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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1916 Session I, A-01

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1916. 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 If is Excellency.

INDEX.

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J.tJ -i-\J. NEW ZEALAND. DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES. Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. INDEX. No. (if Date. Subject. Page. Setios., ■ ) 1915. 1 April 1 Chartering o£ prize ships .. . . .. . . . . .. . . ■> 2 ,, 24 Arbitration treaty between Great Britain and Netherlands . . . . .. .. 2 3 ,, 24 Shipping Companies' Freights and Charges Committee . . .. .. . . .. 2 4 May 14 Copyright .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. .. 3 5 ,, 14 Patents, trade-marks, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 3 6 June 8 Contributions, various war funds, by people of Dominion .. . . . . .. 4 7 ,. S Regulations Immigration Restriction Acts .. .. . . . . . . .. 5 8 ,, 11 Reciprocal legislation for the_ Dominion .. .. .. .. .. -, 9 ,, 11 Passports.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..6 10 ,, 23 Mr. Robert Gall to be Hon. Now Zealand Representative in India . . . . . . 6 ,, 11 ,, 2(i Governor's Speech .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. (i 12 July 7 Address in Reply . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . 6 13 Aug. 6 Acts recently passed by the Parliament of New Zealand. . .. .. .. . . li 14 ,, 14 Board of Agriculture and Fisheries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 15 ,. 14 Hon. R. H. Rhodes to retain title of " Honourable" .. .. .. .. .. 1 16 ,, 18 Contributions by Government and people of New Zealand to war funds, June .. .. 7 17 i ,, 18 Export of meat to United States from New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. S 18 i ,, 18 Copies of Aots of New Zealand Parliament .. .. .. .. .. ..9 19 j ,, 18 Civil List Amendment Act, 1915 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. !) 20 I ,, 18 Sale National Health Insurance stamps .. .. .. ., .. .. (I 21 21 International Congress of Education at Oakland, California .. .. .. ..10 22 ,, 30 Facilities afforded to prisoners of war for execution of legal documents .. .. ..10 23 ,, 31 Lascar agreements .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..10 24 ,, 31 Peace Commission treaty with United States of America .. .. .. ..11 25 Sept. 2 Resolutions passed by House of Representatives and Legislative Council, anniversary deolara- 11 tion of war 26 ,, 2 Reimbursement for telegrams stopped by Censor .. .. .. .. ..II 27 ,, 3 Discharged Soldiers'Information Department .. .. .. .. .. ..12 28 ,. 6 Constitution of National Ministry .. .. .. .. .. .. ..14 2(1 ,. 14 Acts passed by New Zealand Parliament .. .. .. .. .. ..15 30 .. 16 New Zealand contributions to various war funds .. .. .. .. ..15 31 ,, 27 Proposed amendment foreign marriages i Order in CounoU .. .. .. .. 16 32 Oct. 1 New Zealand Loans Amendment Act, 1915 .. .. .. .. .. ..17 33 ,, 8 Decoration presented Senior Engineer Alfred 1). Varian, R.N.R. .. .. .. ..17 34 „ 12 Land for New Zealand wounded soldiers .. .. .. .. .. ..17 35 ,, 16 Marriage of British Subjects (Facilities) Act, 1915 .. .. .. .. ..17 36 ,, 18 Detection of offences under English Merchandise Marks Act, .. .. .. ..18 37 ,, 20 Provision for return passages, discharged soldiers .. .. .. .. ..18 38 ,, 21 Now Zealand contributions to war funds .. .. .. .. .. ..18 39 j ,, 27 Parcels for His Majesty's ships and troops .. .. .. .. .. ..19 40 ' Nov. 2 Synopsis of Aots passed during First Session Nineteenth New Zealand Parliament .. ..20 41 I ,, 3 " Honours" conferred, 1st November, 1915 .. .. .. .. .. ..26 -12 ; ,, 19 New Zealand contributions to war funds .. .. .. .. .. ..27 43 Dee. 22 Examination of masters and mates .. .. .. .. .. .. ..28 44 ., 24 Nobel Peace Prizo, 1916 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..28 1-A. 1.

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No. 1. New Zealand, No. 65. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Ist April, 1915. With reference to your despatch, No. 12, of the Bth January, in which you express a desire, on behalf of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that no sale or chartering of prize ships of over 1,000 tons should take place in New Zealand without prior reference to His Majesty's Government, I have the honour to inform you that my Ministers have taken note of the request, and that they will act in accordance therewith. I have &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of Stat for the Colonies.

No. 2. New Zealand, No. 73. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 24th April, 1915. In reply to your despatch, No. 51, of the sth February, I have the honour to inform yon that the Government of New Zealand concur in the proposal of His Majesty's Government to renew the existing arbitration treaty between Great Britain and the Netherlands. 1 have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 3. New Zealand, No. 75. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 24th April, 1915. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the sth February, No. 45, inquiring on behalf of the Board of Trade whether any action has been or is likely to be taken on the report of the Shipping Com- '•*" panics' Freights and Charges Committee, which was laid before the New Zealand Parliament in October, 1914. 2. The Prime Minister, to whom I referred your despatch, lias sent me the following information on the subject : — (a.) Increase of Freights. —No action has been taken on this subject up to the present, the Government being of the same opinion as the Committee— namely, that the increased charge is to some extent justified, but that the increment should be withdrawn as soon as the conditions again become normal. (b.) Hemp Industry. —Fortunately the prices obtained for- New Zealand hemp have advanced so largely during the last few months that they are now considerably higher than before the war. There is consequently no pressing necessity for governmental action in the direction of assisting this industry. The New Zealand Trade Representative in Canada was, however, asked some time ago to look carefully into the question of wdiether the issue of a circular to possible users of New Zealand hemp in Canada would be likely to produce good results, and a reply on this point is expected at any time. (r.) Ships for Export Trade. —The Government has conducted extensive negotiations with the Imperial Government, and also with the Governments of Australia and Canada, with a view to obtaining as many ships as possible— especially those with refrigerated cargo-space—for carrying the export trade from this Dominion. Arrangements were made for the discharge of certain steamers in E«;ypt in order that they might return thence direct to New Zenland. This Government has also borne part of the cost of bringing sonic steamers to this Dominion in ballast instead of waiting for return freight.

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The Imperial Government was asked to detain New Zealand ships for as short a period as possible, and to in every way facilitate their return to this Dominion. The Australian Government was requested to abstain from requisitioning ships that would otherwise be available for New Zealand traffic; and in many other directions efforts have been put forth to enable our export trade to be carried on with the least possible interruption. The result of these endeavours has been that, although there is at the present time a considerable shortage of steamers, there has never at any time been a really serious interruption to the trade, and it is expected that within two or three months normal conditions in respect of freight space will have been resumed. (d.) Export of Cheese. —The action indicated in the previous paragraph has applied to some extent to the cheese industry, with the result that at no time has there been a serious interruption of the export of this commodity. (c.) The question of establishing a permanent Board of Inquiry regarding the industries and commerce of New Zealand will, it is expected, be submitted to Parliament during the coming session. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c., Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 4. New Zealand, No. 86. Sir, — • Government House, Wellington, 14th May, 1915. With reference to your despatches, Nos. 46, of the 4th February, and 72, of the 18th February, on the subject of copyright, I have the honour to state that the Prime Minister desires that you should be informed that, as on the issue of the further Proclamation by the President of the United States of America British subjects in this country appear to be entitled to the full benefits of the United States' Copyright Acts, it is proposed to make a similar Order in Council (in the form enclosed) to the Imperial Order in this matter, providing protection within New Zealand for the unpublished works of citizens of the United States of America. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, PC, &c., Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 5. New Zealand, No. 89. Sir,- — Government House, Wellington, 14th May, 1915. With reference to your despatch, No. 300, of the 25th August, 19.11, on the subject of the uniformity of the law throughout the Empire with regard to patents, trade-marks, &c, I have the honour to inform you, at the request of my Prime Minister, that the New Zealand Government are giving consideration to the question of the provision of means for securing protection for new varieties of plants and similar productions. 2. The Prime Minister states that it will be readily understood that the improvement or development of plants, &c, is of great importance to this Dominion, and that the Government are anxious to do everything they can to promote efforts being made in that direction. 3. The matter does not appear to my Government to come within the present scope of the patent law, as the crossing of plants and similar operations hardly amount to invention according to the recognized meaning of that word. It does not seem to be advisable to alter or modify in any way the interpretation of the word by legislation, but possibly some extension of the law is feasible, such, for instance, as in the direction of the provision for the grant of what

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are known in some countries as " petty patents" for matter which, while involving skill and ingenuity leading to a useful result, hardly come within the definition of " invention." 4. The Prime Minister would be glad to lean whether any question of the kind referred to has been considered by His Majesty's Government, and would appreciate an expression of your views on the subject. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 6. New Zealand, No. 99. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Bth June, 1915. With reference to my telegram of the 4th May and to previous telegraphic correspondence relative to contributions made by the people of this Dominion to the various war funds, I have the honour to inform you that the undermentioned amounts have been contributed in New Zealand during the month of May, and have been remitted by cablegram through the High Commissioner for New Zealand : — To His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales's £ s. d. Fund ... ... ... ... 697 8 8 New Zealand's monthly contribution for the relief of the poor in Belgium ... ... .15,000 0 0 To the National Committee for Relief in Belgium ... ... ... ... 4,226 4 4 To St. John Ambulance Brigade, London— For immediate use in assisting wounded New-Zeal anders ... ... 500 0 0 For providing tobacco and cigarettes for the New-Zealanders in the various hospitals ... ... ... 100 0 0 To fund for relief of wounded New-Zealanders at Malta ... ... ... ... 450 0 0 '* To fund for comforts of wounded NewZealanders in England ... ... 250 0 0 To fund for comfort of New Zealand wounded in Egypt, Malta, or elsewhere ... 25 0 0 For Miss Maunders Hospital at Rouen ... 57 18 6 To the respective Ministers of Montenegro and Serbia in such proportion as the relative necessity of each nation demands 500 0 0 To the Minister of Serbia ... ... 100 0 0 To the Belgian Legation Belgian Refugee Food Fund ... ... 500 0 0 For British relief purposes ... ... 35 18 7 For relief of Belgians in England ... 150 0 0 The following contributions, made in February and March, of which notification has not previously been sent to you, will be remitted to the High Commissioner within the next week, namely— To Belgian Relief Fund ... ... 3,373 0 8 To British Relief Fund ... ... 727 1 11 £26,692 12 8

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2. These amounts represent cash contributions only, and do not include tne values of gifts in kind. 1 liave, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonai Law, P.C., &C, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 7. New Zealand, No. 100. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Bth June, 1915. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your predecessor's despatch, No. 168, of the 7th April, on the subject of the regulations made on the 27th January, 1914, under the Immigration Restriction Acts. 2. In reply to the inquiry contained in the despatch referred to, 1 beg to state that my Ministers inform me as follows : — The regulations under the Immigration Restriction Act, dated 23rd March, 191.1, were repealed on the 27th January, 1914, for the following reasons :— (1.) It was found that claims were being made to have children of primary-school age admitted as students, with the object of having them educated at the expense of the State for the purpose of finally passing the education test and remaining permanently in New Zealand. (2.) The concession granted by the regulations of the 23rd March, 1911, was not taken advantage of by any genuine students accredited by the Chinese Government, or by any Chinese who wished to enter New Zealand for the purpose of studying political or social conditions. Persons duly accredited by the Chinese Government who are genuine students and who wish, to visit New Zealand for the purpose of studying social, political, or other questions will still be admitted under the powers conferred by section 13 of the Immigration Restriction Act, 1908, as amended by section 3 of the amending Act of 1910. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 8. New Zealand, No. 106. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 11th June, 1915. With reference to your predecessor's despatch, No. 574, of the I.7th December last, with regard to the adoption in the constituent parts of the Empire of reciprocal legal provisions in the interests of deserted wives and children, my Ministers desire me to inform you that the Government of New Zealand concur in the principle of the Bill, a copy of which accompanied the despatch under reply, and that they will be prepared to introduce reciprocal legislation in this Dominion. T have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 9. New Zealand, No. 108. Sir, Government House, Wellington, 11th June, 1915. With reference to the request made in the concluding paragraph of your predecessor's despatch, No. 123, of the 12th March, on the subject of the system and form of passports, T have the honour to inform you, at the request

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of my Prime Minister, that the Government of New Zealand will adopt the form of passport issued by the Foreign Office, a specimen of which accompanied the despatch under reference. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P. 0., &c, . Governoi Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 10. New Zealand, No. 114. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 23rd June, 1915. At the instance of my Prime Minister, I have the honour to inform you that Mr. Robert Gall, of the firm of Messrs. Landale and Clark (Limited), Calcutta, has consented to act as Honorary New Zealand Representative in India, and that he has been appointed accordingly. 2. The Prime Minister would be obliged if a notification of this appointment could be conveyed to the Government of India. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 11. New Zealand, No. 121. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 26th June, 1915. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copies of the New Zealand Gazette containing a copy of the Speech with which, on the 25th June, 1.91.5, I opened the First Session of the Nineteenth Parliament of New Zealand. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 12. •a New Zealand, No. 122. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 7th July, 1915. With reference to my despatch, No. 121, of the 26th June, forwarding copies of the Governor's Speech at the opening of Parliament, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copies of the Address in Reply from the House of Representatives and the Legislative Council respectively. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 13. New Zealand, No. 149. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 6th August, 1915. I have the honour to transmit to you four copies of each of the following Acts recently passed by the Parliament of New Zealand :— War Regulations Amendment Act, 1915. Suspension of Disqualification during War Act, 1915. Regulation of Trade and Commerce Amendment Act, 1915. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 14. New Zealand, No. 150. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 14th August, 1915. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your predecessor's despatch, No. 199, of the 20th April, forwarding a copy of a letter from the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries relative to the restrictions imposed by the various Governments of the Empire, and by the Government of New Zealand in particular, in connection with the importation of live-stock from the United Kingdom. 2. My Ministers desire me to state that the points raised in the Board's letter have received their careful attention. 3. The Government of New Zealand recognize the desirability of some common line of action, but they do not at present feel justified in concurring entirely in the course proposed by the Board, though they fully appreciate the completeness and effectiveness of the steps taken in Great Britain to stamp out the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease. The freedom of New Zealand from most of the serious infections and contagious diseases affecting live-stock provides, in the opinion of my Ministers, a very strong incentive for ensuring its maintenance. 4. The proposal put forward by the Board, that the subject might with advantage be discussed at the next Imperial Conference, is considered a good one, and the Government of New Zealand accordingly concur in the suggestion. 5. The criticism offend by the Board as to the severity of New Zealand's present restrictions has been noted, and consideration is being given to the question of immediately modifying them in certain directions". The decision of the Government, when arrived at, will be notified by the High Commissioner for New Zealand to shippers of live-stock and other interested persons in the United Kingdom. T have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1915 No. 10.

No. 15. New Zealand, No. 151. '-Sir,- Government House, Wellington, 14th August, 1915. With reference to the Marquis of Ripon's despatch, " General," of the 2nd August, 1894, relative to the conditions under Which members of the Lxecutive Councils of His Majesty's Dominions may be permitted to retain the title " Honourable," 1 have the honour to recommend, at the instance of my Prime Minister, that the name of Mr. Robert Hen ton Rhodes may be submitted to His Majesty the King for the retention of the above-mentioned title. 2. On the formation of the National Government on the 6th August last Mr. Rhodes resigned the portfolios with which he was entrusted in July, 1912, and he has consequently ceased to be a member of the Executive Council of this Dominion. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 16. New Zealand, No. 154. SIR,— Government House, Wellington, 18th August, 1915 With reference to my despatch, No. 99,' dated the Bth June, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying statement of contributions by the Government and people of New Zealand to various war funds during June of this year, the total amount having been cabled to the High sioner for tin's Dominion in London in July for distribution.

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2. The amounts shown on the statement do not include many other cash contributions which have been distributed other than through the High Commissioner, nor do they include the value of gifts in kind. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.G., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. List of Nf.w Zealand Contmbi tions to War Funds fob June, 1015. To the National Committee for Relief in Belgium— i; a . d. Monthly contribution from Mew Zealand Government ... ... 15,000 0 0 From Otago ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 4,000 0 0 From Wairarapa ... ... ... ... ... . .. ... 400 0 (\ From Westland Belgian .Relief Committee ... ... ... ... 5,000 (I 0 From Christchurch Branch, Poor of Great Britain, Ireland, and Belgian Relief Fund ... ... ... ... ... 5,000 0 0 To the Minister of Serbia and Montenegro jointly : From Wairarapa Committee... 500 0 0 To the Minister of Serbia : From various contributors throughout the Dominion... 407 II '~ To the Minister of Montenegro : From various contributors throughout the Dominion ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 8 0 For comforts for New Zealand wounded soldiers— From Wairarapa Committee ... ... ... ... ... 65 0 0 From Otago Daily Time* ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,478 12 6 From various contributors throughout the Dominion ... ... ... 192 17 0 For comforts for New Zealand wounded soldiers at the Dardanelles ; From Kin Toa Hockey Club, Dannerirke ... ... ... ... ... 120 loo For comforts for New Zealand wounded soldiers in Egypt : From A. W. FullertonSmith, Marton ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 0 For comforts for New Zealand wounded soldiers in Egypt and Malta : From Lawrence Patriotic Committee ... ... ... ... ... 14 10 6 For cigarettes and tobacco for New Zealand wounded : From Wanganui Citizens' Committee ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 00 0 0 For relief of our Allies, at discretion of High Commissioner : From Southland Farmers' Union ... ... ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 To Widows and. Orphans in England Fund : From Te Kuiti Patriotic League ... 21 8 0 For relief of Belgians in England : From Keening Star, Dunedin ... ... 147 0 0 For Belgian orphaned ohildren in England : From Evening Star, Dunedin ... •'! 0 0 For British and Belgian relief. From various contributors throughout the Dominion ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .'!2 17 0 For the Prince of Wales's Fund— From Patea Patriotic League ... ... ... ... ... (,4,'i' (i .'i From various contributors throughout the Dominion ... ... ... 205 I o For British Wounded Fund : From Wanganui British Food Fund ... ... 6 10 0 For British Food Fund : From Wanganui British Food Fund ... ... 103 2 8 For Polish Relief Fund: From Lawrence Patriotic Committee ... ... 2 (i (i For British Trawlers Relief Fund: From Wanganui British Food Fund ... 3 0 0 For Queen Mary's Fund: From Wanganui British Food Fund ... ... 2 2 (i For payment to Headquarters, Red Cross Society. London — From Fairlie-Mackenzie County ... ... ... ... ... 220 o o From Ashburton Borough Council ... ... ... ... ... 25 o o For payment to British Red Cross Fund for Wounded Soldiers and Sailors : From Tariki Horticultural Society ... ... ... ... ... 7:! 12 1(1 For King Albert's Orphan Fund : From Auckland Belgian Relief Association ... 5,000 0 0 Total ... ... ... £40.:i12 17 0

No. 17. New Zealand, No. 155. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 18th August, 1915. With reference to previous correspondence on the subject of the importation into the United States of America of meat and meat products from this Dominion, I have the honour to state that T am informed by my Prime Minister

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that under the regulations relating thereto it is necessary to forward to the Department of Agriculture, Washington, the names of officers authorized to sign inspection certificates covering meat intended for export from this Dominion to the United States. The regulations referred to require, in addition, that specimens of the signatures of officers authorized to sign such certificates shall also be submitted. 2. The Prime Minister has accordingly forwarded to me the names of Messrs. W. C. Barry and 11. W. Carbury, Ms.R.C.V.S., officers of the New Zealand Department of Agriculture, and desires that you will be so good as to cause these names to be submitted to the United States Government, and that you will transmit at the same time the attached autographs and rubberstamp impressions of their signatures, in triplicate, in order that the officers mentioned may be able to sign the certificates required by the United States Department of Agriculture. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for Ihe Colonies.

No. 18. New Zealand, No. 157. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 18th August, 1915. With reference to my despatch, No. 149, of the 6th August, I have the honour to transmit to you four copies of each of the undermentioned Acts of the Parliament of New Zealand :— War Pensions Act, 1915. Trading with the Enemy Amendment Act, 1915. Knemy Contracts Act, 1915. Expiring Laws Continuance Act, 1915. Crimes Amendment Act, 1915. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law 7 , P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 19. New Zealand, No. 159. Sir,- Government House, Wellington, 18th August, 1915. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copies of the Civil List Amendment Act, 1915, recently passed by the Parliament of New Zealand. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, PC, &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 20. New 7 Zealand, No. 160. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 18th August, 1915. T have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 314, of the 16th June, transmitting a copy of a letter, dated 10th June, from the National Health Insurance Commission (England).

A.-2, 1915, No. 28.

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2. My Ministers note that the Commissioners desire that the sale of National Health Insurance stamps, for the payment of contributions to seamen who are required to be insured, should be continued in New Zealand; and the officers who are in charge of the stamps in this Dominion have been instructed accordingly. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 21. New Zealand, No. 164. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 21st August, 1915. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 340, dated 26th June, intimating that the Government of the United States of America had extended to British self-governing Dominions an invitation to send representatives to the International Congress of Education at Oakland, California, in connection with the Panama Pacific International Exposition. 2. As it is stated that the Congress is being held during the period from the 16th August to the 27th August, 1915, and as your despatch did not reach me until the 9th August, it is, of course, too late to consider the question of sending a representative from New Zealand. 3. My Ministers would, however, be much obliged if they could be furnished later with a copy of the volume of proceedings of the Congress, wTiich will no doubt be published later on. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right lion. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1915, No. 81.

No. 22. New Zealand, No. 165. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 30th August, 1915. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 320, of the 17th June, relative to facilities to he afforded to prisoners of war for the execution of legal documents. 2. My Ministers ask me to inform you that, in accordance with the suggestion made in the concluding paragraph of your despatch, instructions have now been issued by the New Zealand Government similar to those issued by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 23. New Zealand, No. 168. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 31st August, 1915. With reference to your despatch, No. 377, of the Bth July, forwarding, for the information of my Ministers, a copy of the revised draft stipulation which will in future be added to lascar agreements, I have the honour to inform you that, in compliance with your request, the necessary instructions are being issued by my Government to the Superintendents of Mercantile Marine in New Zealand in regard to the endorsement of any alterations in lascar crews in lascar articles of agreement. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1915, No. 35.

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No. 24. New Zealand, No. 170. Sir,-—' Government House, Wellington, 31st August, 1915. With reference to Mr. Harcourt's despatch, No. 158, of the 31st March last, I have the honour to inform you that my Government, submit the name of the Chief Justice of New Zealand as the representative of this Dominion, under Article 111 of the Peace Commission Treaty with the United States of America. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c., Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A..-2, 1915, No. r>.

No. 25. New Zealand, No. 173. Sir, - Government House, Wellington, 2nd September, 1915. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copies of a resolution passed by the House of Representatives and the Legislative Council respectively on the occasion of the anniversary of the declaration of war. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. New Zealand. Extract from the Journals of the Legislative Council. Wednesday, the 4th Day of August, 1915. Resolved unanimously, " That on this anniversary of the declaration of a righteous war, the Legislative Council of New Zealand in Parliament assembled records its inflexible determination to continue io a victorious end the si niggle in maintenance of those ideals of liberty and justice which are the common and sacred cause of the Allies." G, J. Johnston, Speaker of the Legislative Council. A true extract. —L, Stowb, Clerk of the Legislative Council. V New Zealand. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Wednesday, the 4th Day of August, 1915. Resolved, " That on this anniversary of the declaration of a righteous war, the House of Representatives of New Zealand in Parliament assembled records its inflexible determination to continue to a victorious end the struggle in maintenance of those ideals of liberty and justice which are the common and sacred cause of the Allies." A true extract. F. W. Lang, Speaker. House of Representatives.

No. 26. New Zealand, No. 175. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 2nd September, 1915. With reference to your despatch, No. 383, of the 14th July, forwarding a copy of a letter from the Postmaster-General with regard to the arrangements for reimbursing the unexpended balance of the charges for telegrams stopped by the Censors, I have the honour to inform you, by request of my Prime Minister, that similar procedure to that outlined in the letter referred to will be adopted by the Government of New Zealand. T have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 27. New Zealand, No. 178. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 3rd September, 1915. I have the honour to forward to you the accompanying copy of a memorandum which has been sent to me for my information by the AttorneyGeneral relative to the new Department, called the " Discharged Soldiers' Information Department," which has been created by the Government of New Zealand for the purpose of providing employment for, and safeguarding the interests of, New Zealand soldiers returning to this Dominion. I have, &c., LIVERPOOL, The Right Don. A. Bonar Law, PC-, &c,, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. MEMORANDUM UK TH! It I'ITUIINI'ID SOLDIERS INQUIRY OFFICE. Discharged Soldiers' Information Department, Head Offioe, Aitken Street, Wellington, N.Z., Ist September, 1915. To begin with, it should be distinctly understood that the new Department has nothing whatever to do with the soldier who comes back to New Zealand until he has been discharged by the Defence Department. There must lie no misapprehension about this. The Defence authorities and the Public Health Department are the custodians of the returned soldier until he gets his formal official release from the Army. At this point, when the man has ceased to be a soldier and has become a civilian, the new Department will come in, and it will then become the duty of its officers to take charge of every soldier who may require help to get employment, or who may want information which may be of assistance to him. The Departmeni will endeavour to make certain that no discharged soldier suffers through want of attention. The instructions are that no man is to be missed. Thanks to the valuable help we are receiving from some of the older officers of the Government Insurance Department, who have volunteered to devote a portion of their spare time to the requirements of the Government outside their own Department, our preliminary plans are rapidly developing. An offioe, called th<- Discharged Soldiers Enquiry Office, has been opened in Aitken Street, and Mr. Samson, of tin- Government Life Insurance Department, has been appointed to manage it. He will be assisted in the preliminary stages by a record clerk and typiste. Returned soldiers in need of advice or help should communicate with the office, and .jt persons who are able to offer employment of any kind to soldiers who have returned to New Zealand will render an immense service to the office if they will send particulars of any work available to Mr. Samson. Having established a base in Aitkin Street, we are now attempting to prepare a complete register of the men who have returned from service abroad. As the Defence authorities do not appear to have a record of all the men who have returned up to date by various boats, we will have some difficulty in preparing an accurate register of returned soldiers now in New Zealand. But the Returned Soldiers Department will take steps lo ensure that a full and accurate list of all men who return in Ihe future will be compiled. We propose to visit the returning ships and to complete our records before Ihe soldier lands. The register will contain the particulars shown on the card annexed and marked " A." In the course of lime we hope to have the following card registers m Ihe office :-- -(1.) A register of all men who left New Zealand with the Expeditionary Forces since the outbreak of war. (2.) A register of soldiers who have returned, (3.) A register of returned men who have been assisted and witii whom the Depart tiuill has linished. It will be seen that when these registers are completed the office machinery will go through Ihe following evolutions when a soldier arrives in New Zealand. His card will be Looked up in Register No. I, it will be transferred to Register No. 2. and it will remain there until employ mentis found for him or until he receives appropriate assistance. Then, our duly to Ihe man having ended, the card will be transferred to Register No. 3. lii addition to the registers mentioned above we will, of course, be in possession of a proper record of all offers of employment or assistance that are made by persons who desire to help the returned soldier. Although our duty to the man does not commence imlil his career as a soldier is ended by his discharge, the Departmeni will endeavour to keep in touch with him after his arrival, but without in any way trenching upon the provinces of the Defence Department ot the Public Health Department. We propose to hand to each soldier upon his return a printed card

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apprising him of the existence of the Returned Soldiers Department, and informing that if he wants help he should apply to Mr. Samson, and that he should keep the Department informed of his movements. It is also settled that each man shall, prior to or immediately after his discharge from the Army, be interviewed by a public officer, who will be instructed to make a report in the annexed form marked " C," and who will hand to each man the card marked " B." It will be noticed that if the soldier does not require ihe Department's assistance be will lie asked to sign a statement to that effect, and then we will know where wo stand with him. It will lie readily recognized that the Returned Soldiers Departmeni will never be able to attain to a high degree of usefulness unless it enlists help from outside. We have already made arrangements with the Registrar of-War Pensions to obtain from his offioe particulars of all cases dealt with by the Pensions Board. Krom this source we should be able to gel accurate evidence as to a man's means and the nature of his disability. Then again, legislation has been introduced which, if passed into law, will make it incumbent upon persons controlling war funds to notify the Department of the nature of any assistance given to men who have returned. It is obviously very necessary that this information should be supplied to the new Department. Further, the Labour Department has been approached for help, and the permanent head, Mr. Rowley, has expressed himself as being more than anxious to place the whole strength of his organization at the service of our Department. It appears to me to be certain that the main part of the burden of actually finding suitable work for returned men will in course of time devolve upon the Labour Department. If as the work of the Department develops it is found advisable, a central committee in Wellington may be established to assist the Department to solve any difficult problems which may arise. Upon this committee I should like to have gentlemen closely connected with State employment—for instance, the Public Service Commissioner, the head of the Labour Department, representatives of the Railway Department and the Public Works Department, the Mayor of the city, the Chairman of the Harbour Board, and some gentlemen outside of the Government service who have already taken an active interest in movements which are intended to ameliorate ihe conditions of the returned soldier. Even now one can see that many interesting and difficult questions will come up for solution. The extract from a report by a committee set up by the Imperial Government (annexed to this memorandum) sufficiently indicates the nature ol' the eases which the Returned Soldiers Department will be required to deal with as time goes mi. It is oertain that many men will require surgical applianoes, and the best available orthopaedic assistance and advice will have lo be obtained. It is certain, too, thai it will be necessary, in the ease of men prevented by injury from following their former calling, to teach them some now industry. Here we would invoke the help of the bead of the Technical Education Branoh and the principals of technical schools, and I have no doulil but lhal we shall lie able to secure their assistance. We propose lo ask the Mayors of towns. Chairmen of local bullies, trustees of patrioticorganizations, ihe Board of Agriculture, presidents of Chambers of Commerce, and the general public to help the Department with its work, and the assistance asked fur will Im< given gladly 1 am sure. '"* No doubt as the scheme materializes we will find it expedienl in appoint local committees in different centres to directly look after the men residing in these centres, and through the Labour Department, or directly, those committees can lie supplied from lime lo time with statements containing the names of men requiring employment, and desoribing ihe nature of the employment which each man desires lo obtain. A proposal has been made lhal returned soldiers should be settled on the land. I hope thai a practicable scheme can he devised, hill 1 must confess that the proposal appears In me to be beset with difficulties. If a soldier has been trained as a farmer ami has capital of his own, arrangements can easily lie made to provide d'r him. Bui if a soldier knows nothing about farming and has no capital to expend on fencing, clearing, ami stocking his laud, what is to be done in his case? Is the State to teach him the rudiments of farming, and is it to supply him with the wherewithal lo make a start/ These are questions which will have to be settled. Kruit-farming and poultry-farming have been suggested as occupations likely to suit disabled men. It is true that the disabled men will be receiving pensions, and may Ik- able to exist upon their pensions income until the fruit-trees and ] ltry have reached a revenue-producing point, but the scheme is by no means an easy one to carry out. It means securing suitable areas of land; it means finding money for fencing, planting trees, and stocking poultry farms; and it means instructing the men in their new occupations. I hope that the Board of Agriculture will focus its attention upon this phase of the returned soldier problem and give the Department the benefit of its experience' and advice. The Department will not have much difficulty in finding employment mr soldiers win. return I i this country sound and well. Many of these men will not require any help from ihe offioe. Our principal work will centre round the men who return to New Zealand maimed and permanently broken down in health. It will be the duty of the Department to make a special study of these last-ment ioneil cases, and with the advice and assistance which it will be in a position to command it hopes lo make certain that every man who has suffered through serving his oountry will live for the rest of his days in comfi.rt, and lhal he will lie made as useful a member of society as his disability will allow. A. L. II HI id MAN, Attorney-General.

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[Extract from Report by Committee set up by Imperial Local Government Board.]. Estimated Number of Non-COmmissioned Officers and Men discharged from the British Army as disabled through the War between the r th August, 1914, and the 15th April, 1915, inclusive. General Nature ol Disablement. Number. Percentage. Eyesight cases ... ... •■• •■■ ••■ ••■ -'•_' ;) wounds and injuries to leg necessitating amputation ... ... ■■• 205 rl Wounds and injuries to arm necessitating amputation ... 170 59 Wounds and injuries to hand necessitating amputation ... 15 0"5 Wounds and injuries to leg not necessitating amputation ... 277 l - , ' , > Wounds and injuries to arm not necessitating amputation 272 96 Wounds and injuries to hand not necessitating amputation of complete hand 22 I 7 - 8 Wounds and injuries to head ... ... ■•• ■•■ •■• 123 4"«s Hernia ... ... ... ... ... ■■• ••• 96 ;5 ' 4 Miscellaneous wounds and injuries not included in above ... 129 *'0 Chest complaints (including "200 cases of tubercle of the lungs) ... ... 298 1(H Kbeumatism ... ... ... ... ... 1W 4"0 Heart-disease ... ... ... ... ■■• ••■ ••■ 284 9 - 9 Epilepsy ... ... ... ... ••■ 47 16 Nervous diseases ... ~.. ... ... •• ••■ ■■■ 54 L' 9 Insanity ... 29 PQ Deafness ... ... ... ... ••• ■•■ •■■ 134 4"7 Frostbite ... ... ... ... ... ■■• ■•■ 6 oB Miscellaneous disabilities ... ... ... ■•• 150 52 Total ... ... ... 2,874 100-0

No. '28. New Zealand, No. 1.80. Sik, Government ilou.se, Wellington, 6th September, 1915. With reference to my telegram of the Oth August, the following is the constitution of the National Ministry, the Ministers being shown in their order of precedence : — The Right Honourable W. F. MA.SBEY : Prime Minister, Minister of ■s Lands, Minister of Labour, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Commissioner of State Forests, and Minister in Charge of Land for Settlements, Valuation, and Scenery Preservation Departments. The Right Lion. Sir JOSEPH G. Ward: Minister of finance, Post-master-General and Minister of Telegraphs, Minister in Charge of Land and Income Tax, State-guaranteed Advances, Public Trust, and Government Life Insurance Departments. The Hon. James Allen : Minister of Defence. The Hon. W. H. Herries : Minister of Railways and Native Minister. The lion. A. L. Herdman : Attorney-General, and Minister in Charge of Police, Crown Law (including Drafting), and Returned Soldiers Departments. The lion. Dr. R. McNab : Minister of .lustier, Minister of Marine, Minister of Stamps, and Minister in Charge of Tourist and Health Resorts Departments. The Hon. W. Fraser: Minister of Public Works, and Minister in Charge of Roads Department. The Hon. G. W. Russell: Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Public Health, and Minister in Charge of Hospitals and Charitable Aid, Printing and Stationery, High Commissioner, Audit, Museum, Registrar-General, and Laboratory Departments.

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The Hon. Mr. A. M. Myers: Minister of Customs, and Minister in Charge of Munitions and Supplies, Pensions, Advertising, and National Provident Fund Departments. The Hon. Sir Francis li. D. Bell : Minister of Immigration, and Leader of the Legislative Council. The Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald : Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Mines, and Minister in Charge of Legislative, Public Buildings, Inspection of Machinery, State Fire, and Accident Insurance Departments. The Hon. -J. A. Hanan : Minister of Education, and Minister in Charge of Friendly Societies. The Hon. Dr. Pomare : Member of the Executive Council representing the Native Race, and in Charge of Maori Councils, Cook and other Islands Administration. 1 have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 29. New Zealand, No. 185. Sir,-- Government House, Wellington, 14th September, 1915. I have the honour to transmit to you four copies of each of the following Acts passed by the Parliament of New Zealand : — Regulation of Trade and Commerce Amendment Act, 1915 (No. 2). Public Revenues Amendment Act, 1915 (No. 2). I have, &c, I. I YFRPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 30. New Zealand, No. 188. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 10th September, 1915. With reference to my despatch, No. 154, of the 18th August, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying statement, showing contributions by the Government and people of New Zealand to various war funds during duly of this year, which have been remitted by telegraph to the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London for distribution. I. The amounts shown on the statement do not include many other cash contributions which have been distributed other than through the High Commissioner, nor ilo they include the value of gifts in kind. T have, &c., LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &o, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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Enclosure. List of Xkw Zealand Contributions pod Wah Frans fob .li-i.y, 1915, To the National Committee for Relief in Belgium-— £ s. d. Monthly contribution from Government of New- Zealand ... ... ... 15,000 0 0 From Otago ... 10,000 0 0 Krom Sounds District Committee ... ... •■■ •■• ■•■ '- r '" 0 0 From Marlborough ... ... ... ... ... ... 750 0 0 From Te Kiri Sports Association ... ... ... ... 5 1 9 From Acting Belgian Consul, Christchurch ... ... ... ... 573 6 i For payment to Mr, F, W. Assirati, Secretary, Belgian Postal Rcli '' C urrettrp. London, for relief of refugees in United Kingdom of the Belgian Post and Telegraph Service: From New Zealand Post and Telegraph Association ... 209 18 2 For Serbian relief— From boys and staff, Woraroa Boys' Training-farm ... ... ... t-'i 15 II From Manawatu Patriotic Society . ... ... ... ... ... 107 "2 0 From various contributors throughout Dominion ... ... ... 288 H .'! For Montenegrin relief: From various contributors ... .... 10 12 2 For Montenegrin and Serbian relief (jointly): From various contributors ... II 0 0 For payment to Headquarters, Order of St. John, London Prom Hastings Red Cross workers ... ... ... ... ... 100 0 0 From various contributors ... ... ... ... ... ... 82 IS I For relief of Belgian orphan and children in Belgium— From Okaiawa children ... ... ... ... ... ... 15 3 9 From various contributors ... ... ... ... ... ... 115 9 For Polish relief: From various contributors ... ... ... ... 29 13 0 For British Soldiers' Fund : From Evening Star, Dunedin ... ... ... 10 0 0 For relief of Belgians in England : Prom Evening Star. Dunedin ... ... 89 10 f) For H.R.11. the Prince of Wales's bund— Prom Westpoi-t Coal Company ... ... ... ... ... 151 10 0 Prom various contributors ... ... ... ... ... ... 60 10 .'i For British Pood Fund: From Wanganui Citizens' Committee ... ... 48 (i lo For relief of widows and children In England: From CJtiki Card Club ... 2 10 •'! For relief of orphans in Great Britain : From Wanganui Citizens' Committee ... 7 15 ti For comforts for New Zealand wounded at Walton-on-Thames : From Hastings Red Cross Workers ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 0 0 For aid to sick and wounded of armies of England and her Allies : From subscribers at Samoa ... ... ... ... ... ... ... OS 19 5 Towards purchase of a water-cart for the Ambulance Brigade: Prom Wanganui British Pood Fund ... ... ... ... ... ... ... L 6 5 0 for Mount Pclix Hospital for New Zralandcrs in London — From His Excellency the Governor's Hospital Ship Fund ... ... ... 5,000 0 0 From His Excellency the Governor's Hospital Ship Fund (for tobacco for troops and papers for wounded soldiers) ... ... ... ... 150 0 0 £33,104 7 8

No. 31. New Zealand, No. 190. Sir,- Government House, Wellington, 27th Septt mber, 1915. In answer to your despatch, No. '->G2, of the sth July, I have the honour to inform you that my Ministers are taking steps to submit to Parliament amending legislation in accordance with paragraph 11 of the Foreign Marriages Order in Council, L 913, for the purpose of enabling notices of marriage and certificates of such notices to be given and issued for the purposes of the Foreign Marriages Act. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &C, Governor. Secretary of State for tbe Colonies.

\.--2, 1915, No. 38.

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No. 32. New Zealand, No. 190. Snt, — Government House, Wellington, Ist October, 1915. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copies of an Act of the Parliament of New Zealand, entitled New Zealand Loans Amendment Act, 1915. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P. 0., &c„ Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 33. New Zealand, No. 200. Sir, Government House, Wellington, Bth October, 1915. I have the honour to inform you that, in accordance with the request of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, contained in your despatch, " Miscellaneous," dated the 24th July, 1915, I have to-day presented to Senior Engineer Alfred D. Varian, R.N.R., the Royal Naval Reserve Officers' Decoration, which His Majesty the King has been pleased to confer upon him. 2. I enclose herewith a receipt signed by Mr. Varian for transmission to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. T have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, PC, &c., Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A-2, 1916, No. 40.

No. 34. New Zealand, No. 204. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 12th October, 1915. I have the honour to inform you that the New Zealand Government, after carefully considering your despatch, No. 411, dated the 29th July, 1915, and the enclosures thereto, do not at present see any necessity for holding an inquiry similar to that proposed by the Canadian Government. 2. Legislation lias already been passed to provide facilities for wounded "New Zealand soldiers desirous of settling on the land in this Dominion, and the same legislation enables my Government to provide in other ways very liberal assistance to those who have served in the Forces during the war. '.]. For the information of the Imperial authorities a copy of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Bill is enclosed herewith. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, PC, &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 35. New Zealand, No. 209. Sir, Government House, VV< llington, 16th October, 1915. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 311, dated the 11th June, on the subjeel of the Marriage of British Subjects (Facilities) Act, 1915. 2. In reply to the concluding paragraph of your despatch, my Ministers , desire me to inform you that it is not considered advisable at present to introduce legislation in the Parliament of New Zealand of the character contemplated by section 1 of the Marriage of British Subjects (Facilities) Act, 1915. The existing marriage law puts no difficulty in the way of the immediate marriage of any person arriving in New Zealand to any person resident there.

A.-2, 1015, NV>. 27.

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The requisite notice ol marriage can be given by the latter person and a certificate obtained authorizing a marriage forthwith. It is not thought advisable to complicate the procedure by making a provision for marriages in pursuance of notices and certificates given and issued in England. It is considered that all the preliminary requisites of a New Zealand marriage should take place in New Zealand and lie of record there. 1 have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies,

No. :10. New Zealand, No. 201. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, Kith October, 1915. 1 have the honour to inform you that my Ministers have expressed a desire to be furnished with particulars of the inspection of goods and of other steps taken to detect offences under the English Merchandise Marks Act. 2. While most of the provisions of that Act are contained in the Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, 1908, in force in New Zealand, no systematic steps have been taken up to now to ascertain and punish offences thereunder. My Government are therefore desirous of obtaining any information which is likely to be useful to enable an efficient system of inspection to be instituted without incurring undue expense in the matter. 3. My Ministers add that the usual Customs inspection is at present made, as well as that prescribed by the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1908, but the inspection referred to is with regard to other goods on sale or stored for that purpose. 1 have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 37. New Zealand, No. 215. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 20th October, 1915. ■•* I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 461, of the 20th August, enclosing a copy of a letter from the War Office relative to the decision of His Majesty's Government to provide return passages for all discharged soldiers who came from abroad after the declaration of war and enlisted in the Army on arrival in the United Kingdom. 2. My Ministers desire that I should inform you, in reply to the inquiry made in the concluding paragraph of your despatch, that there would be no difficulty in the landing of such men in New Zealand, provided they were free from contagious disease, but that any men suffering from a disease of a con tagious nature would be placed in quarantine until they had recovered. I have, &c., LIVERPOOI , The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 38. New Zealand, No. 218. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 21st October, 1915. Willi reference to my despatch, No. 188, of the 16th September, 1 have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying statement showing contributions by the Government and people of New Zealand to various war funds, which were remitted by telegraph during September to the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London for distribution.

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2. The amounts shown on the statement do not include many other cash contributions which have been distributed other than through the High Commissioner, nor do they include the value of gifts in kind. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. List of New Zealand Contributions to Wad Fund received in September. Tv the National Committee tor Relief in Belgium- £ 8 . d. Monthly contribution from Government ol New Zealand ... 15,000 0 0 Kiwitea County Council ... ... ... 40 t) 0 Eriiimg Star, Dunedin ... ... ... ... +5 (I 0 Sounds District Committee ... ... ... ... ... ... 75 0 0 Chatham Islands collections . ... ... ... ... ... I(i."i It) 7 Sainoan collections ... .... ... ... ... .'.. ... 172 (i I Havelock ladies ... ... ... ... 14 (i 0 Otago Patriotic Association ... ... ... ... ... 1,000 0 0 For Belgian Refugee Food Fund.: bruin Masterton Belgian Refuges' Food Fund 100 o 0 For Prince of Wales's Fund— From Kiwitea County Council ... ... ... ... ... 40 <) 0 Patea and District Patriotic League ... ... ... .. ... 27 2 6 Post and Telegraph Department, Wanganui ... ... ... ... 0 12 0 J. C. Lewis, Wellington ... ... ... ... ... lot) T. G. Taylor, Hunterville (collections) ... I (i 2 0 For relief of Belgian orphan children in England : From Evening Star, Dunedin 8 15 <) For payment to Headquarters, lied Cross Society, London: From Woodville Patriotic Committee ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 10 6 For Serbian relief— From " Presbyterian." Kopuaranga ... ... .. ... ... I 0 0 From female staff, Weraroa Boys' Training-farm ... .. .. 8 15 (i From Takaka Patriotic League ... ... ... ... ... 0 0 0 From L.M.R., Wellington ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 0 From .1. C. Lewis. Wellington ... ... ... ... ... 0 10 0 From Foxton Borough Council ... ... ... .. ... 2 10 0 From Mauriceville County Counoil ... ... ... ... ... 210 0 From Moray Place Congregational Church Women's Club, Dunedin ... (i 5 0 From F. W. Rowley, Wellington ... ... ... ... ... .'lO 0 From Roekvillc Belgian Relief Committee ... ... 0 10 0 From Post and Telegraph Department. Blenheim ... 0 7 fi * From Feilding Citizens' ami Farmers' Union Belief Fund Committee ... 5 0 0 From ihe Dominion collections ... ... ... ... ■ ■■ 18 3 0 For Polish relicf — From L.M.R., Wellington ... ... 3 0 0 From Poor of Britain and Belgium Relief Fund. Blenheim ... ... -'5 •" it From I. W. Rowley, Wellington ... ... ... 3 0 0 From Post and Telegraph Department. Blenheim ... ... ... 0 5 0 For Montenegrin and Serbian (jointly) relief, in proportion to the needs of the respective countries: From Wairarapa Branch. Poor of (beat Britain and Allies Relief Fund ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 0 0 £20,178 3 8

No. 39. New Zealand, No. 219. SIR, Government House, Wellington, 27th October, 1915. With reference to your despatch, No. 500, of the Bth September, stating that an arrangement lias been made for the redirection without, charge by the General Post Office of parcels for His Majesty's ships and for the troops, and suggesting that the Government of New Zealand shoiild consider the question of adopting similar arrangements, I have the honour to inform you, at the request of my Ministers, that similar privileges of free redirection will be accorded by the New Zealand Post Office. T have, &c., LIVERPOOL The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1915, No. 88.

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No. 40. New Zealand, No. 228. Sir, - Government House, Wellington, 2nd November, 1915. At the request of my Prime Minister I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying synopsis, prepared by the Attorney-General of this Dominion, of the /Vets passed during the first session of the Nineteenth Parliament of New Zealand, together with the Acts duly authenticated, with the seal of the Dominion. I have, &c., LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Report on Legislation passed bi -tin-; General Assembly ok New Zealand during this Session ENDED ON THE 12'1'H Day OP OcTOUER, 1915. For the information of His Excellency the Governor I beg to report as follows : — T. The synopsis attached hereto relates to the Acts passed by the Genera] Assembly of NewZealand during the session which ended on the 12th day of October, 1915. 11. In my opinion none of the said Acts is repugnant to the law of England. Dated at' Wellington, this 30th day of October. 1915. A. L. BeedmaN, Attorney-General. Synopsis ok Aotb passed bi the General Assembly of New Zealand dukinc the Session ended on the 12th day op october, 1915. Public Acts. 1915, No. 1. The Imprest Supply Act, 1915.—This Act applies the sum of £1,269,000 out of the Public Account, and the sum of 1 16,000 out of other specified accounts, for the services of the financial year ending the 3 Ist March. l!ll(i. 1915, No. 2. The' Suspension of Disqualification during War Act, 1915.—This Act modifies the provisions of the Legislature Aot, 1908, relating to the disqualification of members of the Legislative Council and House of Representatives. It permits the appointment or election and continuance in offioe of members of either House notwithstanding thai such members may be members of His Majesty's Military or Naval Forces. 1915, No. 3. The Public Expenditure Validation Act, 1915.—This Act validates certain expenditure out of the Public Account incurred without statutory authority in connection with the present war. 1915, No. 4. The Public Revenues Amendment Act, 1915. —This Act authorizes the Minister of Finance to raise a loan of £10,000,000, to be paid into the War Exjjenses Account and to .j. be expended for purposes of the present war. The Act makes several minor amendments of the Public Revenues Act, 1910. 1915, No. 5. The War Regulations Amendment Act, 1915. —This Act validates all regulations made before the passing thereof under the authority of the War Regulations Act, 1914. It extends the operation of Ihe Last-mentioned Act until the conclusion ol' the present war with Germany. 1915, No. 6. The Statutes Compilation Amendment Act, 1915. This Act amends the Statutes Compilation Act. L9OB, to allow a compilation of any enactments to which a resolution under the principal Act may relate to lie proceeded with in Ihe session in which the resolution directing the compilation may be passed instead of in the next succeeding session. 1915, No. 7. The Education Amendment Act, 1915. —This Act makes oertain necessary provisions with respect to the election or appointment of the governing bodies of certain secondary schools. 1915, No. 8. The Regulation of Trade and Commerce Amendment Act. 1915.—Section 2 empowers the Governor in Council during the continuance of the war to prohibit the importation into New Zealand of any goods if in his opinion their importation would Ik- prejudicial to the public interest. Section 3 applies to the provisions of the Customs Act. 1913. to importations and exportations that are prohibited either under the present Act or the principal Act. Section 5 brings ships within the classes of goods to which the principal Act applies. Section fi continues tin- principal Act in operation until the Ist August, 1916. 1915, No. 9. The Enemy Contracts Act, 1915. —This Act provides for the cancellation of enemy contracts made by persons or corporations resident or carrying on business in New Zealand, Section 3 enables the Attorney-General to declare to be an enemy contract any contract to which an enemy or any person or corporation claiming through an enemy is or has been a party, or in which any such person or corporation is or has been interested, or any contract that, if'continued, would enure, directly or indirectly, for the profit or benefit of an enemy or of any person or corporation claiming through an enemy. On the taking effect of any such declaration by the Attorney-General the contract in respect of which the declaration is made becomes void in so far as it remains executory.

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1915, No. 10. Ihe Local Authorities Empowering Act, 1915. —Section 3 enables local authorities to grant leave of absence on pay or part-pay to their employees who may become members ol' any Expeditionary Force, or who may be engaged on military service in New Zealand. Section 4 gives power to remit rates or to postpone the due date of payment of rates payable by persons engaged on military service beyond New Zealand. L 915, No. 11. The Trading with the Enemy Amendment Act, 1915.- -This Act amends in several particulars the Trading with the Enemy Act, 1914. Sections 2 and 3 relate to the offences of attempting to trade with the enemy and inciting other persons to trade with the enemy. Section 5 relates to offences by corporations. Section (i provides that offences against the principal Act may, with the leave of the Attorney-General, be tried summarily instead of by way of indictment. Section 9 continues the principal Act in operation until the Ist August, 1916. 1915, No. 12. The Imprest Supply Act, 1915 (No. 2).— This Act applies the sum of £887,000 out of the Public Account, and the sum of £16,000 out of other specified accounts, for the service of the financial year ending the 31st March, 1916. I ill 5. No. 13. The Arbitration Amendment Act, 1915. —This Act remedies an omission from the Arbitration Act, 1908, with reference to third arbitrators. 1915, No. 14. The Expiring Laws Continuance Act, 1915.—This Act continues until the 81st August, 1916, the operation of the enactments specified in the schedule. These enactments relate to matters arising out; of the present war. 1915. No. 15. The Civil List Amendment Act, 1915.—This Act temporarily amends the Civil List Act, 1908, by providing for ten paid members of the Exeoutive Council in lieu of eight such members. 1915, No. 16. 'the War Pensions Act. 1915. —This Act provides a pension scheme for members of the New Zealand Naval Forces and the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces in respect of their disablement arising out of their employment in connection with the present war, and also provides for the dependants of members in the event of their death or disablement. For the purpose of administering the Act a War Pensions Board of three members is est a Wished, one Of whom is required to be a registered medical practitioner. The Act specifies the maximum amount, that may be granted to any person by way of pension, and the maximum amount that may be granted in respect of Ihe death or disablement of any member of the Forces. Within these limits the amount, of any pension is within the discretion of the Board, subject in tin- case of dependants to considerations as to (I) the extent of dependency, and (2) the amount of property or income of the dependant, 1915, No. IT. The Crimes Amendment Act, 1915.—This Act is a temporary measure, and relates to the offence of endangering ships or cargo. Any person convicted of such an offence, or of inciting other persons to commit such an offence, or of conspiring with any other person or persons to conimil such an offence is liable on conviction to suffer the death penalty. The .Act continues in force until Ist August. 1916. L 915, No. 18. The Imprest Supply Ad, 1915 (No. 3).—This Act applies the sum of £937,500 out of the Public Account, and the sum of £16,000 out of other specified accounts, for the service of the j-ear ending Ihe .'list March, 1916. 1915, No. 19. The Tramways Amendment Act, 1915.—This Act provides for the modification of authorizing orders under Ihe principal Act, to allow- of the construction of double tramway- "•* lilies in lieu of single lines if required. 1915, No. 20. 'the New Zealand Loans Amendment Act, 1915. —This Act modifies the provisions of the Now Zealand Loans Act, 1908, in the case of debentures issued for the purpose of loans raised in New Zealand. 1915, No. 21. The Public Revenues Amendment Act, 1915.—Section 5 provides a special sinking fund, to In- called the War Loans Sinking Fund, for the repayment of moneys raised for war purposes. The other sections make various machinery amendments of the Public Revenues Act, 1910. 1915. No. 22. The Regulation of Trade and Commerce Amendment Act, 1915 (No. 2). —This Act was passed to prevenl a possible unjustifiable increase in the price of kerosene and other mineral oils consequent on the imposition of an import duty 1 hereon. 1915, No. 23. The Settled Land Amendment Act, 1915. The amendments made by this Act are for the purpose of bringing the principal Act into line with the provisions of the Imperial Act relating to the powers of the Court with respect to settled land. L 916, No. 24. The Imprest Supply Act, 1915 (No. 4). —This Act applies the sum of .£937,500 out of the Public Account, and the sum of £16,000 out of other specified accounts, for the service of the year ending the 31st March, 1916. 1915, No. 25. The Marriage Amendment Act. 1915. —Section (i makes provision for the giving of notices in the case of marriages proposed to be solemnized out of New Zealand under the Foreign Marriage Act, 1892 (Imperial). The remaining sections make various amendments of the Marriage Act. 1908. L 916, No. 26. The Savings-bank Amendment Act, 1915.—This Act increases from £20 to £100 the amount that may be paid by the trustees of a savings-bank to the representatives of a deceased depositor without requiring the production of probate or letters of administration. 1915, No. 27. The Fruil-preserving Industry Anlendment Act, 1915.—This Act amends the Fruitpreserving Industry Act, 1913, by enabling the Minister of Agriculture to make advances under that Act on the security of approved leasehold property. 1915, No. 28. The Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1915. This Act makes various amendments of minor importance in the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908. 1915, No. 29. The National Provident Fund Amendment Act, 1915.—The object of this Act is to enable the Amendment Act of 1914 to be brought into operation.

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1915, No. 30. The Hutt Road Act, 1915. —This Act makes provision for the allocation of the cost of the construction and maintenance of the Hutt Road between the several local authorities mentioned in the schedules ill the proportions Bpeoified in those schedules. 1915, .No. 31. The Local Railways Amendment Act, 1915. —This Act amends the Act of 1914 by providing that an authorizing order under ihe last-mentioned Act may authorize the construction of a railway outside the limits of a railway district. 1915, No. 32. The Sale of Food and Drugs Amendment Act, 1915. This Act enables Ihe Governor in Council to make regulations prescribing thai any specified articles of food or the packages containing any articles of food imported into New Zealand shall be stamped, so as to indicate the fact of importation and the country of origin. 1915, No. 33. The National Registration Act. 1915. —This Act provides for the compilation of a register of men between the ages of seventeen and sixty-five years. In the case of men between the ages of seventeen and forty-five years, every man is to be required to express his willingness or otherwise to become a. member of an Expeditionary Force for military service beyond New Zealand, or to render any other service in connection with the war. Any person who fails to register when required so to do is liable to a fine of not less than £5 and not exceeding £100, or to imprisonment for not more than six months. 1915, No. 31. The Swamp Drainage Act, 1915. -This Act provides for tin.' establishment of drainage areas within which the Minister of Lands is authorized to construct and carry on drainage, reclamation, ami loading works. For ihe purposes of the Act the Minister of Finance is empowered to borrow up to £75.(t00 per annum, and the Minister of Lands is authorized to make and levy rates to be charged on the unimproved value of lands within the drainage area. 1915, No. 35. The Land Transfer Acls Compilation Act. 1915. This Act is a compilation of the Land Transfer Act. 1908. and the Land Transfer Amendment Act. 1913. prepared pursuant to a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament under the Statutes Compilation Act, 1908. 1915, No. 36. The Census and Statistics .Act. 1915. The main purpose of this Act is to allow of the collection of statistics as to industrial, social, commercial, and other prescribed matters, whenever such statistics may be required. Under the principal Act the statistics referred to are to be collected annually. This Act is complementary to ihe National Registration Act. and Ihe two Acts will together enable a compulation to be made of the resources of the Dominion both in men ami in material wealth. L 916, No. 37. The Factories Amendment Act, 1915. This Act repeals section 20 of the Factories Act, L9OB (relating to extended hours of employment of women and boys in woollen-factories). 1915, No. 38. The State Advances Amendment Act, 1915. This Act provides for a report to parliament as to temporary transfers of funds from one branch to another of the State Advances Office. 1915. No. 39. The Finance Act, 1915.—This Act includes all the provisions for increased taxation rendered necessary by the war. It is divided into Parts, as follows: — Part I : This Part includes the rates for the taxation of land and income for Ihe current year, and also amends in various particulars the permanent provisions of the Land ami income Assessment Act, 1908. Pari II : This Part increases the Customs duties on imports. Inter aha, il makes provision for a surtax of 50 per cent, ad valorem on goods that may hereafter be imported into New Zealand from any country now at war with His Majesty. Pail 111 : This Part repeals the Beer Duty Act, 1908, and substitutes other provisions therefor, with a view (I) to the increase of the excise duty, and (2) to the alteration of the mode of collecting the duty. Under the repealed Acl duty was paid on the finished product, by means of adhesive stamps attached to the casks or other vessels; the new Act provides for the assessment of the duty on the worts, or beer before fermentation. Pari IV : This Part increases the rates of stamp duties payable on documents. It also imposes a duly on stakes won in horse-racing and on totalizator dividends. Part V: This Pari increases the rates of succession and estate duties; it also exempts wholly or in pari from the payment of duty the estates of deceased soldiers. Part VI : This Part enables the Minister of Finance to raise a loan of £2.000,000 for the construction of railways and other public works. Part VII : This Part permits of the variation of certain contracts of carriage where the railway charges have been increased, 1815, No. 40. The' Cook Islands Act, 1915. -This Act repeals the Cook Islands Acl. 1908, and other enactments of the New Zealand Legislature with reference to the Cook Islands, and also repeals (so fat- as the New Zealand Parliament has authority so to do) all the Acts, Ordinances, regulations, and other laws (including Native usages and customs so far as they have the effect of law) now in force in the Cook Islands. In lieu of Ihe repealed provisions the new Act (containing 660 sections) provides a code of law for the government of the islands. The Act is divided into Parts, as follows: Part I : Executive Government of the Cook Islands. Part II : Island Councils. Pari 111 : The High Court of the Cook Islands. Part IV: The Supreme Court of New Zealand, Part V : Criminal Offences. Part VI : Criminal Procedure. Part VII : Law of Evidence. Part VIII : Extradition. Part IX : Crown Suits. Part X : Crown Lands.

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Part XI : The Native Land Court. Part XII; Customary Land. Part XIII : Partition and Exchange of Native Land. Part XIV: Native Succession. Pari XV : Adoption of Children by Natives. Part XVI : Alienation of Native Land. Part XVI] : Trustees for Natives. Part Will : Marriage. Part XIX : Divorce. Part XX : Maintenance and Affiliation, Part XXI : Persons of Unsound Mind. Pa it XXII : Intoxicating Liquor. Part XXIII : Roads. Part XXIV: The Laws of the Cook Islands: Genera] Provisions. 1915. No. 11. The War Funds Acl. 1915. The object of this Act is lo provide a scheme for the effective control and administration, with due economy, of the various patriotic funds that have been raised throughout the Dominion. The Acl provides for the establishment of a National War Funds Council, to be appointed by the Governor, with power to receive and administer war funds, and also empowers private trustees to transfer the funds under their control to the Council. It also permits the trustees of any fund to lake over the administration of any other fund. Section 22 makes it unlawful for unauthorized persons to solicit contributions on behalf of a fund. 1915, No. 42. The Military Manu-uvres Act. 19J5.- This Act authorizes the Governor by Proclamation to declare any lands, to be specified in the Proclamation, to be available for military manoeuvres. Full compensation is to be paid to owners or occupiers of property for loss sustained by reason of the conduct of any such manoeuvres. 1915, No. 13. The Lights on Vehicles Act, 1915. -This Act renders compulsory the carrying of lights on vehicles at night. 1915. No. 11. The Expeditionary Forces Act, 1915. This Act is for the purpose of making proper provision for the raising of Expeditionary Forces for service abroad during the present war, and for the discipline of such Forces. 1915, No. 15. The Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. 1915. -This Act provides for the settingaside of areas of suitable hind to be disposed of to discharged soldiers, either under the provisions of the Land Act or Land for Settlements Act, or under the special provisions referred to in sections 4 it sit/, of the Act. In cases when- financial assistance is required there is authority to advance moneys for (a) ihe improvement of the land, (b) the erection of necessary buildings, and (c) the purchase of stock, &c. Except with the consent of the Land Board and the Minister of Lands, a lessee or purchaser of land disposed of under the Act is unable to transfer his interest in the land before the expiry of ten years from the commencement of the lease or the date of his purchase. 1915, No. 46. The Railways .Authorization Act. 1915. This Act authorizes the construction of certain lines of railway specified in the schedule. 1915, No. 47. Tin- Auctioneers Amendment Ad, 1915. This Ad modifies the provisions of the .» Auctioneers Act, 1908, to the extent of permitting unlicensed persons to conduct auction sales of articles in cases w here the proceeds are to be i level cd to a patriotic fund. 1915, No. 48. The Dairy Industry Amendment Ad, 1915.---'I his Act amends in various particulars the provisions of the Dairy Industry Act. 1908. 1915, No. 49. This Act amends in various particulars the provisions of the Footwear Regulation Act, 1913. 1915, No. 50. The Miners' Phthisis Ad, 1915. -This Act provides a scheme for the payment of pensions to miners who are incapacitated for work by reason of miners' phthisis. In the case of married men or widowers with dependent children t hi- rate is fixed at £1 a week, and in the case of unmarried men at 15s. a week. 1915, No. 51. The Mining Amendment Acl. 1915. This Act provides as follows:— (1.) For the renewal of licenses for mining privileges, after Ihe expiry of the original license : (2.) For the issue to or on behalf of His Majesty of licenses for mining privileges, in the same manner as such licenses may be issued to a private person : (3.) For the increase of the duty on gold exported from New Zealand. 1915, No. 52. The Prisoners Detention Ad, 1915. This Act provides I'm- (he establishment of prison hospitals I'm- the treatment of prisoners who may be suffering from contagious disease. Any such prisoner may be detained in hospital until cured, notwithstanding that his term of imprisonment may have expired. 1915, No. 53. The Local Elections (Proportional Representation) Amendment Ad, 1915.—This Act amends the Act of 1914 in various respects. In particular it provides for the adoption of the Act in divided boroughs, and also for its adoption by local authorities other than boroughs. 1915, No. 54. The New Zealand Society of Accountants Amendment Act, 1915.- This Act makes provision for the reinstatement as members of the New Zealand Society of Accountants of persons whose names have been removed from the register. 1915, No. 55. The Coal-mines Amendment Act. 1915. -—This Act amends in various particulars ihe Coal-mines Act, 1908. 1915, No. 56. -The Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Ad. 1915.—Section 8 of this Ad makes special provisions as to the registration or re-registration of Ihe births of adopted children.

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Section 9 makes provision for the registration, within twelve months after the passing of the Act, of births that have not been registered within the prescribed time. The other sections make minor amendments of the principal Act. 1915, No. 57. The Gaming Amendment Act, 1915. —Section 2 of this Act permits the owners of property, subject to certain conditions, to dispose of the same by way of chance or lottery in cases where the proceeds are to be devoted to a patriotic fund. Sections 3 and 4 amend the provisions of the principal Act. 1915, No. 58. The Destitute Persons Amendment Act, 1915.—This Act provides for the appointment of an officer of the Court whose duty it shall be to take the necessary proceedings in cases where maintenance orders made by the Court are not duly complied with. 1915, No. 59. The Mortgages Extension Amendment Act, 1915. —This Act repeals certain sections of the Mortgages Extension Act, 1914, thereby conferring on the Court extended powers in dealing with applications by mortgagees for leave to exercise their powers in cases of default by their mortgagors. Under the amending Act the Court, on any such application, is directed to take into consideration all relevant considerations, and to grant leave to the mortgagee to exercise his powers under the mortgage if in his opinion it is just and equitable that leave should be so granted. Section 7 provides for an effective agreement being made between the parties to a mortgage to exclude the provisions of the principal Act, and section 6 simplifies the procedure for bringing applications before the Court. 1915, No. 60. The Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1915.—This Act amends in various particulars the provisions of the principal Act, and in particular it extends the powers of the Minister of Lands with respect to the purchase and sale of kauri-gum and the working of kauri-gum areas. 1915, No. 61. The Eduoation Reserves Amendment Act, 1915.—The object of this Act is to bringunder the Land Transfer Act. 1915, the lands comprised in any education reserve or endowment. 1915. No. 62. The West Coast Settlement Reserves Amendment Act, 1915. —This Act amends in various particulars the the law relating to the West Coast settlement reserves. 1915, No. 63. The Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1915.— This Act amends in several particulars the provisions of the Native Land Act, 1909, and its amendments, and also makes provision for the settlement of certain claims by Natives in respect of Native lands." 1915, No. 64. The Friendly Societies Amendment Act, 1915. —This Act makes various amendments of the Friendly Societies Act. 1909. In particular, it validates certain rules heretofore made for the amalgamation of certain benefit funds of societies and their branches. 1915, No. 65. The Lake Coleridge Water-power Act, 1915. —This Act extends the powers of certain local authorities with respect to the supply of electricity derived from the Lake Coleridge Water-power Works. 1915, No. 66. The War Regulations Amendment Act. 1915 (No. 2). —Section 2 empowers the Minister of Defence to make requisitions on the owners or occupiers of suitable factories for the manufacture or production of military supplies. The price to be paid by the Crown for all supplies so requisitioned is, in default of agreement, to be determined by a Judge of the Supreme Court. If the owner or occupier of any factory fails to fulfil his obligations under a requisition, the Minister of Defence may take possession of the factory for the '•* production of war supplies. A requisition under the Act may be pleaded by the owner or occupier in any action for breach of any existing contract with a third person. Section 13 validates all regulations made under the War Regulations Act, 1914. 1915, No. 67. The Alien Enemy Teachers Act, 1915.—The object of this Act is to prohibit during the continuance of the war the employment as a teacher in any educational institution, supi»orted wholly or in part out of the public revenues, of any person (not being a British subject) who is or at any time has been a subject of any State with which His Majesty is now at war. Compensation, not exceeding one year's salary, may be paid to any person whoso contract of service is terminated by the Act. 1915, No. 68. The Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies' Empowering Act, 1915. ' —This Act makes provision for the exchange, sale, reservation, and other disposition of certain reserves, Crown lands, endowments, and other lands. It also validates certain transactions, confers powers on certain public bodies, and makes provision for certain other matters. 1915, No. 69. The Cost of Living Act, 1915.—This Act establishes a Board of Trade, to consist of the Minister of Industries and Commerce, and three other persons to be appointed by the Governor. The Board has power — (a.) To investigate any alleged infringement of the Commercial Trusts Act. 1910 : (6.) To make inquiry as to the supply, demand, or price of commodities ; (c.) To make inquiry as to any complaint that the price of any class of goods is unreasonably high : (d.) To make inquiry as to any matters affecting the trade, commerce, or business of New Zealand : (c.) To institute inquiries as to markets for goods produced or manufactured in NewZealand. For the purposes of any such inquiry the Act confers on the Board all the powers possessed by a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908. Section 12 extends the scope of the Commercial Trusts Act, 1910, by applying that Act to all articles of food for human consumption and ingredients used in the manufacture of any such article.

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Section 13 extends the powers of Borough Councils with reference to the control of foodsupplies. 1915, No. 70. The Post and Telegraph Amendment Act. 1915. —This Act makes provision for the acceptance of fixed deposits in the Post Office Savings-bank. 1915, No. 71. The Law Practitioners Act, 1915. —This Act amends in various particulars the provision of the Law Practitioners Act, 1908. 1915, No. 72. The Public Health Amendment Ad, 1915. —This Act enables the Governor Deregulation to prohibit the use for human habitation of any class of buildings or of rooms that are, in the opinion of a District Health Officer, unfit for such habitation. 1915, No. 73. Ihe Eduoation Amendment Act, 1915 (No. 2). —This Act provides for the determination by the General Council of Education of the boundaries of nine education districts. It also makes necessary provision for the purpose of bringing the Act of 1914 into effective operation. 1915, No. 74. The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Amendment Act, 1915.—This Act makes provision for the payment to members of Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards of travellingexpenses incurred in connection wdth the business of the Board. 1915, No. 75.—The Land Laws Amendment Act, 1915. —This Act makes several amendments, principally of an administrative character, of the Land Act, 1908, and of other Acts relating to the tenure of Crown lands. Sections 23 and 24 relate specially to members of Expeditionary Forces on military service beyond New Zealand. Section 23 enables the Minister of Lands to remit, in whole or in part, the rent payable by any such member who is a Crown tenant, and section 24 enables agents to apply, on behalf of members of any such Force, for any Crown land that may be opened for selection at any time while such member is absent from New Zealand on military service. 1915, No. 76. The Counties Amendment Act, 1915.—This Act amends in several particulars the provisions of the Counties Act, 1908, and its amendments. 1915, No. 77. The New Zealand University Amendment Act, I.9ls.—This Act makes special provision to allow the Senate of the New Zealand University to confer diplomas and other distinctions on students who, by reason of their having joined an Expeditionary Force, may have been unable to comply with all the formalities prescribed by the principal Act and the regulations and University statutes thereunder. 1915, No. 78. The Municipal Corporations Amendment Act, 1915. —This Act amends in various particulars the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1908. .1915, No. 79. The Railways Improvement Authorization Amendment Act, 1915.—This Act vests certain lands in the Corporation of the City of Auckland, and also amends the provisions of the corresponding Act of 1914. 1915, No. 80. The Rating Amendment Act, 1915. —This Act repeals certain provisions of the Rating Amendment Act, 1913. 1915, No. 81. The Public Service Classification and Superannuation Amendment Act, 1915.— This Act makes new provisions as from the Ist day of January, 1916, with respect to the investment of the Public Service Superannuation Fund. At the present time the fund is paid to the Public Trustee, and becomes part of the common fund of the Public Trust Office. Under the amending Act the fund wdll be separately invested by the Board. 1915, No. 82. The Legislative Council Amendment Act, 1915.—This Act extends the duration of office of persons appointed as members of the Legislative Council. 1915, No. 83. The Defence Amendment Act, 1915. —Section 2 of this Act extends the provisions of the War Pensions Act, 1915, to the following persons : — (1.) To members of Expeditionary Forces who may be disabled in New Zealand as the result of their employment, and to their dependants; and (2.) To the dependants of deceased members of an Expeditionary Force whose death in New Zealand has resulted from their employment. Section 3 provides for the recognition by the Governor of the voluntary organization known as the National Reserve. The remaining sections make minor amendments of tinDefence Act, 1909. 1915, No. 84. The Shops and Offices Amendment Act, 1915.—This Act makes various amendments of the Shops and Offices Act, 1908. 1915, No. 85. The Appropriation Act, 1915. —This Act appropriates and applies certain moneys out of the Public Account and other accounts to the service of the year ending the 31st March, 1916. In addition to the usual provisions contained in the annual Appropriation Act provision is made — (a.) With respect to the expenditure of certain moneys subscribed for the purpose of equipping a hospital ship; and (b.) Restricting the borrowing-powers of local authorities during the continuance of the present war, except with the consent of the Governor in Council. Loral and Personal Acts. 1915, No. 1 (Local). The Tauranga Borough Council and Tauranga Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1915. —This Act validates an agreement made between the Tauranga Borough Council and the Tauranga Harbour Board as to the acquisition by the Harbour Board of the wharves at Tauranga. 1915, No. 2 (Local). The Whakatane Harbour Amendment and Empowering Act, 1915.—This Act empowers the Whakatane Harbour Board to acquire certain lands to facilitate reclamationworks, and for the said purposes authorizes the Board to borrow moneys not exceeding £10,000.

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1915, No. 3 (Local). The Wellington City Empowering Act 1908 Amendment Act, 1815. —This Act authorizes the Wellington City Council to borrow moneys not exceeding £30.000 for drainage-works in outlying portions of the city. 1915, No. 4 (Local). 'Ihe Auckland City Markets and Empowering Act. 1915.-This Act empowers the Auckland City Council to undertake the purchase and Mile of fish, and to control the sale and disposal of fish within the City of Auckland. It also extends the powers of the Auckland City Council with respect to the .Auckland Domain. 1915, No. 5 (Local). The Papakura Reach Vesting Act. 1915. This Act vests portion of the foreshore of the Mmiukau Barbour in the Papakura Town Board. 1915, No. (i (Local). The Wyndhain Recreation Reserve Amendment Ad, 1915. This Act vests the control of tin- Wyndhani Recreation Reserve in ihe Wyndhain Town Board. 1915, No. 7 (Local). The Wollingt mil Karori Sanitation and Water-supply Amendment Act. 1915. —This Act amends in various particulars ihe provisions of the Wellington and Karori Sanitation and Water-supply Act, 1912. 1915, No. 8 (Local). The Tokomaru Ray Harbour Act. 1915. -This Act vests the foreshore of Tokomaru Ray in the Waiapu County Council for harbour purposes. 1916, No. 9 (Locai). The Christchurch Electrical Supply Amendment Act. 1915. This Act amends the provisions of the Christchurch Electrical Supply Empowering Act, 1913, and extends the powers conferred by that Act mi the Christchurch City Council. 1915, No. 10 (Local), the Bluff Harbour Improvements Act, 1915.—This Acl authorizes the Bluff Harbour Board to raise a loan not exceeding £100,000 for harbour-work purposes. 1915, No. 11 (Local). The Devonporl Borough Vesting Act, 1915. —This Act vests certain lands in the Corporation of the Borough of Devonport to be held as a public domain. 1915, No. 12 (Local). The Dunedin District Drainage and Sewerage Acts Amendment Act, 1915. — This Act authorizes the Dunedin District Drainage Board to raise a sum of £35,000 for the purposes of the Dunedin District Drainage and Sewerage Acts. It also amends in various particulars the provisions of the said Acts. 1915. No. 13 (Local). —The high-wood Borough Endowment Disposal Ad. 1915. -This Act authorizes the Inglewood Borough Council to sell certain borough endowments, and to invest the proceeds in the purchase of other lands. I ill 5, No. 14 (Local). The Lyttelton Borough Extension Amendment Act. 1915.--'Phis Act extends tlu' powers of the Lyttelton Borough Council in connection with Diamond Harbour. 1915, No. 15 (Local), '(he Springs County Council Reclamation and Empowering Act, 1915. This Act empowers the Springs County Council to reclaim parts of a lagoon (known as Yarr's Lagoon) for the purpose of improving the How of a certain river, and generally for drainage purposes. 1.915, No. 16 (Local). The Tauranga Foreshore Vesting and Endowment Act, 1915.—This Act vests the foreshore of the Tauranga Harbour in the Tauranga Harbour Board. 1915, No. 17 (Local). The Otago Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1915.—This Ad authorizes the Otago Harbour Hoard to raise a loan not exceeding tIOO.OOO for the improvement of thi' Otago Harbour. Private Arts. 1915, No. 1 (Private). The Church Property Trust (Canterbury) Act 1879 Amendment Act. 1915. —This Act extends the trusts and purposes upon which the Dean and Chapter Kstate is held by the Church Property Trustees within the Diocese of Christchurch. 1915, No. 2 (Private). The Georgetti Trust Estate Act, 1915. —This Act authorizes the trustees appointed under the will of Augustin Georgetti (deceased) to sell the trust property, and declares the trusts for which the proceeds of such sale are to lie applied.

No. 41. New Zealand—Honours. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd November, 1915. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, "Honours," dated the 11th August, together with the enclosures mentioned therein. 2. In accordance with your request, I beg to report that at 8.30 p.m. on Monday, Ist November, at Government House, Wellington, I held an investiture, at which, in the presence of certain of my Ministers, and a number of gentlemen holding the distinctions of K.C.M.G. and C.M.G., and their friends —in all about sixty persons—l duly invested the Honourable Francis Henry Dillon Bell, K.C., with the insignia of Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, and presented to James Mackenzie, Esquire, the badge of the Imperial Service Order. 3. I also presented to Sir Francis Bell the Warrant passed under the Royal Sign-manual and Seal of the Order, a copy of the Statutes of the Order, and the Warrant conferring upon him the dignity of Knight Commander. 4. To Mr. James Mackenzie I handed, in addition to his badge, the letter forwarded with your despatch containing his Warrant of appointment and a copy of the Statutes of the Order.

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5. In obedience to the King's command, as contained in His Majesty's Warrant, the investiture was carried out with till the dignity and ceremony appropriate to the occasion. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P. 0., &c, Governor Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 42. New Zealand, No. 241. Sir,--- Government House, Wellington, 19th November, 1915. With reference to my despatch, No. 218, of the 21st October, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying statement showing contributions by the Government and people of New Zealand to various war funds, which were remitted by telegraph on the 2nd instant to the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London for distribution. 2. The amounts shown on the statement do not include many other cash contributions which have been distributed other than through the High Commissioner, nor do they include the value of gifts in kind. T have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. if. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. List ok New Zealand Contributions to War Funds received in October, L 915. To the National Committee for Relief in Belgium — £ g. d. Monthly contribution from Government of New Zealand ... ... ... 15,000 0 0 Southland Patriotic Committee ... ... ... ... ... 2,000 0 0 Otago Patriotic Association ... ... ... ... ... ... 3,000 0 0 Marlborough Provincial District ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 0 Sounds Patriotic Committee ... ... ... ... ... ... 75 0 O Relief of Belgians in England: Evening Star, Dunedin ... ... ... 00 0 0 Relief of Belgian children in England : Evening Star Beehive Fund, Dunedin ... .10 0 0 Mount Felix Hospital Fund : From the New Zealand Hospital Ship Fund ... 5,000 0 0 Fund for providing comforts for our soldiers in hospitals— '* Middleton, H., Waverley ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 5 0 Williamson, D., East Taieri ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 10 0 Waverley Patriotic Fund ... ... ... ... ... ... 60 0 0 Fisher, Hon. J., Cambridge ... ... ... ... ... ... 21 0 0 Te Awamutu Defence Committee ... ... ... ... 650 0 0 Wanganui Patriotic Committee ... ... ... ... ... 50 0 0 Queenstown Patriotic Committee ... ... ... ... ... 1 10 0 Stamp Department staff, Wellington ... ... ... .. ... 10 0 Patea and District Patriotic League ... ... ... ... ... 33 0 0 Mander, M. 8., Gisborne ... ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 Rosenoski, G., Aponga ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 10 0 King, G, A., Aponga ... ... ... ... ... ... I 5 0 Kershaw, J,, Aponga ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 0 Finlayson, J. A., Aponga ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 0 Serbian Relief Fund— Foxton Borough Council ... ... ... ... .. ... 2 10 0 Mauriceville County Council ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 10 0 Rowley. F. W., Wellington ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 0 Eketahuna Branch, Belgian Relief Fund ... ... ... ... 104 0 0 Post and Telegraph officers, Blenheim ... ... ... ... ... 0 0 2 Polish Relief FundRowley, F. W., Wellington ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 0 Eketahuna Branch, Belgian Relief Fund ... ... _ ... ... 5 0 0 Post and Telegraph officers, Blenheim ... ... ... ... ... 0 0 8 Prince of Wales's Fund : Eyre County Council ... ... ... ... 10 3 0 Irish Relief Fund : Eyre County Council ... ... ... ... ... 10 3 0 Overseas ('lull Aircraft Fund : Taranaki Herald and Budget, New Plymouth ... 136 10 ti Allies' Relief Fund (for distribution at discretion of High Commissioner): Southland Branch, New Zealand Farmers' Union ... ... ... 100 0 0 £26,896 12 i

A.—l

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No. 43. New Zealand, No. 265. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 22nd December, 1915. With reference to your despatch, No. 553, of the 11th October, enclosing copies of a notice issued by the Board of Trade regarding the examination in signalling of candidates for certificates of competency as master or mate, I have the honour to inform you, by request of my Ministers, that the necessary instructions have been given to the Examiners of Masters and Mates to test candidates, in accordance with the Board of Trade's notice, as from the Ist April next. 2. With regard to the third paragraph of the notice, my Ministers state that as soon as the Board of Trade definitely decides the date upon which a specified speed is to be regarded as compulsory the New Zealand regulations will be formally amended accordingly. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 44. • New Zealand, No. 268. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 24th December, 1915. With reference to your despatch, No. 581, of the 26th October, forwarding copies of a notice regarding nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize for 1916, I have the honour to inform you that in compliance with your request that the conditions of the prize be made known to those qualified to nominate candidates, my Ministers have arranged for the notice to be published in the New Zealand Gazette. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL. The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not yiven ; printing (7. r >o copies), £18 10s.

Authority : Marcus P. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l6.

Price 9d.