, reclaim lands from the sea, execute certain works and borrow money. 41. Whakatane Foreshore Reclamation Act, 1908 : Empowering the Whakatane County Council to reclaim a certain portion of the Whakatane Harbour. 42. Whangarei Abattoirs Site Act, 1908 : Empowering the Whangarei Borough Council to acquire a portion of the Whangarei Public Cemetery in order to establish an abattoir thereon. 43. Hutt Valley Tramway District Act, 1908 : This Act is for the purpose of facilitating the construction, administration, and working of tramways in and for the boroughs of Lower Hutt and Petone and portions of the Hutt County. 44. Ohakune Town Board Election Validation Act, 1908 : Validating the election of the members of the Ohakune Town Board. 45. Wellington (City) Town Bolt Reserves Act, 1908 : Authorising the Wellington City Council to lease not more than one hundred acres of the Town Belt Reserves for recreation purposes. No. 24. No. 85. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 21st November 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch, No. 151, of i the 3rd September last, on the subject of Merchant Shipping Legislation, which I T duly forwarded to my Government for consideration. 2. In reply I have now received from my Prime Minister, for transmission to your Lordship, the following minute written by the Minister for Marine : — " I do not think that it would be wise for the Government of the Dominion " to promise that at any future time no restrictions beyond those imposed by the " Imperial Merchant Shipping Act will be imposed upon British ships registered " outside the Dominion and not engaged in the New Zealand coastal trade. Such " vessels may engage in the intercolonial trade, and that is a trade regarding which, " in my opinion, the Dominion should at any rate have the right to legislate." I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

A.-2, 1909, No. 22.

No. 25. No. 86. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 22nd Nov. 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch, No. 113, of a the 20th June last, enclosing copies of an Order of His Majesty in Council assenting N to the Reserved Bill entitled "An Act to amend the Chinese Immigrants Act, 1881". 2. The Act came into operation three months after the publication of the Proclamation in the New Zealand, Gazette dated 23rd July 1908 announcing the Royal Assent to the Act.

i.-2, 1909, STo. 18.

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3. In reply to the third paragraph of your Lordship's despatch, I have received the following minute from my Government:—" The discrepancy appears to have " arisen through two reserved bills being inadvertently transposed when sent to the " Government Printer, the numbers being in manuscript and not printed as is the " case with all other Acts. Reserved Bills not being statutes at the time are printed " for convenience after the Appropriation Act. As both of these Acts are repealed, "no further action appears to be necessary. The Acts as signed by His Excellency " the Governor are Chinese Immigrants No. 78 and Divorce & Matrimonial Causes "No. 79." I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 26. No. 4. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 4th January 1909. In reply to your despatch, No. 175, of the 22nd October, on the subject of the treatment of Commercial Travellers' Samples entering New Zealand, I have the honour to state that I have been requested by my Prime Minister to inform your Lordship as follows : — " The Customs marks and list referred to in the Agreement of the 19th Novem- " ber 1907 have not yet come within the experience of the Customs Officers in New "Zealand ; but there is no objection to adopting the proposal that the marks, stamps, " or seals placed upon travellers' samples by the Customs authorities abroad, and " the officially attested list of such samples, should be accepted by Customs officials " as exempting from inspection in New Zealand except in the following cases :— " (i.) When it may be necessary to view the goods to determine their " classification under the New Zealand Tariff. " (ii.) When it may be deemed desirable to identify the samples produced " with those specified on the list. " It is to be understood that the New Zealand practice of requiring deposit of the " duty in respect of all samples of mercantile value is not to be departed from, the " alternative of giving bond not being approved." I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 27. ■ No. 5. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 9th January 1909. I have the honour to inform your Lordship that I have accepted the resignations of three of my Ministers and made five appointments in their place. 2. The Honourable W. Hall. Jones resigned to accept the position of High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, in place of the Honourable W. Pember Reeves ; the Honourable R. McNab was defeated at the General Elections ; the Honourable J. McGowan has retired and been called to the Legislative Council. 3. The names of the new Ministers are R. McKenzie, A. W. Hogg, D. Buddo and T. Mackenzie ; also A. T. Ngata, as member of the Executive Council. Mr. T. Mackenzie receives no salary and Mr. Ngata only £400 as representative of the Maori Race on the Executive Council. 4. Portfolios of the Executive have been rearranged and allotted as follows :— The Right Honourable Sir J. G. Ward—Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Postmaster-General, Minister of Telegraphs, Minister of Defence, Minister for Lands and Agriculture, Minister in Charge of Lands Settlement, Land and Income Tax Department, Advertising, Public Trust Office, Government Life and Accident Insurance and Electoral Departments. The Honourable J. Carroll—Native Minister, Minister of Stamps and Deeds, Minister in Charge of Cook and other Islands, Maori Councils and Advances to Settlers Office.

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The Honourable J. Millar—Minister for Railways, Minister for Marine, Minister in Charge of Friendly Societies and Inspection of Machinery Department. The Honourable G. Fowlds —Minister for Education, Minister for Immigration, Minister in Charge of Mental Hospitals, the Department of Hospitals and Charitable Aid, and Fire Insurance Department. The Honourable J. G. Findlay—Attorney General, Minister of Justice and Minister in Charge of Law Department. The Honourable R. Mackenzie—Minister of Public Works and Minister of Mines. The Honourable A. W. Hogg—Minister for Labour, Minister of Customs, Minister of Roads and Bridges, and Minister in charge of Printing and Stationery Departments. The Honourable D. Buddo—Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Public Health, and Minister in charge of Valuation and Old Age Pensions Departments. The Honourable T. Mackenzie—Minister for Industries and Commerce, and Minister in Charge of Tourist, Scenery and Forestry Departments. The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 28. No. 7. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 25th January 1909. In reply to your Lordship's despatch, No. 163, of the 2nd October, on the subject of authentication of signatures to documents, I have the honour to enclose a copy (in duplicate) of a memorandum from my Solicitor General, enumerating the alterations that have been made in the law on this subject since the last report was furnished. I have &c, The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

A.-2, 1909, No. 23.

Enclosure. Rt. Hon. the Premier : Re Laws of New Zealand in res feet of the authentication of signatures to documents executed out of New Zealand. In terms of your instructions with respect to the Circular Despatch, of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, of 2nd October, 1908, I beg to state that the information previously' furnished needs the following modifications consequent on subsequent legislation and the passing of the Consolidated Statutes of 1908. Deeds and Documents relating to Property. " The Property Law Act, 1908 ", Section 119. Instruments of any kind admissible, if verified as follows : — If executed in British Dominions, either according to " The Statutory Declarations Act, 1835 ", or according to law of that part of British dominions where verification takes place. If executed in a foreign country, before a British Minister or Consul and sealed with his seal of office (if any) or declaration of due execution made before him. " Consul " includes a Consul-General, Consul, Vice-Consul, Acting Consul, Proconsul, and Consular Agent. " Minister" includes an Ambassador, Envoy, Minister, Charge d'Affaires, and Secretary of Embassy or Legation. " The Land Transfer Act, 1908 ", Section 178. The provisions of section 178 are the same as those of section 119 of " The Property Law Act, 1908". Documents Generally. Affidavits. The power to appoint Commissioners abroad for taking affidavits is now contained in section 47 of " The Judicature Act, 1908 ". By Rule 188 of the Second Schedule to that Act, affidavits, declarations and affirmations may be sworn in the United Kingdom or any British Possession before any Judge, Court, Notary Public or person lawfully authorised to administer oaths in such place, and in any foreign place before a British Consul or Vice-Consul.

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Incorporation of Companies. By Section 308 of " The Companies Act, 1908 " a certificate of incorporation of a company given by an officer authorised to grant the same is admissible if verified by declaration made by one of directors or manager of company before a Mayor, Provost, Notary Public, British Consul or Vice Consul. Official Documents. Provision is made by sections 34 to 45 of " The Evidence Act, 1908 " for the proof of official and other documents. (sgd.) Fred Fitchett, Crown Law Office, 12th January, 1909. Solicitor General.

No. 29. No. 10. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, sth February 1909. In continuation of my despatch, No. 16, of the 20th March 1908, and with reference to Colonial Office despatch of the Bth. December 1898, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that the quantities of gold and silver entered for export for the year ended 31st December 1908 were 506,381 oz., equal to 15,750-57 kilogrammes, valued at £2,004,789 ; and 1,731,336 oz., equal to 53,851-81 kilogrammes, valued at £175,337, respectively. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

A.-2, 1909, No. 2.

No. 30. No. 17. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, Ist March 1909. With reference to my telegram of the 28th of February, I have the honour to transmit a copy of the proposed Money Order Convention with France. 2. I also enclose a copy of a memorandum which I have received from my Prime Minister upon this subject. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, 26th February, 1909. The Prime Minister respectfully forwards herewith to His Excellency the Governor a copy of the proposed Money-order Convention with France. It will not be possible to exchange this copy against a document prepared in similar terms by the French Government; because since the accepted copy of the Convention was transmitted from the General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Post Office, Paris, some months ago, in preparation for the action now to be taken, a correspondence on the points of the Convention has been continued which has resulted in the proposal and the acceptance or rejection of amendments. But as all the proposals that have been offered have been definitely disposed of by both France and New Zealand the present document is that which should be diplomatically affirmed. (sd) J. G. Ward.

No. 31. No. 18. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, Ist March 1909. I have the honour to inform your Lordship that I am now in a position to send a reply to Mr. Alfred Lyttelton's circular despatch of the 20th November 1905, in which it was suggested that New Zealand should forward an application for a Coat of Arms. 2. I enclose a copy of a memorandum from my Prime Minister upon this subject and also the three designs to which he refers. The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

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Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 23rd February, 1909. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. .The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency and with regard to the attached despatch (circular) of 20th November, 1905, begs to forward herewith three designs in separate package for an Official Coat of Arms for the Dominion of New Zealand for transmission to the Secretary of State with a request that the College of Arms, London, will prepare from these designs a draft or sketch of a coat of arms containing as far as possible the leading features of such designs and submit the same for the consideration of the Government of this Dominion. The Prime Minister also begs that His Excellency will at the same time request that the officials of the College of Arms may be asked to state their opinion as to the order of merit of the three designs above mentioned, that is to say, which should be awarded first prize and second prize. J. G. Ward.

No. 32. No. 21. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 18th March 1909. I have the honour to inform you that I have now received a reply from my Ministers with reference to your Lordship's despatch, No. 86, of the 27th May 1908, A.-2,1909. on the subject of the use of the term " Imperial " as part of the designation of regis- No " v ' tered Companies. 2. My Government see no objection to effect being given to the wishes of His Majesty's Government, and arrangements will be made accordingly. I h£) VP f^Tf* The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 33. No. 22. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 18th March 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch, No. 203, of A.-2,1909, the 9th December last, asking certain questions for the information of the Board of No - 31 - Trade concerning the refund of Customs Duties paid on goods which are not accepted or are re-exported by the consignees. 2. My Ministers inform me in reply that (i.) Every facility is given to importers to examine consignments of imported goods while they are under Customs control and before duty has been paid. (ii.) In the event of the importer deciding to re-export the whole or a portion of a consignment, duty is not exacted on goods which are re-exported, (iii.) In the event of duty having been paid on goods, drawback of the duty so paid is granted on compliance with the regulations governing drawback of goods exported. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

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