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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1911 Session I, A-01

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1911. 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. Date. Subject. Page. I 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1910. May 5 » 15 „ 15 „ 15 , 15 „ 19 „ 25 June 1 „ 10 „ 16 „ 16 „ 23 July 1 Letters from Anti-Opium Association Leprosy in British colonies Conference of Customs Statistics Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses Judges of Supreme Court to bear the title of " HonouraHe " .. Messages of sympathy in connection with death late King Edward Wireless stations on coast, New Zealand Services of H.M-S. " Pioneer " on occasion wreck " Waikare " .. Departure of Lord Plunket .. .. .. .. .. Legislation re examination, &c, of stallions forwarded to Department of Agriculture, Ireland.. Exchange of money-orders between France and New Zealand Assumption of duties of Governor by Lord Islington Addresses from members Legislative Council and House of Representatives lamenting death late King Edward, and offering congratulation on his accession to King George Governor's Speech, opening of Parliament Wellington Diocesan Synod's Resolution on occasion of death late King Edward New French Customs tariff Address in Reply Regulations under which commissions in Imperial Army may be obtained by colonial military officers Imperial Service Medal to Mr. Walter Christie Further communication re death of late King Edward Master Massey for commission Royal Engineers Artificial animal manure Pardon of deserters on occasion of King George's accession to Throne Pelagic sealing Importation of foodstuffs into United States Pelagic sealing 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 0 6 (i 14 15 16 17 18 1 8 „ 15 ,. 15 ., 21 7 7 7 8 8 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 „ 28 „ 28 „ 28 „ 28 Aug. 17 „ 19 » 26 „ 26 8 8 9 10 11 11 1] 11

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INDEX— continued.

No. I of Series. Date. Subject. Page. I 1910. 27 Sept. 2 28 „ 9 29 „ 9 30 „ 9 31 ,, 9 Anti-Opium Association Amendment of law respecting accidents at sea .. Customs facilities to Consuls-General in Argentine Republic Orders in Council under Merchant Shipping Acts, 1894 and 190b.. .. • ■ ■ ■ Candidates for commissions in British Army : Special campaigns for examinations in military to be named " King Edward VII Memorial Hospital " .. Time served by officers of the Royal Navy who may be lent to Naval Forces of Uommm Addresses of condolence, Ac., from Arikis of Cook Islands on the occasion of the death of King Edward New rule for life-saving appliances on ships .. .. •■. • • " Resolution of Presbytery of Mataura in connection with death of King Edward, &c... ! , Liability of retired officers in Militia to be recalled to service—Defence Act, 1909 .. Exportation of animals for breeding purposes .. .. • • Inhabitants of Chatham Islands : sympathy on death King Edward Knighthood, Hon. C. C. Bo wen Use by H.M. ships of dock at Wellington Nomination, &c, for naval eadetship SSSZ ?JKES5SL in Regular Army awarded annually to candidates from New Zealand Ordinances passed by Penrhyn Island Council Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1910 .. ■• Protest against growth and manufacture of opium in India, <Sc. Forwarding Crimes Amendment Act International Radiotelegraphic Conference Nobel Peace Prize, 1911 Acceptance of local examinations for army purposes .. ■■ ■• ••. •• Address from House of Representatives recording their congratulat.ons to His Majesty the King upon his coronation Taranaki oilfields Synopsis of Acts Resolution of General Assembly of Presbyterian Chmoh of New Zealand with reference to the death of King Edward, and the accession of King George 12 12 13 13 13 32 „ 9 33 • „ 9 34 „ 9 14 14. 14 35 „ 16 36 „ Iβ 37 „ 23 38 „ 29 39 „ 29 40 Oct. 5 41 „ 13 42 Nov. 3 43 „ 10 44 .. 23 15 15 15 16 16 17 17 17 18 18 45 „ 24 46 ., 25 47 Dec. 1 48 „ 1 49 ; „ 8 50 „ 8 51 „ 8 52 „ 9 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 53 „ 15 54 „ 15 55 „ 15 56 , „ 22 1911. 57 Jan. 1 58 ., 11 59 „ 11 HO „ 20 61 „ 20 62 i Feb. 3 63 „ 17 64 „ 17 65 Mar. 3 21 21 31 32 Importation of meat into Sweden Acceptance of local examinations for army purposes Deportation of undesirable aliens Distressed colonial and Indian subjects Resurvey of Rangitoto Channel .. ■ ■ • • • • Transfer of High Commissioner for Western Pacific from Suva to bydney Complaints of abuse under the Condominium in New Hebrides .. Rev Ur Alexander White for appointment as chaplain to' Presbyterian sailors in EM. ships. Port Chalmers Appointment of Sir Francis Henry May as Governor of Jjiji .. Amendment Bill to Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1909 Agricultural instruction in New Zealand •. • • New Zealand regiments to be allied to King Edward s Horse .. New public seals consular officers in British Dominions Armorial bearings for New Zealand .. ■ ■ Contagious diseases amongst horses in United States of America . . ■ ■ Severance of the connection of the British Empire with the opium traffic . . 32 33 33 34 34 34 35 35 36 66 „ 9 67 „ 10 08 „ 10 (>9 „ 17 70 „ 17 71 „ 17 72 „ 31 73 „ 31 74 April 12 75 „ 12 36 36 36 37 37 38 38 38 39 39

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No. 1. New Zealand, No. 30. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 5th May, 1910. I have the honour to inform your Lordship that I have received from my Prime Minister the enclosed letters, addressed to the undermentioned gentlemen by the honorary secretary of the New Zealand Anti-Opium Association, with a request that they may be forwarded to their respective addresses. The Secretary of State for the Colonies; The Secretary of State for India; The Prime Minister of Great Britain and Ireland; The Leader of the Opposition, House of Commons, London; The Chancellor of the Exchequer; and The Most Reverend the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. I have, &c, PLUNKET, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.O., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 2nd May, 19]0. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to forward herewith letters addressed to the undermentioned persons by the honorary secretary of the New Zealand Anti-Opium Association, dated the 26th March. 1910 : — The Secretary of State for the Colonies. The Secretary of State for India. The Prime Minister of Great Britain and Ireland. The Leader of the Opposition, House of Commons, London. The Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Most Reverend the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. These letters have been received from the honorary secretary of the abovementioned association, with a request (see copy of letter of the 26th March last) that they may be forwarded to their respective addresses. J. G. Ward. No. 2. New Zealand, No. 33. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 15th May, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch, No. 33, of the 14th February, on the subject of leprosy in British colonies. 2. In this Dominion it is the practice to segregate lepers carefully, and the Nastin treatment is being given an extensive trial, but it is too early as yet to make any definite statement as to its efficacy. I have, &c, PLUNKET, Governor. The Earl of Crewe, Secretary of State for the Colonies. No. 3. New Zealand, No. 36. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 15th May, 1910. In reply to your despatch, No. 39, of the 25th February, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that it is not the intention of my Government to be represented at the Conference of Customs Statistics which is to be held at Brussels in September next, but any decision arrived at by the Conference

A.-2, 1911, No. a7.

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with respect to the establishment of a uniform system of statistics of imports and exports will receive the most careful consideration of the New Zealand Government. I have, &c, PLUNKET, The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 4. New Zealand, No. 37. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 15th May, 1910. In reply to your despatch, No. 30, of the 9th February, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that it has been decided that New Zealand will not join the Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses at present. I have, &c, PLUNKET Governor. The Earl of Crewe, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 5. New Zealand, No. 39. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 15th May, 1910. With reference to your Lordship's despatch, Miscellaneous, of the 10th February, I have the honour to enclose a copy of a memorandum from my Prime Minister, in which my Responsible Advisers ask that all the Judges of the New Zealand Supreme Court who are now in office may receive His Majesty's permission to bear the title of " honourable," such title to be recognized throughout the Empire. 2. I have the honour to recommend that the petition be granted. I have, &c, PLUNKET, Governor. The Earl of Crewe, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 30th April, 1910. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister has the honour to inform His Excellency that Ministers have considered Lord Crewe's despatch of the 10th February last, in which His Lordship intimated that His Majesty's permission to bear the title of " honourable " would be granted, without any limitation, to those Judges of the Supreme Court of New Zealand who may be recommended for such permission by the Governor. Ministers have decided to advise His Excellency to recommend to the Secretary of State that the permission referred to be granted in the case of the Judges of the Supreme Court now in office, viz : — Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., Chief Justice; Joshua Strange Williams; John Edward Denniston; Worley Bassett Edwards; Theophilus Cooper; Frederick Revans Chapman; and William Alexander Sim. The Chief Justice, Sir Robert Stout, is already authorized to retain the title of " honourable " (vide despatch (General) of the 18th December, 1887). The Prime Minister therefore respectfully recommends that the permission of His Majesty to bear the title of " honourable " be granted in respect of the above-named gentlemen. J. G. Ward.

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No. 6. New Zealand, No. 42. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 19th May, 1910. I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship copies of messages which I have received concerning the death of His late Majesty and the accession of King George, all of which have been duly acknowledged. I have, &c, PLUNKET, Governor. The Earl of Crewe, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1911 No. 34.

No. 7. New Zealand, No. 45. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 25th May, 1910. I have the honour to forward, for transmission to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of a memorandum received from my Prime Minister with reference to the proposed installation of wireless telegraphic stations on the coast of New Zealand. I have, &c, PLUNKET, The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 8. New Zealand, No. 47. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, Ist June, 1910. With reference to your despatch, No. 63, of the 30th March, I am desired to convey to your Lordship the thanks of the Government of New Zealand for the services rendered by H.M.S. " Pioneer " in assisting the passengers and crew of the steamship " Waikare," and to express my Government's appreciation of the manner in which these services were performed. I have, &c, PLUNKET, Governor. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 9. New Zealand, No. 52. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 10th June, 1910. I have the honour to report to you that His Excellency the Governor, Lord Plunket, took his departure from New Zealand on the 6th instant, and that subsequently, on the same day, the proper oaths having been administered to me and the Commission to the Chief Justice published, I assumed the administration of the Government by issue of that Commission and my office as Chief Justice. I have, &c, EOBERT STOUT, Administrator. The Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 10. New Zealand, No. 54. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 16th June, 1910. I have to state, in reply to your despatch, No. 70, dated the 2nd April, 1910, that the Government will forward to the Department of Agriculture for

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Ireland any legislation that may be passed regulating the examination and registration of stallions. The only certificates of soundness granted in New Zealand are for stallions for export to Victoria, which has a system of voluntary registration of stallions. By an agreement made between the Governments of Victoria and New Zealand the certificate of a New Zealand Government Veterinarian is accepted by the Victorian authorities without further examination of the horse. This has been found useful, as it precludes the possibility of a horse shipped from New Zea- • land being rejected on examination in Victoria. I forward herewith copies of the forms used, and of the conditions concerning the examinations. I have, &c, ROBERT STOUT, Administrator of the Government. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 11. New Zealand, No. 56. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 16th June, 1910. With reference to your despatch, No. 41, dated the 4th March, 1910, regarding the regulations under the Convention for the Exchange of Money Orders between France and New Zealand, signed at Paris on the Ist December, 1909, I have the honour to state that the Ministers suggest the Ist January, 1911, as the date on which these regulations may be brought into force. I have, &c, ■ ROBERT STOUT, Administrator of the Government. The Right Hon. the Ear! of Crewe, K.G., P.C., Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 12. New Zealand, No. 62. My Lord,— Government House, Wellington, 23rd June, 1910. I have the honour to report that on the 16th June I arrived at Sydney, and left thence by the " Ulimaroa " direct for Wellington, where I landed on the 22nd. I was duly sworn in here the same day, and at once assumed the duties of Governor. The public reception which I met with as His Majesty's representative was of the most loyal character. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 2 59. 911 '

No. 13. New Zealand, No. 70. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, Ist July, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith addresses passed by the Legislative Council and by members of the House of Representatives on the 28th ultimo, covering an Address to His Most Gracious Majesty the King, lamenting

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the death of His late Majesty King Edward VII, and offering congratulations on his accession to His Majesty King George V. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Ear] of Crewe, K.G., P. 0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 14. New Zealand, No. 71. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, Ist July, 1910. I have the honour to transmit to you herewith copies of the Governor's Speech at the opening of the third session of the seventeenth Parliament of New Zealand on the 28th ultimo. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 15. New Zealand, No. 77. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, Bth July, 1910. At the request of the Lord Bishop of Wellington, I have the honour to transmit to you herewith a copy of a resolution passed by the Wellington Diocesan Synod on the sth July, 1910. I have, &c, ISLINGTON; Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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Enclosure. Resolution passed jjy the Wellington Diocesan Synod on tiij<: sth July, 1910. That this Synod record its thankfulness for the blessings vouchsafed to the British Empire by means of the wise and beneficial rule of our late Sovereign King Edward the Seventh, and for his endeavours for the peace of the whole world; its respectful sympathy with Her Majesty the Queen Mother in this her hour of sorrow; and its earnest prayer that God will grant to His Most Gracious Majesty our Sovereign Lord King George a long and prosperous reign.

No. 16. New Zealand, No. 81. My Lord, — Government flouse, Wellington, 15th July, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch (New Zealand, No. 92) of the 28th April, transmitting copies of a translation of the new French Customs tariff recently issued by the Board of Trade as a parliamentary paper. A copy of this despatch and the copies (three) of the new French Customs tariff have been filed in the Customs Department. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P. 0., (fee, Secretary of State for the Colonies. 4*

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No. 17. New Zealand, No. 84. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 15th July, 1910. I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship the accompanying copies of the Addresses in reply to the Governor's Speech at the opening of the third session of the seventeenth Parliament of New Zealand from the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 18. New Zealand, No. 86. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 21st July, 1910. In reply to your Lordship's despatch, No. 59, of the 24th March last, I have the honour to transmit to you herewith a copy of a memorandum from the Chief of the General Staff and from the Assistant Inspector-General of Schools, also copies of the following publications : — (1.) Regulations under which commissions in the Imperial Army may be obtained by officers of the Colonial Military Forces. (2.) Examination-papers of the University of New Zealand, December, 1909. (3.) Syllabus of matriculation and other examinations of the University of New Zealand, 1910. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 19. New Zealand, No. 88. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 28th July, 1910. In reply to your Lordship's despatch of the 29th July, 1909, transmitting the Imperial Service Medal granted to Mr. Walter Christie, late Foreman, Defence Stores, Wellington, I have the honour to forward you herewith a copy of a memorandum from the Hon. the Minister of Internal Affairs, with certificate for receipt of the medal from Mr. Walter Christie. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 20. New Zealand, No. 89. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 28th July, 1910. I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship a copy of a memorandum received from my Prime Minister, enclosing a further communication with reference to the death of His Majesty King Edward VII and the accession of His Majesty King George V. " I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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Enclosures.

Prime Minister's Office, Wellington. 26th July, 1910. . Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to transmit herewith copy of a communication received from the executive of the friendly society of the Order of Papawharanui the First, Ngapuna, with reference to the death of His Majesty King Edward VII and the accession of His Majesty King George V. The letter has? been suitably acknowledged. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister.

[Translation.] Kieitapu Hirini, Manager, Friendly Society of the Order of Papawharanui the First, Ngapuna, Rotorua, to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Ngapuna, Rotorua, New Zealand, 7th June, 1910. The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, Prime Minister, Wellington. Sad greetings unto you and your colleagues, arising in the announcement published in the Gazette of the 7th May, 1910, No. 21, page 247. That announcement has stirred our hearts to give expression to the following sentiments of sorrow and of consolation. As has been said of old, a teteltura dies and a tetehura survives. For example, our beloved Queen Victoria was, by the grace of God, crowned on the 20th of June. When Her Majesty died there survived her, by the grace of God, our King Edward the Seventh. He also has now died, full of fame and honour. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away : Blessed be the name of the Lord. And now that His Majesty has died, our beloved Prince survives him, to become King George the Fifth, Ariki of Great Britain and its wide-spreading Dominions, and Defender of the Faith. May he in his turn be blessed. He comes as the Ariki of mercy and as a messenger of peace from the"Most High. Now, therefore, we in all humility and the bond of unity, the friendly society of the Order of Papawharanui the First, do hereby swear our fealty to Prince George the Fifth, for ever and ever. Amen. His Excellency Lord Islington, Governor : Hearty greetings unto you and your Executive Council. May the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ rest upon and abide in you all, and lighten up the gloom occasioned by the death of our Ariki, King Edward the Seventh. Our hearts fervently rejoice in the advent of our present and already famed Ariki. His reign begins so auspiciously as to encourage the hope and belief that the prosperity of the Empire, with its many races and languages, will continue to abundantly increase. Order of Papawharanui the First, Ngatitu Tribe. Kieitapu Hirini, Manager. Te Amotawa Kowhai, Instructor. Rawini Taeotu, Secretary. Pateriki Tokorangi, Clerk.

No. 21. New Zealand, No. 90. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 28th July, 1910. I have the honour to forward to your Lordship, for transmission to the War Office, a copy of a memorandum from my Prime Minister, with reference to the desire of Master Massey, of Invercargill, New Zealand, to qualify for a commission in the Royal Engineers. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 26th July. 1910. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. Re Qualification for Commission in the Boyal Engineers by a New Zealand Candidate. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to request that His Excellency will please obtain information on the following subjects required in connec2—A. 1.

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tion with the desire of Master Massey, of Invercargill, to qualify for a commission in the Royal Engineers. 1. Is it competent for a New Zealand candidate for a commission in the Royal Engineers to present himself locally for the qualifying examination in literary subjects laid down in Regulation 16, Classes 1 and 2, of Regulations for Admission into the Royal Academy, Woolwich? 2. Will the Matriculation Examination, with an examination in practical measurements, and an additional examination in mathematics, be accepted in lieu of above examination? 3. In the event of proposal 2 above being accepted, the Colonial Office will be required to forward the examination-papers for the extra subject in mathematics, or indicate the standard of efficiency in case they prefer to have the paper set in New Zealand. 4. In the case of the candidate having satisfactorily passed the qualifying examination, is it possible to have arrangements made to present himself locally for the half-yearly competitive examination for entrance in the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich? 5. It is presumed that the candidate need not necessarily be an officer of the New Zealand Forces in order to compete in the competitive examination. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister.

No. 22. New Zealand, No. 91. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 28th July, 1910. I have the honour to transmit to you herewith a copy of a memorandum from my Prime Minister with reference to the sterilization in India of artificial animal manure intended for shipment to New Zealand, and to request that the Government of India be asked to be kind enough to have a report prepared and transmitted to my Government. I have, &c., ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P. 0., &c., Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosures. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 26th July, 1910. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to request that the Government of India be asked to be kind enough to have a report prepared, and transmitted to the Government of New Zealand, in connection with the matter dealt with in the attached copy of memorandum of the 4th instant from the Secretary of Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourists to the Hon. Minister of Agriculture in regard to the sterilization in India of artificial animal manure intended for shipment to New Zealand. J. G. W:\PD. Department of Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourists, Wellington, 4th July, 1910. Sterilization in India of Artificial Animal Manure intended for Shipment to New Zealand. The Hon. Minister of Agriculture and of Industries and Commerce. With reference to the attached copy of regulations (Gazette notice No. 997), in regard to the importation of animal manures into New Zealand, the Director of Lire-stock and Meat suggests that a qualified veterinarian be requested to visit the mills in India in which the work of sterilization is carried on, to examine the plant, to inquire into the whole conditions under which the work is carried out, and to prepare a report on the present methods, and suggestions for their improvement. I think the proposal is a good one, and that the best way to give effect to it would be to ask the Indian Government to kindly allow one of its veterinary officers to undertake the inspection, and the preparation of the report. Mr. R. L. Ward, care of Messrs. Landale and Clark, Calcutta, who is our Inspector in India, will be instructed to give every assistance to the officer delegated by the Indian Government should it accede to the request. AVill you please approve of the Indian Government being approached accordingly? F. S. Pope, Recretarv.

No. 23. New Zealand, No. 96. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 17th August, 1910. T have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch of the 3rd June, 1910, No. 119, transmitting copies of a special army

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order relative to a pardon to deserters granted by His Majesty the King on his accession to the throne. In reply, I beg to inform you that the despatch has been copied and noted by the Minister of Defence, who will arrange for the order to be given due publicity. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 24. New Zealand, No. 100. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 19th August, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch of the 17th June last, No. 127, with reference to the proposed suspension, for a period of fifteen years, of pelagic sealing in the Pacific Ocean and the JJehring Sea. In reply, I beg to inform you that, as already reported by telegraph, my Ministers regret that they do not see their way to take the necessary steps by legislation or otherwise to make good the undertaking into which His Majesty's Government and the United States Government propose to enter. The reason for this decision is that the Dominion of New Zealand, having kept its sealinggrounds closed for the past fifteen years, is unable to favourably consider the question of a further close season of fifteen years. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crowe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 25. New Zealand, No. 105. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 26th August, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch of the 4th May last, No. 99, transmitting copy of a despatch by His Majesty's Consul-General at New York regarding the high prices and importation of foodstuffs in the United States. 2. In reply, I beg to inform you that the information contained in the Consul-General's despatch has been noted with interest by my Ministers, who consider the report a valuable one. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1911, No. 92.

No. 26. New Zealand, No. 106. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 26th August, 1910. With reference to my despatch of the 19th instant, No. 100, on the question of pelagic sealing, I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship a copy of a memorandum received from my Prime Minister. In conversation with Sir Joseph Ward on the subject, he expressed regret at being unable to meet the views of the Imperial Government, but he undertook

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to.favourably consider a suggestion made by me —that all seals' skins procured in New Zealand waters should be branded, in order to diminish the likelihood of seals caught in proscribed waters being passed off as New Zealand skins. Perhaps my suggestion may be worthy of consideration. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. 26th August, 1910. In my memorandum to Your Excellency on the subject of pelagic sealing, for cable reply to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, it was not convenient to set out the reasons for not being able to comply with the suggestion of the British Government, as I should have been glad to have done but for the circumstances connected with the sealing industry of this Dominion. The proposal to close our sealing season for fifteen years came to us when we had already completed fifteen years of continuous close seasons, which closure had been made advisedly in order to protect and preserve the industry. During the whole of that period many representations were made urging the Government to remove the bar and to open the sealing-grounds, which we regularly declined to do, intimating in some instances that after a further period we would favourably consider the removel of the restriction then existing. During the last twelve months matters reached the point when we were on the verge of opening the season, and, with a view to having sealing carried on systematically, we publicly advertised for tenders for the right of sealing at the Auckland Islands and at other parts under the control of the New Zealand Government. We at the same time intimated that we proposed to have our own officer, at the Auckland Islands at least, to see that the regulations under which sealing could be carried on were being properly observed. So that the suggestion to close for a further period of fifteen years would mean that for thirty years in all our sealing-grounds would be closed, so far at least as the people of this Dominion are concerned. I may add that during the last fifteen years it has been frequently represented that, while the sealing-grounds were closed to New-Zealanders, outside vessels were visiting the Auckland Islands and other parts for seals, and that poaching was being carried on to a very considerable extent. Though we have not actual proof of this, there is a good deal of circumstantial evidence which leads us to believe these statements are warranted. The vessels, which were in these waters ostensibly for whaling, did not come from Australia or New Zealand, but from more distant countries; and the matter has given a good deal of concern at different times to the New Zealand Government. While anxious to meet the wishes of the British Government, it will be seen that there are reasons which make it difficult to do so in this particular instance. J. G. Ward.

No. 27. New Zealand, No. 110. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 2nd September, 1910. In reply to your Lordship's despatch of the 30th June last, No. 136, I have the honour to inform you that the Secretary of the Anti-Opium Association has been notified as requested in the last paragraph of your despatch. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P. 0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 28. New Zealand, No. 111. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 9th September, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch, No. 106, of the 19th May last, on the subject of the Bill introduced into the last session of the Parliament of New Zealand by Mr. McLaren to amend the law with respect to accidents at sea.

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In reply, I beg to inform you that my Ministers have decided to adhere as far as possible to the provisions of Resolution No. 9 of the Colonial Merchant Shipping Conference of 1907 in any future New Zealand legislation regarding shipping. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right lion, the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 29. New Zealand, No. 112. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 9th September, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch, No. 146, of the 13th July last, transmitting copy of a letter from the Foreign Office relative to the grant of Customs facilities to Consuls-General and Consuls de carnere in the Argentine Republic, &c. In reply, I beg to enclose for your Lordship's information copy of a minute by the Hon. the Minister of Customs. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 30. New Zealand, No. 113. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 9th September, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch, No. 148, of the 14th July last, transmitting copies of Orders in Council (two) under the Merchant Shipping Acts 1894 and 1906, exempting on certain conditions Dutch ships in ports of the United Kingdom from the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts relating to load-line and life-saving appliances. In reply, I beg to inform you that a copy of your Lordship's despatch, and its enclosures, will be published in the New Zealand Gazette for general information. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 31. New Zealand, No. 115. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 9th September, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch, No. 147, of the 13th July last, transmitting copies of a memorandum showing the special campaigns selected for the examinations in military subjects for candidates for commissions in His Majesty's Regular Army. In reply, I beg to inform you that the despatch has been noted by the Hon. the Minister of Defence, who is arranging for the publication of the information for the guidance of intending candidates. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 32.

A.-2, 1911, No. 88.

New Zealand, No. 116. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 9th September, 1910. I nave the honour to inform your Lordship that, in response to an appeal by the Mayoress of the City of Wellington, the public have raised by subscription a sum of money for the erection of a children's hospital as a memorial to His late beloved Majesty King Edward VII. The amount, together with the State grant, according to practice in the Dominion, exceeds .£15,000, thus enabling a suitable hospital to be erected to accommodate about seventy-five patients. At a public meeting held on the sth instant a resolution was passed by the citizens of Wellington expressing the earnest wish that the building be named "The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital"; and I have now the honour to request that your Lordship may be good enough to ascertain whether Their Majesties the King and Queen and Her Majesty Queen Alexandra will be graciously pleased to approve of this proposal. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 33. New Zealand, No. 118. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 9th September, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch, No. 140, of the 6th July last, transmitting copy of a letter from the Admiralty regarding the manner in which time served by officers of the Royal Navy who may be lent to the Naval Forces of the Dominion should count for naval purposes: and to inform you, in reply, that the contents of your Lordship's despatch have been duly noted by my Ministers. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 34. New Zealand, No. 119. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 9th September, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a memorandum from my Prime Minister, and also of a letter from the Resident Commissioner of the Cook Islands Administration, forwarding addresses of condolence with and congratulations to His Majesty King George V from the Arikis of the Federal Council, Cook Islands, on the occasion of the death of His late beloved Majesty King Edward VII and the accession of His Majesty King George V. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosures. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, Ist September, 1910. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments, and transmits herewith letters of condolence with and congratulations to His Majesty the King from the Arikis of the Federal Council, Cook islands, on the occasion of the death of the late King Edward and the accession of His Majesty King George respectively, which it is desired His Excellency will forward through His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies. J. G. Ward.

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Yoi i! Excellency,— Cook Islands Administration, Rarotonga, 17th August, 1910. 1 summoned the Federal Council of the Cook Islands to meet me on the 30th day of July last in order to inform them officially of the sad news of the death of His late Majesty King Edward the Seventh, and also to administer the oath of allegiance to His Majesty King George the Fifth. Upon receiving the news of His late Majesty's death the members of the Council were very much affected and in tears. They have requested me to convey to Your Excellency, as His Majesty's representative for the Dominion of New Zealand, their sincere sympathy, and to ask that you may be pleased to forward to the proper authorities the two enclosed addresses, respectfully expressing their condolence, as children of the Empire, to His Majesty the King, Queen Mary, and to Queen Alexandra, as well as to the other members of the lioyal Family, upon the occasion of the death of their well-beloved Sovereign, and also their congratulations to King- George the Fifth on His Majesty's accession to " The Throne of His Ancestors," and their continued loyalty. They desire me to add that their earnest prayers to the Almighty are that His Majesty's reign may be happy, long, and prosperous. I have, &c, J. Eman Smith, Resident Commissioner. His Excellency the Governor of the Dominion of New Zealand, Wellington.

No. 35. New Zealand, No. 121. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 16th September, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch of the 12th July last, No. 145, transmitting copies of a new rule for life-saving appliances on ships; and, in reply, beg to enclose herewith copy of a similar rule which has been made for the Dominion, and was published in the 'New Zealand Gazette of the Bth instant. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Lion, the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P. 0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 36. New Zealand, No. 122. My Lord— Government House, Wellington, 16th September, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a memorandum received from my Prime Minister, covering a communicaion sent to him by the Rev. Andrew Gray, clerk to the presbytery of Mataura, Gore, containing a resolution with reference to the death of His late beloved Majesty King Edward VII and the accession of His Majesty King George V. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Grewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1911 JSTo. 87.

No. 37. • New Zealand, No. 125. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd September, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch, No. 155, of the 19th July last, with reference to the Defence Act, 1909, and the liability of retired officers in the Militia to be recalled to service; and, in reply, to inform you that my Ministers have noted the liability of such officers to be recalled up to fifty-five years of age. The prior claim of the Army Council on the services of these officers is admitted by my Government. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1911 No. 47.

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No. 38. New Zealand, No. 126. My Lord,— Government House, Wellington, 29th September, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch of the 30th June last, No. 133, regarding the exportation of animals for breeding purposes; and, in reply, to enclose herewith copy of a memorandum from my Prime Minister on the subject. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 27th September, 1910. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to furnish the following information in response to the inquiry from the Secretary of State for the Colonies regarding the encouragement of the exportation of live-stock, forwarded under cover of the attached Government House record. The greater proportion of live-stock imported into the Dominion comes from Great Britain, and the merits of the various breeds are well known, though doubtless judicious advertising would do no harm. The importation of live-stock would be encouraged if a reduction in the freight on animals could be secured. This ranges from .£50 to £40 each for horses, £30 for cattle, .£6 to £5 for sheep, and £8 for pigs. The presence of tuberculosis in the herds of Great Britain is often a drawback to the purchase of cattle, as sometimes after a beast has been selected as suitable the tuberculin test reveals that it is affected, and the search has to be begun again. In the interests of its live-stock owners, the Dominion finds it necessary to maintain its present quarantine regulations. Under these, cattle, sheep, and swine have to undergo a period of quarantine, but horses from Great Britain are admitted if they pass the mallein test and are otherwise healthy. Associations exist here for the registration of pedigree animals, and there is no difficulty or, this score if the papers in connection with the imported animals are in order. The tuberculin test is largely used in New Zealand, and found most reliable. No cattle are allowed to be imported until they have successfully passed this test. In regard to the export of live-stock from New Zealand, no direct encouragement is given by the Government. A large export trade with Australia in horses has been built up by private enterprise. Our sheep were recently brought under the notice of Argentine, several animals being exhibited by their owners at the centennial show. Encouragement has been given indirectly by the Government to this industry by importing and placing at the disposal of breeders high-class stallions and bulls, and by a system of inspection of stock, and veterinary instruction and advice. Officers also examine, and issue a certificate of freedom from disease to, all animals exported. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister.

A _ 2) 1911 No. <k

No. 39. New Zealand, No. 128. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 29th September, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a memorandum received from my Prime Minister, covering a memorial signed by the inhabitants of the Chatham Islands, expressing sympathy with Her Majesty Queen Alexandra at the death of our late beloved Sovereign King Edward VII, and also a memorial conveying sympathy to His Majesty the King, and assuring His Majesty of their loyalty to the Crown. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Seeretarv of State for the Colonies.

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Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 28th September, 1910. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments, and, in accordance with the request of Mr. G. H. Gibson, Stipendiary Magistrate at Chatham Islands, forwards herewith to His Excellency a memorial signed by the inhabitants of those islands, expressing sympathy with Her Majesty Queen Alexandra at the death of our late beloved Sovereign; and also a memorial conveying sympathy to His Majesty the King, and assuring His Majesty of their loyalty to the Crown. J. G. Wakd,

No. 40. New Zealand, No. 129. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, sth October, 1910. In reply to your Lordship's despatch of the 25th August (Honours), transmitting letters patent of knighthood in favour of the Honourable Sir Charles Christopher Bowen, I have the honour to inform you that I handed the letters patent to that gentleman on the 4th instant. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G., P.C., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 41. New Zealand, No. 131. My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 13th October, 1910. In reply to your Lordship's despatch, No. 164, of the 29th July, 1910, informing me, for the information of my Ministers, that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have had under their consideration the question of the use by His Majesty's ships of the dock at Wellington, I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a memorandum received from the !Ton. the Minister of Marine. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 42. New Zealand, No. 138. My Lord, — Christchurch, 3rd November, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a memorandum, with enclosure, from my Prime Minister regarding the nomination and the examination of New Zealand candidates for naval cadetships, and shall he glad if you will bring the matter before the T.ords Commissioners of the Admiralty far favourable consideration. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Crewe, K.G, P.C, &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 28th October, 1910. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency, and desires to inform the Governor that the regulations provide that boys in this Dominion nominated for naval cadetships shnl! belong to families resident in New Zealand, and shall bo educated here.

A.-2, 1911, N). 53.

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A.-2, 1911, No. 129.

Mrs. Cracroft Wilson, recently of Cashmere, Christchurch, on the occasion of her departure for England in January of last year, applied for the nomination in the ye&r 1914 of her youngest son, Godfrey R. C. Wilson, and, in order that the nomination might be acceptable, desires an alteration in the regulations to enable boys temporarily residing in England to receive a New Zealand nomination and to pass their educational examination in England instead of in this Dominion. In view of the few applications which are received in New Zealand for these nominations, an amendment of the regulations, copy of which I enclose, is now in contemplation to enable boys belonging to families residing in this Dominion, but receiving their education for the time being in England, to secure New Zealand nomination. The Prime Minister would be glad if His Excellency would communicate with the Admiralty with a view to sanction being given to an alteration of the regulations as indicated. It is also desired that it be ascertained whether the Admiralty authorities would arrange for the examination of nominees of New Zealand at the same time and on the same programme as provided for ordinary applicants. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister.

No. 43. New Zealand, No. 140. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 10th November, 1910. With reference to Lord Crewe's despatch, No. 206, of the 9th September, regarding the proposed conference of Surveyors-General, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a memorandum from my Prime Minister stating that the Dominion of New Zealand will be jointly represented with the Commonwealth of Australia at the conference. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis Harcourt, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 44. New Zealand, No. 144. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd November, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a memorandum, dated the 12th instant, from my Prime Minister, suggesting an increase in the number of commissions in the Regular Army awarded annually to candidates from New Zealand. I would suggest that this proposition is one worth favourable consideration, as from my own observation there are several young officers here who would be willing to take advantage of it, and their doing so would have good effect at new juncture of present scheme, and be of undeniably great benefit to them in future years. I have, &c, ISLINGTON The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, I.2th November, 1910. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and respectfully begs to submit for His Excellency's consideration the matter of having commissions in the Regular Army awarded to colonial officers in addition to the two available in each half-year, provided the War Office has no objection. The examination-papers of two candidates recommended for nomination for October halfyear (Lieutenants Wilkos and Walker) were forwarded to His Excellency on the 26th October, for transmission to the War Office. Regulations on the subject do not permit of the nomination of more than two candidates in any half-year, even though no application for nomination may have been received during the preceding half-year. Tip to the present nine candidates have notified the Department of their intention of applying for nomination, exclusive of the two above referred to. Paragraph 16, section IV, of attached regulations provides for the selection ef the two highest candidates on results of examination. Provision is also made to allow of commissions not taken up by one colony being awarded to candidates from other colonies,

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In view, however, of the reported dearth of candidates in the United Kingdom for commissions in the Regular Army, I would respectfully suggest that His Excellency may be pleased to represent the matter of increasing the number of commissions in eacli half-year in favour of New Zealand candidates who have fulfilled the necessary requirements, but may not have obtained first or second place. The number of young officers applying for nomination from New Zealand may be expected to increase in the future by reason of the stimulus and facilities to undergo military training afforded under the reorganized system to be presently put into operation throughout the Dominion, and it would, I am of opinion, be an encouragement to young officers desiring to enter the Imperial service to know that a place may be found for them by special arrangement, even though unsuccessful in obtaining first or second place in the half-yearly examination. J. G. Wabd, Prime .Minister.

No. 45. New Zealand, No. 146. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 24th November, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith, for your information, two copies of each of the undermentioned Ordinances passed by the Fenrhyn Island Council on the 2nd July, 1910 :— (1.) An Ordinance concerning the Leper Island of Morokai. (2.) An Ordinance to regulate the village life within the Island of Penrhyn. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 46. New Zealand, No. 147. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 25th November, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith, for your information, first and second reading copies of the Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1910, recently introduced by my Ministers. 2. The main object of the Bill is to compel the owners of vessels engaged in the New Zealand trade and employing Asiatic labour to pay the current rate of wages for the time being ruling in the Dominion. The Bill is aimed at the P. and 0. Company, in order to protect New Zealand shipping companies, such as the Union Steamship Company. 3. The Bill has passed its third reading in both Houses, and is now reserved for the signification of the Royal assent. I have, &c, ISLINGTON The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1911 No. 118.

No. 47. New Zealand, No. 149. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 1st December, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith, for the consideration of His Majesty's Government, resolutions protesting against the growth and manufacture of opium in India for export to China, passed by various associations in New Zealand. I have, &c, ISLINGTON. The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 48. New Zealand, No. 150. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Ist December, 1910. With reference to Lord Crewe's despatch, No. 159, of the 22nd July, I have now the honour to transmit herewith two copies of the Crimes Amendment Act ; 1910, as finally passed by the Parliament of New Zealand. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies. No. 49. New Zealand, No. 152. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Bth December, 1910. In reply to Lord Crewe's despatch, No. 218, of the 21st September, regarding the suggestion that the International Radiotelegraphic Conference, which was to have been held at the beginning of June, 1911, should be postponed for a year, I have the honour to inform you that the proposed postponement is agreed to by my Ministers. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies. No. 50. New Zealand, No. 153. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Bth December, 1910. In reply to Lord Crewe's despatch, No. 227, of the 4th October, transmitting copies of a notice issued by the Nobel Committee of the Norwegian Parliament with regard to the nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize of 1911, I have the honour to inform you that the despatch and notice were published in the New Zealand Gazette of the 24th November, 1910. 2. It is noted that the names of candidates should be received by the Nobel Committee before the Ist of February, 1911. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies. No. 51. New Zealand, No. 154. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Bth December, 1910. With reference to Lord Crewe's despatch, No. 232, of the 7th October, on the subject of the acceptance of local examinations for army purposes by the War Office, I have the honour to inform you that the Education Department has been asked to supply copies of syllabuses and the information regarding intermediate examinations, for transmission to the War Office. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies. No. 52. New Zealand, No. 155. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 9th December, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith six copies of an Address from the members of the House of Representatives, containing a resolution passed on the 3rd December, recording their respectful congratulations to His Majesty

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the King upon his coronation, and expressing the hope that the reign of His Majesty and Queen Mary may be a long and happy one I have, &c., ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Addbess from the House of Repeesentatives. To His Excellency the Right Hoa. John Poynder Dickson-Poynder, Baron Islington, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies. May it please Your Excellency,— We, His Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the members of the House of Representatives of New Zealand, in Parliament assembled, desire respectfully to inform Your Excellency that we have this day passed the following resolution, which we request may be forwarded to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies : — Besolved, " That this House desires to record its respectful congratulations to His Majesty the King upon his coronation, and to express the hope that the reign of His Majesty and Queen Mary may be a long and happy one." 3rd December, 1910. A. R. Guinness, Speaker.

No. 53. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 15th December, 1910. I have the honour to forward herewith, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, three copies each of Bulletin No. 9, on the geology of the Whatatutu Subdivision, and the preliminary report on the Taranaki oilfields, which deal with petroleum-deposits. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, Governor. The Secretary to the Admiralty, Whitehall, London.

No. 51 New Zealand, No. 156. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 15th December, 1910. I have the honour to forward herewith a synopsis, prepared by the Hon. the Attorney-General, of the Acts passed during the third session of the seventeenth Parliament of New Zealand, together with the Acts duly authenticated with the seal of the Dominion. 2. The Bill intituled the Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1910 (No. 85), has been reserved for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure thereon, and six copies of that Bill will be forwarded in a separate parcel direct to the Colonial Office for the use of the Board of Trade, in accordance with instructions contained in the Secretary of State's circular despatch of the 23rd December, 1903. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Eight Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosures. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 13th December, 1910. 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 Rynopsis, prepared by the Hon. the Attorney-

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General, of the Acts passed during the third session of the seventeenth Parliament of New Zealand, together with the Acts duly authenticated with the seal of the Dominion. The Bill intituled the Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1910 (No. 85), has been reserved for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure thereon, in accordance with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 (Imperial), and six copies of that Bill will be forwarded in a separate parcel direct to the Secretary of State for the Colonies for the use of the Board of Trade, in accordance with the circular despatch dated the 23rd December, 1903 (G.H. 63/1904). J. Carroll, For the Prime Minister. lUport on Legislation passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand during the Session ending on the 3rd dat of december, 1910. Fob the information of His Excellency the Governor, I beg to report as follows : — 1. The synopsis attached hereto relates to the Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand during the session which ended on the 3rd day of December, 1910. 2. In my opinion, none of those Acts is repugnant to the law of England. 3. The Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1910 (No. 85), has been reserved for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure thereon, in. accordance with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 (Imperial). — Dated at Wellington, this 9th day of December, 1910. J. G. FINDLAY, Attorney-General. Synopsis of Acts passed by the General Assembly op New Zealand during the Session ENDING ON THE 3RD Day OF DECEMBER, 1910. Public General Acts. No. 1. The Imprest Supply Act, 1910 : Applying the sum of £700,000 from the Public Account, and the sum of £13,000 from other specified accounts, to the service of the year ending the 31st March, 1911. No. 2. The Imprest Supply Act, 1910 (No. 2) : Applying the sum of £702,000 from the Public Account, and the sum of £13,000 from other specified accounts, to the service of the year ending the 31st March, 1911. No. 3. The Imprest Supply Act, 1910 (No. 3) : Applying the sum of £702,000 from the Public Account, and the sum of £81,650 from other specified accounts, to the service of the year ending the 31st March, 1911. No. 4. The Phosphorus Matches Act, 1910 : This Act adopts the provisions of the White Phosphorus Matches Prohibition Act, 1908 (Imperial), its purpose being to render illegal the use of white phosphorus in the manufacture in New Zealand of matches, and to prohibit the importation and sale of matches in the manufacture of which such phosphorus has been used. No. 5. The Exhibitions Act, 1910 : The purpose of this Act is to make general provisions preliminary to the holding in New Zealand of exhibitions of works of art and industry. The Act provides for the setting-apart of land, the appointment and incorporation of Exhibition Commissioners, the exemption from Customs duties of goods to be exhibited, and the suspension of certain Acts regulating the hours of labour and the conditions of employment in New Zealand, and also of Acts relating to the restriction of immigration. Provision is also made for the regulation and control of the finances of exhibitions held in accordance with the terms of the Act. No. 6. The Town Boards Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act extends the rating-powers of Town Boards, and otherwise amends the provisions of the principal Act. No. 7. The Foreign Insurance Companies' Deposits Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act remedies a defect in the Foreign Insurance Companies' Deposits Act, 1908, and provides that foreign companies carrying on different classes of insurance business in New Zealand must make the required deposit in respect of each such class of business, and not in respect of one class only. No. 8. The Public Debt Extinction Act, 1910 : This Act authorizes the establishment of a sinking fund for the purpose of raising funds for the extinction of the public debt of New Zealand within seventy-five years from the date of the passing of the Act, and for the repayment of future loans within seventy-five years from the date of the raising thereof. The sinking fund is to be under the control of a Board consisting of the Commissioners of Public Debts Sinking Funds. Annual by the Controller and Auditor-General are to be furnished as to the amount of the public debt" for the time being, and as to the amount required to be invested to enable that debt to be paid off within a period of seventy-five years. The amount so certified to be required towards the repayment of the public debt is to be paid out of the Consolidated Fund to the Superintendent of the New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Office, and by him to be temporarily invested in advances to settlers and workers and to local authorities. All moneys paid to the Superintendent as aforesaid, and all accumulations thereon, are to be held in trust for the repayment of the public debt. Provision is also made for the submission of annual reports to Parliament, for the control of funds, and for the making of regulations for the administration and for the effective carryingout of the scheme of the Act. No. 9. The Imprest Supply Act, 1910 (No. 4) : Applying the sum of £702,000 from the Public Account, and the sum of £25,350 from other specified accounts, to the service of the year ending the 31st March, 1911.

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No. 10. The Hutt Railway and Road Improvement Act, 1910 : Authorizes the raising of a further loan of £35,000 (bearing interest at a rate not exceeding 4| per centum per annum) for the improvement of the Hutt Railway and Road. No. 11. The Government Railways Amendment Act, 1910 • Authorizes the raising of a further loan of £225,000 for the duplication of certain specified railway-lines, and otherwise amends the Government Railways Act, 1908. No. 12. The Tobacco Act, 1910 : Amends the Tobacco Act, 1908, by providing for the warehousing in a bonded tobacco-factory of imported manufactured tobacco. No. 13. The New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Amendment Act, 1910 : The most important feature of this Act is that authority is given to raise loans under the New Zealand Loans Act, 1908, for the purpose of the State-guaranteed Advances Office, instead of by means of guaranteed debentures under the principal Act. The power so given is in addition to, and not in substitution for, the mode of raising loans by means of guaranteed debentures, provided by the principal Act. Other amendments extend the privileges of settlers and workers under the principal Act, and provide, inter alia, for the classification of securities (the term of all advances being regulated by the class of security offered in respect of it). The Act also makes various other amendments of the New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909. No. 14. The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1910 : This Act authorizes the raising of a loan of £1,750,000, to be expended in respect of the following public purposes : — (a.) The construction of railways. (b.) The purchase of rolling-stock. (c.) The construction of roads, bridges, and other works in respect of land-settlement and the development of goldfields. (d.) Other public works not specifically referred to. No. 15. The Crimes Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act makes better provision for the classification and reformative treatment of criminals. The Act provides that, in addition to any term of imprisonment, a person convicted of an indictable offence may be sentenced to a term, of reformative detention not exceeding ten years; and a person convicted summarily may be sentenced to detention for three years for a like purpose. For the purpose of administering the Act a Prisons Board is constituted, the members of which are to be appointed by the Governor in Council, the President of the Board being a Judge of the Supreme Court. The Board has power from time to time to make recommendations to the Governor for the discharge, or release on probation, of persons undergoing sentences of reformative detention, and the Governor may authorize such discharge and release accordingly. Annual reports to the Minister of Justice are to be made by the Board as to the number of persons for the time being undergoing sentences of reformative detention, and generally as to the operation of the Act. Persons detained under the provisions of this Act are to be paid wages for their labour in accordance with a scale to be fixed by regulations. No. 16. The Immigration Restriction Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act makes various amendments of the Immigration Restriction Act, 1908. Section 5 provides for regulations to permit exemption from the restrictions of the principal Act in the case of nersons to whom those provisions would otherwise apply, but who do not intend to remain permanently or for any considerable length of time in New Zealand, and in respect of whom, therefore, it is not desirable to apply those provisions. Section 6 authorizes the removal from New Zealand of any Chinese who lands in New Zealand in breach of the provisions of the principal Act. The other amendments are principally verbal ones. No. 17. The Oaths Act, 1910 : This Act permits of an oath being taken (both in judicial and other proceedings') without the formality of " kissing the book." In judicial proceedings the oath is to be administered in accordance with the provisions of this Act except in cases where the person taking the oath voluntarily objects to taking the oath in such manner, when it may be administered as if this Act had not been passed. This is an exact reversal of the position existing immediately prior to the passing of this Act. No. 18. The Native Townships Act, 1910 : This Act continues the scheme of legislation with respect to Native lands commenced by the Native Land Act, 1909, and relates to the ownership and disposition of land situated within Native townships. All such Native land is vested in the Maori Land Board of the district in which it is situated, and is to be held by the Board in trust for the Native owners beneficially entitled thereto. All existing rights over and interests in the said land are protected. The Board is declared to be a leasing authority under the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908, with respect to the land vested in it under this Act. The former enactments relating to Native townships are repealed. No. 19. The Indecent Publications Act, 1910 : The purpose of this Act is to effectively repress the publication, sale, and distribution in New Zealand of indecent and offensive literature. In the case of a newspaper, being an indecent document within the meaning of the Act, it is provided that the printer, publisher, proprietor, manager, editor, and sub-editor, as also all persons consenting to the insertion of any indecent matter in that newspaper, shall each be guilty of an offence and severally liable accordinsdv. A penalty of £100 or imprisonment for three months may be inflicted for a wilful offence against the provisions of the Act. In determining whether or not a document is indecent, regard is to be had to its scientific or artistic value, and a documeTit is not to be regarded as indecent unless it is of an immoral or mischievous tendency. Prosecutions are to be instituted only with the leave of the Attorney-General, and are to be heard before a Magistrate only.

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No. 20. The Imprest, Supply Act, 1910 (No. 5): Applying the sum of £702,000 from the Public Account, and the sum of £17,900 from other specified accounts, to the service of the year ending 31st March, 1911. No. 21. The Defence Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act makes various amendments of the Defence Act, 1909, principally with the view of giving effect to the recommendations of Lord Kitchener with respect to the reorganization of the Defence Forces of New Zealand. An important amendment in the scheme of defence is given effect to in section 6, which imposes a liability to be trained in the General Training Section of the Defence Forces upon men between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five years, instead of as formerly only upon men between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one. No. 22. The Animals Protection Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act makes various amendments of the Animals Protection Act, 1908. No. 23. The River Boards Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act authorizes River Boards to purchase lands liable to be injuriously affected by the construction of protective works, and otherwise amends the River Boards Act, 1908. No. 24. The Land-tax and Income-tax Act, 1910 : This Act imposes a land-tax and an incometax for the year ending 31st March, 1911. No. 25. The Aid to Water-power Works Act, 1910 : This Act authorizes the raising of a loan of £500,000 towards the cost of establishing a scheme for the utilization of the water-power of New Zealand for irrigation and other purposes. No. 26. The Companies Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act adopts the provisions of section 104 of the Companies (Consolidated) Act, 1908 (Imperial), and authorizes the reissue by a company of its redeemed debentures. The Act applies to the reissue of such debentures before as well as after the passing thereof. No. 27. The Judicature Amendment Act, 1910: This Act makes various amendments in the Judicature Act, 1908. Section 3 empowers the Supreme Court to make an order authorizing any person appointed for the purpose by the Court to execute any document required by the Court to be executed, if the person otherwise bound to execute that document fails to do so. Section 4 amends the provisions of the Imprisonment for Debt Limitation Act, 1908, by adopting the provisions of the Debtors Act, 1878 (Imperial). No. 28. The By-laws Act, 1910 : The purpose of this Act" is to avoid the upsetting of the bylaws of a local authority by reason only of formal or technical objections. Provision is made for the confirmation by the Minister of Internal Affairs of any such by-laws within three years from the date thereof. Such confirmation is to constitute conclusive evidence as to the validity of the bylaws confirmed, except so far as that validity depends upon the powers of the local authority making the by-laws, or except so far as such by-laws are repugnant to the laws of New Zealand. Provision is also made for allowing applications to be made to the Supreme Court to determine the validity of by-laws, and for the Supreme Court on the hearing of any such application to quash or amend the by-laws as it thinks fit. In certain cases, where the provisions of the by-law are separable, the whole of a by-law is not to be deemed invalid merely because part of that by-law is invalid. No. 29. The Justices of the Peace Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act amends in various particulars the provisions of the Justices of the Peace Act, 1908. No. 30. The Opium Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act further restricts the use of opium and of preparations containing opium for the purposes of smoking, and in certain cases casts upon the defendant who has been found in possession of opium the onus of proving that he came into possession thereof in a manner not prohibited by law. No. 31. The Inspection of Machinery Amendment Act, 1910: This Act amends in various particulars the provisions of the Inspection of Machinery Act, 1908. No. 32. The Commercial Trusts Act, 1910 : The purpose of this Act is to prevent the establishment and growth of monopolies with respect to the goods specifically referred to in the schedule. A maximum penalty of £500, recoverable at the suit of the Attorney-General, is imposed in respect of offences against the provisions of the Act, but the Supreme Court may in any case remit such part of the penalty as it thinks fit. In the case of an offence committed by a commercial trust (as defined by section 2) or by a corporate body, every person being a member of that trust or corporation is to be deemed guilty of an offence and severally liable in respect thereof accordingly, and the corporation itself is also to be deemed liable in respect of the offence so committed. No. 33. The Contagious Diseases Act Repeal Act, 1910 : This Act repeals the Contagious Diseases Act, 1908, which was not at the date of its repeal in operation in New Zealand. No. 34. The Noxious Weeds Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act amends in various particulars the Drovisions of the Noxious Weeds Act, 1908. No. 35. The Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1910 : Provides for the issue by the Commissioners of Crown Lands of licenses to dig for kauri-gum, instead of by the local authorities of the district, as heretofore. The Kauri-gum Industry Act, 1908, is also amended in various other respects. No. 36. The Post and Telegraph Amendment Act, 1910 : The most important provisions of this Act are those which give to the Governor the power to take and retain possession of telegraphstations in times of war or at any other time when war is reasonably to be apprehended; and also to utilize the services of the operators and other members of the staff at such times. The Act also makes various amendments of the Post and Telegraph Act, 1908. No. 37. The ('ounties Amendment Act, 1910: This Act brings the Counties Act, 1908, into operation in those counties where it has been suspended or otherwise not in force. No. 38. The Destitute Persons Act, 1910: This Act repeals the Destitute Persons Act, IPOB, and also certain provisions of the Infants Act, 1908, the Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Act,

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1908, the Industrial Schools Act, 1908, the Married Women's Property Act, 1908, and other enactments relating to the maintenance of certain classes of destitute persons. In place of the various repealed enactments, one complete and uniform scheme for the maintenance of destitute persons by their near relatives is provided. The Act deals not only with the maintenance of destitute persons generally, but also with particular classes of destitute persons — namely, illegitimate children and deserted wives and children. No liability to maintain a destitute person is imposed upon any near relative of that person if that relative is able to satisfy the Magistrate hearing the case that ho is not of sufficient ability to contribute towards the maintenance of such destitute person. The fact that the near relative or the destitute person in whose favour an order is sought is resident out of New Zealand is no bar to the making of a complaint or order. Elaborate provisions relating to procedure are made for the purpose of giving full effect to the enforcement of orders and generally to the provisions of the Act. No. 39. The Local Bodies' Loans Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act permits certain loans, for which steps had been taken prior to the commencement of the New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909, to be granted as if the last-mentioned Act had not been passed. Certain other amendments of the principal Act are made, the most important of which are with a view to simplifying the procedure necessary for the raising of loans from the Advances Office by local authorities. No. 40. The Secret Commissions Act, 1910 : The chief object of this Act is to render illegal the practice of agents in secretly accepting payments and other valuable considerations from third persons in respect of the business of the principals. The Act (which is similar in terms to the Secret Commissions Acts of the Commonwealth of Australia and of the State of Victoria, and also to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1908 (Imperial) ) creates the following offences : — (1.) The giving of secret bribes or other considerations to agents by third persons (section 3). (2.) The receiving of secret bribes or other considerations by agents from third persons (section 4). (3.) The concealment by an agent of his pecuniary interest in a contract made by him on behalf of his principal (section 5). (4.) The giving to an agent by a third person of a false or imperfect receipt, invoice, or other document, with intent to deceive the principal (section 6). (5.) The giving by an agent to his principal of any such document as aforesaid (section 7). (6.) The receiving of secret commissions for advising third persons to enter into contracts with the person paying such commissions (section 8). The Act is drawn in most comprehensive terms, and possibly includes certain practices which are not in themselves reprehensible. A sufficient safeguard against injustice is, however, provided by section 12, which provides that no prosecution for an offence against this Act is to be instituted except with the consent of the Attorney-General. No. 41. The National Provident Fund Act, 1910 : This Act embodies a scheme for the establishment of a National Provident Fund, contributors to which are thereby enabled and encouraged to make provision for old age and sickness, and for the maintenance of their widows and orphans. The fund is both subsidized and guaranteed by the Government. All persons may become contributors who are resident in New Zealand and are between sixteen and forty-five years of age, and whose income does not exceed £200 a year. The contributions to the fund are weekly payments, the amount of which depends—(1) on the age at which the contributor first joins the fund, and (2) on the amount of the pension for which he elects to contribute. Thus, for a pension of 10s. a week the weekly payment varies from 9d. a week at the age of seventeen to 4s. lid. a week at the age of forty-five. Provisions are made for the payment of contributions by lump sums in advance, and for the benefit of contributors who fall into arrears. A contributor may at any time elect to withdraw from the fund, and is then entitled to a return of all his contributions, less any payments already received. The benefits secured by contributors are the following : — (1.) A pension at the age of sixty, varying in amount from 10s. a week to £2 a week, according to the rate of contribution. (2.) Widows' and Orphans' Pensions : If any contributor dies after he has been a contributor for not less than five years leaving children under the age of fourteen years, a sum of 7s. 6d. a week is payable to each child until the age of fourteen, and also to the widow so long as she. has any child under fourteen dependent upon her. (3.) Sickness and Accident Insurance : If any contributor becomes, after five years, incapacitated by sickness or accident for a period of more than three months while he is under the age of sixty years, and has children under fourteen dependent upon him, he receives an allowance of 7s. 6d. a week for each of those children during the subsequent period of his incapacity. (4.) Provision is made for the payment of an amount, not exceeding ,£6, to any contributor earning not more than £200 per annum, in the event of the wife of that contributor giving birth to a child. No. 42. The Taranaki Scholarships Endowment Act, 1.91.0 : This Act vests in the Crown certain lands in the Provincial District of Taranaki, and provides for their administration by the Taranaki Land Board, in trust, for the purpose of providing funds for Taranaki scholarships to be granted under the Education Act, 1908. ■ . .

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No. 43. The Public Revenues Act, 1910 : This Act repeals the Public Revenues Act, 1908, and re-enacts ite provisions, with one important exemption—the system of post-audit having been substituted for the present system of pre-audit of the accounts of the Dominion. The Act comes into operation on the Ist day of April, 1911. No. 44. The New Zealand Loans Amendment Act, 1910: This Act is consequent upon the passing of the Public Debt Extinction Act, 1910, and provides that on all debentures and other documents of security in respect of loans subject to the last-mentioned Act there shall be printed a certificate to the effect that a sinking fund in respect of the loan has been established, which will provide for the repayment of the loan in seventy-five years from the date of the raising thereof. No. 45. The Old-age Pensions Amendment Act, 1910 : Amends the Old-age Pensions Act, 1908, in various particulars, the principal amendment being with respect to the method of computing the value of the accumulated property of applicants for pensions. No. 46. The Licensing Amendment Act, 1910 : The most important feature of this Act is the amendment made in the law relating to licensing polls for the determination of the question as to whether or not licenses to sell intoxicating liquor are to continue to exist in New Zealand or in any licensing districts thereof. With respect to the question of the issue or otherwise of licenses in the various licensing districts, an important amendment has been made by the elimination from the voting-paper of the issue as to the reduction of licenses. Voters are now required to vote on two issues only— namely, either for continuance of licenses or for no licenses. Another important amendment is the provision made by this Act for the taking of a licensing poll to determine whether or not licenses are to be issued for the sale of liquor in any part of New Zealand —that is, on the question of national prohibition as opposed to merely local prohibition. These provisions are entirely new. Voters are required to vote either for or against national prohibition, and if three-fifths of the voters are in favour of national prohibition the proposal will be carried, and national prohibition shall come into force on the expiration of four years from the date of the election at which the proposal was so carried. If national prohibition is carried at any election as aforesaid, a proposal for the restoration of licenses shall be submitted to the electors at the first general election which is held after the expiration of three years from the coming into force of the detei'mination in favour of national prohibition. The proposal for national restoration is to be carried if at least three-fifths of the voters are in favour thereof, and the determination comes into force at the expiration of three months. Other amendments of the Act effected by this Act provide as follows : — (1.) For the better enforcement of the law prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquor in no-license districts. (2.) Restricting the supply of liquor to Natives within proclaimed areas, and prohibiting the supply to intoxicated male Natives or to any female Native not being the wife of a European. (3.) Providing for the registration of women now employed as barmaids in licensed premises, and prohibiting the employment as barmaids of any persons not so registered. No. 47. The Harbours Amendment Act, 1910 : Amends in various respects the provisions of the Harbours Act, 1908, and, in particular, makes provision for the reconstitution of Harbour Boards and the more adequate representation thereon of local authorities and the payers of harbour dues. No. 48. The Stone-quarries Act, 1910: The purpose of this Act is to secure the safety of persons employed in stone-quarries by providing that only men of sufficient skill and experience shall hold the positions of manager and deputy manager respectively, and by enacting certain rules for the regulation of blasting and of other hazardous duties in the working of such quarries. No. 49. The Inalienable Life Annuities Act, 1910: This Act provides for the creation and issue of annuities which (to an amount not exceeding £104 per annum in the case of any one annuitant) shall be inalienable either by the act of the annuitant or by operation of law in favour of his creditors. No. 50. The Monopoly Prevention Amendment Act, 1910 : Extends until the 31st December, 1912, the provisions of the Monopoly Prevention Act, 1908. No. 51. The Public Health Amendment Act, 1910: Amends in various particulars the provisions of the Public Health Act, 1908. No. 52. The Railways Authorization Act, 1910 : Authorizing the construction of certain railways to the extent specified in' the schedule. No. 53. The Auctioneers Amendment Act, 19]0: Amends in various particulars the provisions of the Auctioneers Act, 1908. No. 54. The Crown Suits Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act extends the liability of the Crown in respect of the following causes of action : — (a.) Breach of contract. (b.) Any wrong or injury independent of contract for which an action for damages would lie if the defendant were a subject of His Majesty (see, however, the exceptions set out in section i). (fi.) Any cause of action in respect of which a petition of right would lie at common law. No. 55. The Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1910 : Amends in various particulars the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908. No. 56. The Gaming Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act repeals those provisions of the Gaming Act, 1908, which authorize the licensing of bookmakers; and imposes upon racing clubs the duty

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of preventing bookmakers from plying their calling at race-meetings under the control of such clubs. Provision is also made for the reduction of the number of days on which the totalizator may be used at race-meetings throughout the year, and the Governor is authorized to appoint a Commission to determine the number of totalizator licenses to be issued during the year 1911-12. No investment is to be made on the totalizator otherwise than by way of money, bank-notes, or cheque. Certain other less important amendments of the Gaining Act, 1908, are also made. No. 57. The Slaughtering and Inspection Amendment Act, 1910 : Amends the provisions of the Slaughtering and Inspection Act, 1908, with respect to the amount of compensation payable to the owners of stock condemned by Inspectors under the authority of the principal Act and not fit for human consumption. Certain other amendments of the principal Act are also made. No. 58. The Imprest Supply Act, 1910 (No. 6) : Applying the sum of £250,000 from the Public Account, and the sum of £17,900 from other specified accounts, to the service of the year ending 31st March, 1911. No. 59. The Legislature Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act amends the Legislature Act, 1908, by making more complete provision for the taking of the poll at general elections of members of Parliament, and for securing the secrecy of the ballot. Provision is also made for the more thorough purging of the rolls preparatory to the holding of an election. No. 60. Tije Rating Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act makes Native freehold land liable to rating and subject to the provisions of the Hating Act, 1908, in the same manner as if it were European land; but the Governor may, by Order in Council, exempt any Native land so liable to be rated from that liability. The Act also makes several general amendments of the principal Act, No. 61. The 'Shops and Offices Amendment Act, 1910: This Act extends to hotels and restaurants as therein defined, and to the employees therein, the provisions of the principal Act relating to shops and shop-assistants. Other miscellaneous amendments of the principal Act are also made. No. 62. The Workers' Dwellings Act, 1910 : This Act repeals the Workers' Dwellings Act, 1908, and in lieu thereof makes better provision for the erection and disposal of workers' dwellings. The Act provides for the setting-aside of land as sites for workers' dwellings, and for the erection, improvement, or enlargement of such dwellings thereon. Such dwellings are not to exceed in capital value the sum of £600, and may be disposed of by way of weekly tenancy, or renewable lease for a term of twenty-one years, or by way of sale, the purchase-money being paid by instalments distributed over a period of 25J years. The Act is to be administered by a SuTJerintendent of Workers' Dwellings acting under the authority of the Minister of Labour, and for each land district there is established a Board having control of the dwellings within that district. All dispositions of dwellings acquired under this Act are to be invalid unless approved by the Board. No. 63. The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Amendment Act, 1910 : Amends in various particulars the provisions of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, 1909. No. 64. The Census and Statistics Act, 1910 : This Act provides for the appointment of a Government Statistician, whose duty it shall be to take all steps necessary for the taking of the quinquennial census of New Zealand. The Act also repeals the Statistics Act, 1908, and makes better provision for the taking of the census aforesaid, and also for the taking of annual statistics with respect to the industrial, commercial, and social development of New Zealand. No. 65. The Education Reserves Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act provides for the abolition of the office of School Commissioners under the principal Act, and for the transfer to the Crown of all lands vested in those Commissioners. The lands so transferred are to be administered by the Land Board of the district in which they are situated, and may be leased by the Board by way of renewable lease for terms of thirty-three years. The revenues derived from the lands so leased are to be paid to the Education Board of the district in which those lands are situated, or to the governing bodies of secondary schools in that district, in the manner and proportion specified in section 2. The funds in the hands of the School Commissioners at the commencement of this Act and all investments representing the same are to be paid to the Public Trustee, and by him to be held and administered by him in trust for the same purposes as those for which the funds were held by the School Commissioners. Existing leases and other rights over the lands affected by this Act are preserved. No. 66. The Public Works Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act attthorizes the construction and maintenance of water-races and other water-supply works by the Minister of Public Works, and confers upon the Minister with respect to those works the powers of a Water-supply Board under the Water-supply Act, 1908. The water-supply works so constructed are to be utilized for the purposes of irrigation, and in certain cases the Governor ma} , take compulsorily land which is capable of irrigation by means of the water-supply works constructed under this Act, but in respect of which neither the occupier or the owner is willing to enter , into any contract with the Minister for the supply of water. The Act also makes several miscellaneous amendments of the principal Act, No. 67. The Factories Amendment Act, 1910 : Amends in various particulars the provisions of the Factories Act, 1908. No. 68. The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act provides for the alteration of the name of an industrial union registered under the principal Act, without affecting in any way the entity of that union. No. 69. The Thermal Springs Districts Act, 1910 : This Act repeals the Thermal Springs Districts Act, 1908, and makes other provision in lieu thereof. By section 3 restrictions are imposed

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upon the alienation without the precedent consent of the Governor in Council of Native lands formerly subject to the Acts relating to thermal springs districts, and on which are situated any thermal or mineral springs or water. By section 4- provision is made for vesting such lands in the Maori Land Board of the district, and for the leasing thereof under Part XV of the Native Land Act, 1909. Special provisions are made with respect to Mokoia Island and to the Town of Rotorua and adjacent lands. No. 70. The Education Amendment Act, .1910: This Act amends in various respects the provisions of the Education Act, 1908; in particular, better provision is made for the education of , children who, by reason of physical or .mental defect, are incapable of being satisfactorily taught in the ordinary public school, or with children who are not so handicapped. Provision is also made for the issue of regulations to compel the attendance at continuation or technical classes of young persons beyond the ordinary school age, who are not otherwise receiving instruction at technical or other classes. No. 71. The Public Holidays Act, 1910 : This Act provides for the observance of certain holidays on the Monday following the day on which the date of that holiday actually falls (not being a Monday). The schedule of bank holidays is also revised and the number of holidays reduced. No. 72. The Dentists Amendment Act, 1910: This Act authorizes the registration of. certain persons under the Dentists Act, 1908, without compliance with the requirements of that Act, if those persons were, at the date of the commencement of the Dentists xVct, 1904, either in practice as dentists or were the apprentices of a. dentist, or were at that date entitled to lie registered but failed to make application for a registration in due course. No. 73. The Land Settlement Finance Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act makes certain amendments of the Land Settlement Finance Act, 1909, with a view to making that Act a more effective means of promoting land-settlement. It has been found that in certain districts an area of 200 acres (the limit fixed by the principal Act) is not sufficient to be profitably worked as a separate allotment, and section 2 of this Act permits of allotments of 500 acres if the purchase-money in respect of an allotment does not exceed ,£2,500. To further promote the scheme of the principal Act, section 7 provides for the appointment of Land Settlement Finance Commissioners, with duties to be defined by the Governor in Council, for the purpose of selecting land to be taken up under the principal Act, and of assisting to make the necessary arrangements preliminary to the formation of land-settlement associations. Section 8 is designed to prevent a man from acquiring an interest in more than one allotment under the principal Act, or from acquiring any interest in such an allotment if he is already the owner of an interest in any other land which, with his interest in the allotment, would exceed in value an amount of £2,500. Section 11 provides for the establishment of a fund for the payment of the incidental expenses con.nected with associations, and out of which losses to the association caused by defaults of purchasers may be met. No. 74. The Tramways Amendment Act, 1910: This makes various amendments of the Tramways Act, 1908, of which those particularly referred to hereinafter are the most important. Section 2 provides that after the Ist day of January, 1912, no person is to be employed as a drivei- on an electric tram who is not the holder of an electric-tram driver's certificate. Such certificates are to be granted only after examination, except in the case of persons who, at the passing of this Act, have for one year been employed as motormen or have been holders of motormen's licenses. In the cases last mentioned certificates of service without examination may be issued. Section 3 gives to the Minister of Public Works authority to appoint officers to inspect and report upon all tramways and appliances, and the Minister may order necessary alterations and repairs to be effected. Section 5 gives power to the Governor in Council to make regulations for the inspection, maintenance, control, and management of tramways. Section 6 provides for the constitution of an Appeal Board for the hearing of complaints by tramway employees against dismissals, disratings, &c. No. 75. The Stamp Duties Act, 1910: Amends the Stamp Duties Act, 1908, principally with respect to the payment of duty on the sale of mining shares through intermediate brokers. As the law stood prior to this amendment, where' a sale was transacted by means of intermediate sharebrokers (as defined by section 2) a contract note was required in respect of each transaction, and duty was payable accordingly. The amendment provides that in such a case duty shall be payable as on one transaction only. No. 76. The Coal-mines Amendment Act, 191(1 : Amends in various particulars the provisions of the Coal-mines Act, 1908, and the Coal-mines Amendment Act, 1909. No. 77. The Government Railways Amendment Act, 1910 (No. 2) : Provides for the infliction of a penalty for making false statements in consignment notes and waybills, and makes provision for the leasing of lands not required for railway purposes. No. 78. The Mining Amendment Act, 1910: Amends in various particulars the provisions of the Mining Act, 1908. No. 79. The Fruit-farms Settlement Act, 1910: Provides for the setting-apart of lands (not exceeding in the aggregate an area of 10,000 acres), to be disposed of by leasing or otherwise, in allotments not exceeding 75 acres, for fruit-growing purposes. No. 80. The Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Hodies Empowering Act, 1910: The principal purpose of this Act is the removal of restrictions upon the disposition of certain specified reserves and other lands which are incapable of being dealt with except with special legislative authority. No. 81. The Municipal Corporations Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act amends in various particulars the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1908. In addition to other amendments it gives effect to several of the suggestions of the Municipal Conference.

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No. 82. The Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1910: The purpose of this Act is to determine certain claims and disputes in relation to certain Native Lands, and to confer jurisdiction in respect of those disputes upon the Native Land Court and the Native Appellate Court. No. 83. The Law of Libel Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act makes important amendments in the law relating to libel and slander. Section 2 adopts with modifications the provisions of .sections 3 and 4 of the Law of Libel Amendment Act, 1888 (Imperial), and of section 13 of the Defamation Law of Queensland, 1889. Paragraphs («) and (6) arc declaratory of the common law; paragraphs {<■), (d), and (c) make an important extension of the privilege of reporting proceedings. Prior to this Act there was no privilege for any reports except those of proceedings in Parliament and in the law-courts. A newspaper reporting the proceedings of a local authority was liable to an action if any statement so reported was defamatory, even though the report itself was perfectly fair and accurate and was published in good faith. Sections 4, 5, and 6 deal with the abuse of suing a large number of newspapers in different actions for the publication of the same defamatory statement. These sections adopt and extend the provisions of section 5 of the Law of Libel Amendment Act, 1888 (Imperial). Section 10 enables a defendant in a prosecution for libel to defend himself in the preliminary proceedings before a Magistrate. Formerly, even though a defendant ma}' have had a good defence, he had to be committed for trial on proof of publication. Section 11 provides that the indictable offences of criminal defamation and of publishing a defamatory libel may be dealt with summarily before a Magistrate; where the defence of publication for the public benefit is raised, that defence must be established before evidence may be given, of the truth of the statements published. No. 84. The Appropriation Act, 1910 : This Act appropriates and applies certain sums of money out of the Consolidated Fund, the Public Works Fund, and other specified accounts to the service of the year ending 31st March, 1911. No. 85. The Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1910: This Act provides principally as follows :— (1.) That seamen employed on ships trading between New Zealand and Australia and between New Zealand and the Cook Islands are to be paid at a rate not less than the rate of wages received by seamen in New Zealand ; and (2.) That, where ships trading as aforesaid carry Asiatic crews, there shall be payable an additional stamp duty of 25 per cent, of the passage-money and freight-money received in respect of those ships. This Act has been reserved for the signification thereon of His Majesty's pleasure. Local and Personal Acts. No. 1. The Gisborue Harbour Amendment Act, 1910 : Authorizes the Public Trustee to pay to the Gisborne Harbour Board the sum of £26,332 I.os. 6d. (being the balance of an amount held in trust for that Board) for the purpose of extending the breakwater at the mouth of the Turanganui River, and for the purchase of a dredge for use in the said river. No. 2. The liangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910: Abolishes the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Board; and declares that its assets and liabilities become the assets and liabilities of the Crown. The Minister of Lands is authorized to construct and maintain drainage-works,, and to otherwise render the land affected suitable for settlement. For the purposes of such works the Minister is authorized to raise from the Advances Office a, sum not exceeding £50,000. For the purpose of the repayment of an}' such advance the Minister is empowered to make and levy a rate on the unimproved value of all land within the district, such rate being in accordance with a graduated scale according to the. classification of the land in respect of which it is made. An annual statement of accounts, together with a report as to the administration of the Act, is to be laid before Parliament. No. 3. The Christchurch Tramway District Amendment Act, 1910: Authorizes the Governor, on petition by a majority of the ratepayers, to incorporate in the Christchurch Tramway District any borough, road district, or county, or any portion thereof. No. 4. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington Empowering Act, 1.910 : Provides for the vesting in the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington of certain lands in the Boroughs of Napier and Wairoa, and authorizes the said Archbishop to sell those lands and to dispose of the proceeds in manner specified in the Act. No. 5. The Canterbury College and Canterbury Agricultural College Amendment Act, 1910 : Amends the Canterbury College and Canterbury Agricultural College Act, 1896, in various particulars. No. 6. The Wanganui Church Acre Act, 1910: Vests certain lands situated in the Town of AVanganui in the Wellington Diocesan Board of Trustees, declares the trusts upon which those lands are held, and makes other provision with respect thereto. No. 7. The Christ's College (Canterbury) Act, 1910 : The purpose of this Act is to remove certain difficulties and to extend the powers of the governing body of Christ's College, Canterbury (Incorporated), with respect to the administration of the lands and funds of that college. No. 8. The New Zealand Portland Cement Company (Limited) Reclamation and Empowering Act, 1910 : Authorizes the New Zealand Portland Cement Company (Limited) to reclaim certain parts of the foreshore of Limestone Island, in the Auckland Land District, and further authorizes the Governor to vest such land when reclaimed in the said company. No. 9. The Oamaru Harbour Board Enabling Act, 1910 : Authorizes and empowers the Oamaru Harbour Board to effect a compromise with the holders of debentures issued under the

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provisions of the Oamaru Harbour Board Ordinance Amendment Act, 1878, and the Harbours Act, 1878; also to raise a loan for the purpose of carrying into effect the said compromise and of redeeming all other loans of the said Board. No. 10. The Kaiapoi Reserve Act, 1910 : This Act authorizes the appointment of a Commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908, for the purpose of inquiring into the circumstances of the dispositions by will of certain portions of the lands forming the Kaiapoi Reserve, with a view to the validation of all or any of those dispositions. Pending the report of the Commission, all rents in respect of the lands affected are made payable, in trust, to the Public Trustee. No. 11. The Nelson City Drainage Loan and Empowering Act, 1910: Authorizes the Nelson City Council to raise a loan of .£4,000 under the Local Bodies' Loans Act for the purpose of completing its drainage system; and also authorizes the said Council to raise a loan of £5,000 to enable it to make advances to owners of private property within the City of Nelson to defray the cost of connecting their properties with the city drainage system. No. 12. The Horowhenua County Loan Act, 1910 : This Act authorizes the Horowhenua County Council to raise a loan under the Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1908 (but without obtaining the consent of the ratepayers as required by that Act), for the pur-pose of repaying to its General Account an amount advanced out of that account towards the payment of the cost of constructing water-races in the Hautere Water-race District; and also foi the purpose of paying an amount still due and owing in respect of the cost of the said water-races. No. 13. The Waikouaiti County Council Reserve Vesting Act, 1910 : This Act vests certain land situated in the Otago Land District in the Corporation of the County of Waikouaiti as an endowment for the benefit of that Corporation. No. 14-. The Greyniouth Harbour Board Loans Consolidation Act, 1910 : Authorizes the consolidation of certain loans raised by the Greymouth Harbour Board, and the raising of further loans not exceeding £400,000 for the completion of harbour-works, and generally for the improvement of the Greymouth Harbour. No. 15. The Wyndham Show-ground Reserve Act, 1910: Authorizes the Wyndham Showground Reserve Trust to pay to the trustees of the Wyndham Recreation Reserve such part of its revenues as it thinks lit for the purposes of the recreation reserve. No. 16. The Waiapu County Council (Tokomaru Harbour) Empowering Act, 1910 : Authorizes the Waiapu County Council to raise a loan of £100,000 for the purpose of acquiring certain harbour-works at Tokomaru Bay, and of constructing additional harbour-works. No. 17. The Wanganui Harbour Board Vesting Act, 1910 : This Act vests in the Wanganui Harbour Board as an endowment certain foreshore lands at the mouth of the Wanganui River. No. 18. Ths Waitara Harbour Board and Borough Empowering Act, 1910 : This Act vests in the Corporation of the Borough of Waitara a certain bridge over the Waitara River in the Borough of Waitara, and confers upon the Council of that borough the management and control of the said bridge. The Borough Council is also authorized to raise a loan under the Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1908, for the purpose of rebuilding the said bridge, and the Waitara Harbour Board is empowered to make an annual payment to the said Borough Council in respect of its expenditure under this Act. The Act also vests certain lands in the said Harbour Board, and declares that Board to be a leasing authority under the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908. No. 19. The Hastings Borough Loan Empowering Act, 1910: Authorizes the Hastings Borough Council to raise a loan for electric lighting, drainage, water-supply, and other purposes.. No. 20. The New Plymouth Recreation and Racecourse Reserve Amendment Act, 1910: This Act declares the New Plymouth Borough Council to be a leasing authority within the meaning of the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908, in respect of land described in the schedule to the Act. The Act also provides for tiie application of the revenues derived from, leasing the said lands for the purpose of the improvement and maintenance of the botanical gardens and recreation-grounds in New Plymouth. No. 21. The Lyttelton Harbour Board Reclamation and Empowering Act, 1910 : This Act authorizes the Lyttelton Harbour Board to reclaim certain lands from the sea, and vests these lands when reclaimed in the said Board. No. 22. The Templeton Domain Alteration of Boundaries Act, 1910 : This Act alters the boundaries of a reserve situated in the Canterbury Land District, and known as the Templeton Domain, by disposing of part of the said reserve, and by adding thereto part of an adjoining reserve. No. 23. The Selwyn County Subdivision Act, 1910 : This Act subdivides the county formerly known as Selwyn County into the following subdivisions, namely : Malvern County, Paparua County, Heathcote County, Halswell County, Springs County, Ellesmere County, and Selwyn County'; and also constitutes a new borough, to be known as the Spreydon Borough. No. 24. The Invercargill Tramway Buildings and Works Site Act, 1910: Vests certain land situated in the Town of Invercargill, and described in the schedule to the Act, in the Corporation of the Borough of Invercargill, as a site for tramway buildings and works; and provides for setting aside a sum of .£SO per annum from tramway revenues for the purpose of the improvement and maintenance of recreation-grounds within the borough. No. 25. The Thames Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1910 : Authorizes the Thames HarbourBoard to dispose by way of sale of certain lands vested in it, and to pay the proceeds thereof into the Harbour Fund. No. 26. The Havelock Harbour Board Amendment Act, 1910 : This Act authorizes the Havelock Harbour- Board to make and levy a rate over all rateable property within its district as security for- any loan which the said Harbour Board is empowered to raise.

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No. 27. The Otago Harbour Board Lands Vesting Act, 1910 : This Act vests in the Otago Harbour Board certain lands described in the schedule to the Act; it also confers upon local authorities exercising jurisdiction over any district in which any part of those lands is included authority to reclaim the same from the sea for road-formation purposes. An area of not less than 10 acres , of the land so vested in the Harbour Board is to be set aside by the Board as a reserve under Part II of the Public Reserves and Domains Act, 1908. No. 28. The Woodville Borough Drainage Empowering Act, 1910 : This Act authorizes the Woodville Borough Council to raise a loan of .£4,000 for drainage purposes, and also to execute drainage and sanitation works for the owners of private property within the said borough, the cost of such works to be repaid to the Council within a period not exceeding ten years. No. 29. The Taieri Land Drainage Act, 1910 : This Act abolished the Taieri Land Drainage District and the Taieri Land Drainage Board, and also constitutes a West Taieri Land Drainage District and Board, the assets and liabilities of the dissolved Board being apportioned between the Taieri County Council and the West,Taieri Land Drainage Board. Provision is also made for the appointment by the Governor of two Commissioners for the construction and maintenance of protective works. No. 30. The Hawke's Bay Rivers Act, 1910 : This Act abolishes the Taradale, Meanee, Clive, and Pukahu River Districts, and constitutes a new district in lieu thereof, to be known as the Hawke's Bay River District. The assets and liabilities of the old Boards become the assets and liabilities of the new Board. The Board is. authorized to construct and maintain works for the prevention of damage to the district by reason of floods, to take steps to divert the course of the Tutaekuri and Ngaruroro Rivers, and also to take steps to lender fit for settlement any unproductive lands within its district. No. 31, The Urewera District ••Native Reserve Amendment Act, 1910: This Act provides a right of appeal from the orders of Commissioners under the Acts relating to the Urewera District Native Reserve, in the same manner as if those orders were orders of the Native Land Court. No. 32. The Poukawa Native Reserve Amendment Act, 1910 : Authorizes the Public Trustee to expend moneys not exceeding one-third of the present capital value of the Poukawo Native Reserve for the purpose of draining the lake and swamps at present covering about 1,300 acres of the said reserve. The moneys so expended by the Public Trustee are to constitute a charge upon the lands so drained, and the Public Trustee may, with the consent of the beneficial owners, sell a sufficient part of those lands to satisfy the charges thereon. The Public Trustee is also authorized to lease any part of the said reserve wh.'ch is not required for occupation by the Native owners, for a period not exceeding thirty years. No. 33. The Eaitieke County Act, 1910 : This Act constitutes the Kaitieke County, and alters the boundaries of the Waimarino and West Taupo Counties accordingly. No. 34. The Wellington City Milk-supply Act, 1910 : This Act authorizes the Wellington City Council to establish a milk-testing station, and otherwise to provide for the control of the sale and distribution of milk, and of milk-products, within the City of Wellington. With certain specified exceptions, no milk is to be sold within the boundaries of the said city until it has been tested at the milk-station, if and so long as such milk-station is available for that purpose. No. 35. The Wellington Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1910 : This Act authorizes the ' Wellington Harbour Board to postpone the construction of a graving dock, and discharges the Board from its obligation to hold certain lands vested in it for the purposes of such dock, and permits those lands to be used generally for harbour purposes. No. 36. The Greymouth Harbour Board Loans Consolidation Amendment Act, 1910 : Amends the provisions of the Greymouth Harbour Board Loans Consolidation Act, 1910. No. 37. The Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Act, 1910: The object of this Act is to remedy and prevent the silting and overflow of parts of the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers, and to improve those rivers for the purposes of navigation. For that purpose the Minister of Public Works is authorized to construct and maintain protective works, and may take under the Public Works Act, 1908, any land required for those works. Sections 13 and 14 provide for the assessment of compensation in respect of loss suffered by reason of the flooding of the said rivers, and for the payment by the Minister of such compensation. For the puipose of carrying out the works authorized by this Act the Minister of Finance is authorized to raise a loan not exceeding £150,000, to be paid by him into a separate account, to be known as the " Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Account," and all expenses connected with this Act are to be paid out of that account. On the completion of the works authorized as aforesaid to be constructed, the Waihou and Ohinemuri River Board is to be constituted, and that Board shall thereupon have all the powers conferred upon the Minister by this Act. Contributions towards the expenses of the said Board are to be made from the Consolidated Fund and from mining companies carrying on operations in the district.

No. 55. New Zealand, No. 157. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 15th December, 1910. In reply to Lord Crewe's despatch, No. 187, of the 31st August, on the subject of anthrax, I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a memo-

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randum from my Prime Minister regarding the occurrence of anthrax in this Dominion, and the steps taken for its control. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 13th December, 1910. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to acknowledge receipt of Government House Record 10/610, covering a request from the Secretary of State for the Colonies for information regarding the prevalence of anthrax in this Dominion, and the steps taken for its control. The following information is supplied in response to this request : — The ( nly cases of anthrax occurring in past years were clearly traceable to imported bonedust. Regulations were made for better controlling the importation of this material in a properly sterilized form, and for about four years past no outbreaks of anthrax have occurred. In terms of these regulations, which were made in 1905, under the Stock Act, the introduction into New Zealand from any country or place other than India or the Commonwealth of Australia of any animal manure is? absolutely prohibited. Animal manure from India or the Commonwealth of Australia is allowed to land, provided it is accompanied by a certificate to the effect that the manure lias been sterilized in accordance with the requirements of the regulations to the temperature in the case of bones of at least 281 degrees Fahrenheit for not less than three hours; in the case of crushed bones, to a temperature of at least 267 degrees Fahrenheit for not less than two hours; and in the case of all other animal manure to a temperature of at least 267 degrees Fahrenheit for- not less than two hours; and also provided in each case all the other conditions governing its introduction have been complied with. The Government has Inspectors stationed in Calcutta and in Sydney to see that these regulations are complied with, and these officers have extensive powers under the regulations to enforce them, and refuse certificates to any consignment not conforming to the conditions set out in the regulations. A copy of the regulations referred to is enclosed herewith, and will more fully show the position regarding the introduction of animal manures from the countries named, which were, previous to the passing of the regulations, the largest exporters of this class of manure to New Zealand. Ample power's are given under the Stock Act to deal with an outbreak of anthrax should one occur-. Every owner , of stock is required to give notice of any unexplainable mortality amongst his stock, and the cause is immediately investigated by Government veterinarians. In addition, the whole Dominion is divided into districts, with an Inspector of Stock in charge of each. The Inspectors are continually travelling through their districts, and are in a position to hear at once of any mortality amongst stock. There are also a number of qualified veterinarians who are occupied in investigating diseases and giving advice regarding the health of stock generally. There are also ample powers for quarantining infected ground and for absolutely destroying infected stock. As showing the efficacy of the means provided for controlling an outbreak of disease, it may be mentioned that when the last outbreak of anthrax occurred over four years ago the Government officers were able to confine it to the farm on v>hich it appeared. Government House Record is attached. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister.

A.-2, leu. No. i2o.

No. 56. New Zealand, No. 159. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 22nd December, 1910. I have the honour to forward herewith a copy of a resolution passed ky thg General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand with reference to the death of His late Majesty King Edward VII and the accession of His Maiesty King George V. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

191] No. H9. '

No. 57. New Zealand, No. 1 Sir, Government House, Wellington, 6th January, 1911. With reference to Lord Crewe's despatch, No. 74, of the Bth April, 1910, and previous correspondence, regarding the importation of meat into

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Sweden, I have the honour to transmit herewith cop}' of a memorandum from the Hon. the Minister of Agriculture and of Industries and Commerce, from which it appears that there is not at present a suitable opening for New Zealand meat in that country. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 58. • New Zealand, No. 4. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 11th January, 1911. Adverting to my despatch, N0.»154, of the Bth December, regarding the acceptance of local examinations for army purposes by the War Office, I have now the honour to transmit herewith copy of a memorandum from my Prime Minister, dated the 6th January, and the enclosures referred to therein. 1 have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, PC, &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies. Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 6th January, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to forward, for transmission to the War Office, copies of syllabuses of examinations recommended for acceptance as equivalents for qualifying examination in literary subjects for commissions in the Regular Forces, asked for by Government House despatch No. 698/1910. The following are the particulars of syllabuses referred to above : — (1.) A marked copy of the New Zealand University calendar containing full details of the intermediate and other University examinations referred to; and (2.) Copies of the Department's regulations setting out the programmes of examinations for the Teachers' Certificate and Civil Service Senior Examinations recommended to rank with others mentioned in the memorandum. Regarding the question asked in the concluding paragraph of War Office letter (Candidates/4796 (M.T. 3 a) ), forwarded under cover of above-mentioned despatch, the Prime Minister begs to state for His Excellency's, information as follows : — All the intermediate and sectional examinations of the University recommended for acceptance without restriction in the memorandum under the heading of " 11. Other University Examinations," are post matriculation examinations, which candidates cannot pass without having first matriculated. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister.

No. 59. New Zealand, No. 5. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 11th January, 1911. In reply to your despatch, No. 269, of the 18th November, 1910, regarding the deportation of undesirable aliens from the self-governing dominions, I have the honour to inform you that my Prime Minister will be prepared to discuss this question at the forthcoming Imperial Conference. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies. 5—A. 1.

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a.-a, i9ii, No. 147.

■■~■■ ■ No. 60. New Zealand, No. 11. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 20th January, 1911. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Lord Crewe's despatch, No. 249, of the 28th October, 1910, transmitting copies of the report of the Committee on distressed Colonial and Indian subjects, and to inform you, in reply, that arrangements have already been made by my Government for the High Commissioner in London to send back to New Zealand such distressed NewZealanders who have not the means of getting back or cannot obtain employment in Great Britain, when the circumstances justify such steps being taken. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies. * No. 61. New Zealand, No. 12. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 20th January, 1911. In°reply to Lord Crewe's despatch, No. 256, of the 31st October, 1910, on the subject of the resurvey of Rangitoto Channel, Auckland, I have the honour to inform you that a copy of tjie despatch was sent to the Auckland Harbour Board, which is making the necessary arrangements in the direction of supplying any further labour and stores required by the surveying officers for the erection of marks, &c. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies. No. 62. New Zealand, No. 14. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd February, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a memorandum, dated the 24th January, 1911, concerning the rumours which are current with reference to the proposal to transfer the headquarters of the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific from Suva to Sydney. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C, &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 24th January, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments, and, regarding the rumours which are current to the effect that it is proposed to transfer the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific to Sydney and for the future that city should be his headquarters instead of Suva, begs to state that he will be glad if His Excellency will represent to the British Government that if any such proposal is contemplated it will give rise to a very strong feeling of indignation throughout the Dominion of New Zealand. Sir Joseph Ward can hardly assume that such a step is in any way under consideration, but the statement is persistently made, and he takes this opportunity of recording his opinion on behalf of New Zealand. Moreover, if such a thing is under consideration, the Prime Minister would, in any case, ask that action should be deferred until an opportunity is afforded of his discussing it with the Imperial Government, J. G. Ward.

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No. 63. hew Zealand, No. 20. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th February, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a memorandum received from my Prime Minister, together with copy oi a letter and newspaper cuttings sent to him by the Rev. J . Jti. Mackenzie, Moderator of the General Assemoly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, relative to the complaints of abuse existing under the condominium m the New Hebrides Islands. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 64. New Zealand, No. 21. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th February, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 272, of the 25th November, 1910, I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a memorandum received from my Prime Minister, submitting observations respecting the report of the Interdepartmental Committee upon the draft of a .Bill to consolidate and amend the enactments relating to naturalization, British nationality, and the status of aliens. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c., ' Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 15th February, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to submit the following observations respecting the report of the Inter-departmental Committee upon the draft of a Bill to consolidate and amend the enactments relating to naturalization, British nationality, and the status of aliens, which report and draft Bill was forwarded with the despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, No. 188, of the 9th November, 1908, returned herewith. With regard to the provisions of clause 26 of the said draft Bill, it is deemed advisable that some provision should be made whereby naturalization throughout the whole Empire should be obtainable in the British possessions (dominions and colonies), but it is considered doubtful whether the provisions contained in that clause are the best that could be devised for the purpose. They are open to the objection that they render necessary the permanent continuance of a double system of naturalization, Imperial and colonial. An applicant in the British possessions for Imperial naturalization would first of all have to obtain colonial naturalization, and then to make a separate application for Imperial naturalization, which when obtained would completely supersede the colonial naturalization on which it was based. This seems to be a needless and inadvisable complication. It is therefore suggested for consideration as an alternative plan that the naturalization provisions of the Imperial Bill should apply to the whole Empire, subject to the following powers expressly conferred upon the various colonial Legislatures : — (1.) Power to provide the necessary machinery and procedure for bringing those provisions into operation in the colony — e.g., determining the colonial officials by whom the powers of the Secretary of State are to be there exercised, establishing the necessary penal provisions, appointing fees, authorizing regulations by the Governor in Council, &c. (2.) Power to impose further restrictions, limitations, and conditions on applications in the colony for Imperial naturalization. (3.) Power, as at present, to provide for colonial naturalization, granted on easier terms than Imperial naturalization, but without extra-territorial operation. It is further suggested that all the provisions of the Imperial Bill which are intended to be of universal application throughout the Empire should be collected in a separate part of the Bill, and that this part should be expressly declared to be so applicable. J. G. Waed, Prime Minister.

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No. 65. New Zealand, No. 25. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd March, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a memorandum received from my Prime Minister, stating that the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand desires that the name of the Rev. Alexander White, M.A., 8.D., may be submitted to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for appointment as honorary chaplain to the Presbyterian sailors in His Majesty's ships while visiting Port Chalmers. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 66. New Zealand, No. 30. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 9th March, 1911. I have the honour to refer to your despatch, No. 299, of the 23rd December, 1910, acquainting me of the appointment of Sir Francis Henry May, K.C.M.G., to be Governor and Commander-in-Chief for the Colony of Fiji and High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, in succession to Sir Everard im Thurn, K.C.M.G., C.B. 2. It will afford my Government and myself much pleasure to render any co-operation and assistance which Sir Henry May at any time may require. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 67. New Zealand, No. 32. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 10th March, 1911. 1 have the honour to refer to my telegram of the 27th February, with regard to the introduction of an Amendment Bill to the Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1909. 2. My Ministers state that it was decided to agree to amend section 41 of the Act referred to in the direction of restricting its operation to bills of lading, &c, on goods carried from New 7 Zealand only. 3. His Majesty's assent to the Act is now anxiously awaited by my Government. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State'for the Colonies.

No. 68. New Zealand, No. 33. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 10th March, 1911. With reference to your despatches, No. 138, of the 4th July, 1910, and No. 16, of the 19th January, 1911, regarding the inquiry of Danish Ministers respecting agricultural instruction in New Zealand, I have the honour

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to forward herewith copy of a memorandum, dated the 6th March, received from my Prime Minister giving the information required. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Eight Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 69. New Zealand, No. 35. Sik, — Government House, Wellington, 17th March, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a memorandum, dated the 9th March, 1911, received from my Prime Minister, through the Hon. Geo. Fowlds, asking me to approve that certain New Zealand regiments be allied to King Edward's Horse. 2. I shall be glad if you will inform me whether there is any objection to my acceding to the request. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 9th March, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. King Edward's Horse. — New Zealand Begiments allied to. The Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and respectfully requests that His Excellency be pleased to approve that the undermentioned regiments in the various military districts be allied to King Edward's Horse (lately known as the " King's Colonials "). This custom appertains in all other oversea dominions and colonies : — Present Designation of Regiment. New Designation. Ist Regiment North Canterbury Mounted Ist Regiment New Zealand Mounted Ritles. Rifles Ist Regiment. Wellington Mounted Rifles... 2nd Regiment New Zealand Mounted Rifles. Ist Regiment Otago Mounted Rifles ... sth Regiment New Zealand Mounted Rifles. Ist Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifles ... Bth Regiment New Zealand Mounted Rifles. Geo. Fowlds, For Prime Minister.

No. 70. New Zealand, No. 37. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th March, 1911. With reference to your circular despatch of the 21st September, 1910, on the subject of the new public seals, I have the honour to inform you, in accordance with your request, that no change is desired by my Government in the design of the seal beyond that rendered necessary by the accession of His Majesty. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies. No. 71. New Zealand, No. 38. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th March, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 288, of the 14th December last, covering a letter from the Board of Trade on the subject of certain alterations

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in the forms of certificates of registry and of tonnage-measurement in respect of British ships, I have the honour to inform you that my Government have duly noted the alterations referred to. 2. The necessary supply of forms for use in New Zealand will be ordered from England I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Eight Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 72. New Zealand, No. 41. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 31st March, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 276, of the 25th November, 1910, regarding the proposed arrangement to enable Turkish consular officers in His Majesty's dominions to take over and administer the estates of Ottoman subjects dying therein, I have the honour to state, in reply to the third paragraph of your despatch, that my Government have no objection to the issue of the Order in Council dealing with the subject, draft of which was enclosed with your despatch. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. TS. ■ ' ,' New Zealand, No. 45. : . . : Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 31st March, 1911. With reference to Lord Crewe's despatch (Miscellaneous) of the 15th June, 1909, and to your despatch (Miscellaneous) of the 21st January, 1911, regarding the proposed armorial bearings for New Zealand, I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a memorandum received from my Ministers suggesting certain alterations in the coloured sketch submitted by Garter King of Arms, and enclosing designs which it is hoped will be a gtiide when these alterations, if approved, are made. I beg to return herewith Garter King of Arms's sketch, as requested. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memorandum for Garter King of Arms. The coloured sketch of arms, crest, and supporters for the Dominion of New Zealand, forwarded with letter of the Bth June, 1909, as an enclosure in despatch of Secretary of State (Miscellaneous) of the 15th June, 1909, is returned herewith as requested. The design has been modified, and the enclosed sketch marked " A " has been approved subject to the following alterations : The head of the Maori warrior and the head of the female figure representing Zealandia to be as in sketch by Garter King of Arms. The figure of the sheep should be altered to resemble as far as possible the enclosed woodcut from the Pastoralists Review of the 15th November, 1910, of a specimen of the Romney breed. The weapon in the hand of the Maori warrior is a taiaha, used for both striking and thrusting. Photographs of the heads of taiaha are enclosed, two with the proper ornamentation of plumes of dog-hair and one without. The head of the taiaha in the sketch A should be reduced to the size indicated in pencil sketch. It is requested that after the sketch marked "A" has been modified as suggested a sketch fully tricked may be returned to the New Zealand Government for final consideration and approval. It is also requested that a technical description of the design may be supplied which could be used, if required, for publication.

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Designs for New Zealand Coat of Asms. Enclosures (four) with memorandum for Garter King of Arms. (1.) Sketch of coat of arms furnished by Garter King of Arms and returned'as requested. (2.) Sketch of coat of arms modified and approved provisionally. (3.) Woodcut of sheep (extract) from Pastoralisls Review of the loth November, 1910. (4.) Photograph of heads of taiaha.

No. 74. New Zealand, No. 48. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 12th April, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a memorandum received from my Acting Prime Minister, relating to the reported prevalence of contagious diseases amongst horses in the United States of America, together with printed copies of the quarantine regulations, which my Government have now decided to strictly enforce, regarding the introduction of foreign live-stock into the Dominion of New Zealand. 2. It is desired by my Ministers that the United States Government be notified of the enforcement of the regulations. I have, &c. ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 3rd April, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. This Acting Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to inform him that the New Zealand Government has been advised that several contagious diseases affecting horses, such as maladie dv coit, epizootic lymphangitis, and infectious anaemia, are prevalent in the United States, and that it has therefore been decided to strictly enforce the quarantine regulations relating to the introduction of foreign live-stock into the Dominion. These regulations provide, inter alia, that horses will be subjected on arrival to a quarantine of fourteen days' duration. During the past few years a concession lias been made, in that horses from the United States have been admitted without quarantine provided that they passed the mallein test, but in view of the presence of the above-mentioned diseases This concession will in future be withdrawn and the regulations strictly enforced. Two copies of the regulations are attached. It is respectfully requested that a notification of the above be made to the United States Government through the usual channel. J. Carroll, Acting Prime Minister.

No. 75. New Zealand, No. 49. Site, — Government House, Auckland, 12th April, 1911. At the request of my Acting Prime Minister, I have the honour to transmit herewith letters, dated the 20th March, 1911, signed by the Honorary Secretary of the New Zealand Association for the Severance of the Connection of the British Empire with the Opium Traffic. The letters are addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State for India, the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Ireland, the Right Hen. A. J. Balfour, Leader of the Opposition; and a copy of the resolution passed by the association is appended to each. It is desired that the letters referred to may be forwarded to the persons to whom they are addressed. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 3rd April, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to forward herewith letters addressed to the undermentioned persons by the President and Honorary Secretary of the New Zealand Association for the Severance of the Connection of the British Empire with the Opium Traffic, the said letters being dated the 20th March, 1911 : The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State for India, the Prime Minister of Great. Britain and Ireland, Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, Leader of the Opposition. These letters have been received from the Honorary Secretary of the above-named association with a request that they may be forwarded to their respective addresses. J. Carroll, Acting Prime Minister.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation not given; printing (1,500 copies), .£25.

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By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer. Wellington.—1911.