DESPATCHES TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1924 Session I, A-01

A.—l

1924. NE W ZEAL A N D.

DESPATCHES TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

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

INDEX.

I—A. 1.

No. of 9cries. Date. Subject. Pag. I ..... . . 1 2 3 4 5 1923. Jan. 5 » 17 ,, 17 „ 29 Feb. 5 Release of property belonging to inhabitants of the Saar Territory Prohibition of the importation of Spanish Crapes into New Zealand Maintenance of the Tropical Diseases Bureau Certificates of registration under the Nurses Registration Act : Resolution Reciprocity in the matter of registration of medical practitioners between Great Britain and Italy Issue of passports-to Indians who desire to proceed to New Zealand Entry of German ships into British ports Assessment of earnings of ships documented under- the laws of New Zealand Invitation for New Zealand to be represented at the International Association of Navigation Congress Invitation for New Zealand to be represented at the Second World Congress and Exhibition of Agriculture The Merchant Shipping Act, 1921 Deposit of registers and official crew lists' Identity registration system for seamen Representation of New Zealand at the Empire Forestry Conference Entry of boy mechanics into the Royal Air Force Invitation for New Zealand to be represented at the Conference on Leprosy Contribution of the British Empire towards the expenses of the International Commission for Air Navigation Imperial Customs Conference, 1921 :■ Form of invoice and of origin .. Second International Seed-testing Congress World's Dairy Congress Empire Settlement Act, 1922 Empi re Forestry Conference .. .. .. Right to a flag of States having no sea-coast Report of the British Empire Patent Conference Local audit of Imperial pension-payments Use of preservatives and artificial colouring matters in food and drink Imperial Botanical Conference Administration of the Mandated Territory of Western Samoa : Third report System of marking wrecks Provision, free of charge, of inscribed tombstones over the graves of two New Zealand soldiers buried in the United States military cemetery at Corozal Ordinances and rules in force in Western Samoa regulating the admission of members of the legal profession to pnotiS9 in the Courts of that territory Nobel Peace Prize for 1924 .. Proposed amendments to the Tonnage Measurement Agreement with Finland 2 2 2 2 3 (i 7 8 9 9 >, '2 „ 19 March (i 3 I 4 10 8 5 II 12 13 14 15 16 17 „ 25 April 9 „ ie May 18 ,,' 19 „ 23 June 1 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 „ 11 July 2 „ •'! „ 27 „ 31 Aug. 17 Sept. 11 „ 28 Oct. 15 Nov. 13 „ 15 Dee. 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 II II 31 8 11 32 33 „ 17 „ 24 12 12

A.—l

2

No. 1. Now Zealand, No. 2. My Lord Duke,— Government House, Wellington, sth January, 1923. With reference to Mr. Churchill's despatch, Dominions No. 378, of the 17th October, 1922, 1 have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers are in accord with and desire to be associated with the attitude taken up by His Majesty's Government relative to the release of property belonging to inhabitants of the Saar Territory. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Go vernor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 2. New Zealand, No. 13. My Lord Duke,— Government House, Wellington, 17th January, 1923. With reference to Your Grace's despatch, No. 248, of the 20th November, 1922, on the subject of the prohibition, of the importation of Spanish grapes into New Zealand, I have the honour to inform you that my Government is willing to extend the present arrangement to all countries if that will meet the Spanish position, but subject to any action that may be found necessary to prevent the introduction of downy mildew (Plasmopard viticola), which matter is under consideration. 2. Ministers state that the present arrangement in regard to the importation of grapes from Australia, Canada, and the United States provides for a certificate to the effect that phylloxera is not known to exist in the vineyard in which the grapes have been grown or within one mile of such vineyard. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 3. New Zealand, No. 14. My Lord Duke, Government House, Wellington, 17th January, 1923. With reference to Mr. Churchill's despatch, No. 201, of the ith October, inviting the Government of New Zealand to join with other portions of the Empire in making an annual contribution towards the maintenance of the Tropical Diseases Bureau, I have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers advise me that the Department of External Affairs will vote a sum of £100 per annum in respect of Western Samoa, and the Cook Islands Department a sum of £50 per annum in respect of the Cook Islands and Nine, making a total New Zealand contribution of £150 per annum towards the upkeep of the bureau. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, K.G., P.C., G.C.M.C., G.G.V.0., &c, -.Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 4. New Zealand, No. 20. My Lord Duke, Government House, Wellington, 29th January, 1923. With reference to Your Grace's despatch, No. 225, of the 3.lst October, conveying the text of a resolution passed by the General Nursing Council for England and Wales, on the 6th October, I have the honour to inform you that my

3

A.—l

Ministers greatly appreciate the favourable recognition given by the Council to the holders of certificates of registration under the Nurses Registration Act of this Dominion, and it is agreed to admit nurses registered by the Council to the New Zealand Nurses Register in the terms of the resolution. 1 have, &c., JELLICOE, G o vernor- G eneral. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.0., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 5. New Zealand, No. 29. My Lord Duke, — Government House, Wellington, 6th February, 1923. I have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers advise me that the New Zealand Medical Board, established pursuant to the Medical Practitioners Act, 1.9.14, copy of which is attached, understands that reciprocity in the matter of the registration of medical practitioners exists between Great Britain and Italy. 2. The New Zealand Medical Board has before it at the present time an application for the registration of a degree conferred by the University of Naples, but before agreeing to grant such application they have approached my Ministers with a view to a statement being obtained, in writing, from the Italian authorities which will fulfil the conditions specified in the latter part of section. 8 (1) (d) of the Medical Practitioners Act —that is to say, that graduates in medicine and surgery of the University of New Zealand will by virtue of such graduation and without further examination be entitled to be registered as medical practitioners and to practice medicine and surgery in Italy. I have, &<;., JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.O. G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 0. New Zealand, No. 35. My Lord Duke, — Government House, Wellington, 9th February, 1923. With reference to your despatch, No. 231, of the 2nd November, regarding the issue of passports to Indians who desire to proceed to New Zealand, I have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers inform me that the Government of New Zealand is prepared to give sympathetic consideration to every application to return to New Zealand made by Indians who find it necessary to overstay the period of four years provided for in the usual certificate of registration, and that in any case where there is reason to suppose that hardship might be inflicted through a strict limitation of the period of absence to four years, reasonable extension of time, dependent on the circumstances of the case, will be granted, and that in connection with this matter a certificate from the Department of Commerce of India, or from any passport-issuing officer, would be regarded as sufficient evidence of the bona fides of any application. I have, &c, JELLICOE, . Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.0., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.—l

4

No. 7. New Zealand, No. 41. MYjIjORD Duke,- Government House, Wellington, 12th February, 1923. With reference to Mr. Churchill's despatch, Dominions No. 299, of the 18th August, 1922, relative to the entry of German ships into British ports, 1 have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers advise me that— (a.) No law of New Zealand prohibits the entry of German ships into New Zealand, or the use by them of harbour facilities. (b.) Goods being manufactured in, produced in, or exported from Germany, Austria, or Hungary are prohibited from importation into NewZealand except with the consent of the Minister of Customs (Order in Council of 20th July, 1920, gazetted 29th July, 1920). The revocation of this Order in. Council is at present under the consideration of the Government of New Zealand. (c.) Under the Undesirable Immigrants Exclusion Act, 19li), no person who has at any time been a subject of the State of Germany or of Austria-Hungary as those States existed on the 4th August,. 1914, and no alien born in any place which on that date was within the limits of the German Empire in Europe or within the limits of the Monarchy of Austria-Hungary, shall land in New Zealand without a license in that behalf issued by the Attorney-General. 2. The foregoing provisions do not apply to the master or a member of the crew of any vessel arriving in New Zealand, provided that he leave with his vessel. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 8. New Zealand, No. 45. My Lord Duke, — Government House, Wellington, 19th February, 1923. With reference to Your Grace's despatch, No. 264, of the 15th December, relative to the assessment of earnings of ships documented under the laws of New Zealand, I have the honour to inform you that my Ministers note that under section 213 (b) (8) of the United States Revenue Act, 1921, the operations of such ships are not exempt from Federal taxation in the United States. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 9. New Zealand, No. 62. My Lord Duke, — Government House, Wellington, 6th March, 1923. I have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers, whilst appreciating the kind invitation contained in your despatch, Dominions No. 422, of the 11th December, do not consider it necessary that New Zealand should be represented at the Congress to be held in London during July next by the International Association of Navigation Congresses. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Go vern or- General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G.,' G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-l

5

No. 10. New Zealand, No. 66. My Lord Duke, Government House, Wellington, Bth March, 1923. With reference to your despatch, Dominions No. 437, of the 29th December, 1 have the honour to request that Your Grace will be so good as to cause the Spanish Government to be informed, that the Government of New Zealand much appreciate the invitation to participate in the Second World Congress and Exhibition of Agiculture which is to be held at Barcelona in. 1924, and that the question of representation will receive early and careful consideration. 1 have, &c, JELLICOE, Gove rnor- (< eneral. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 11. New Zealand, No. 75. My Lord Duke,- Government House, Wellington, 25th March, 1923. With reference to your despatch, No. 269, of the 21st December last, relative to the Merchant Shipping Act, 1921, I have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers advise me that the question of New Zealand taking similar action will be considered when the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia has come to a decision as to the action which it proposes to take in the matter. I have, &c., JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, K.G., P.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.Y.0., &c., Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 12. New Zealand, No. 90. My Lord Duke, Government House, Wellington, 9th April, 1923. With reference to your despatch, Dominions No. 35, of the 24th January, 1 have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers advise me that— (a.) Masters of American vessels entering New Zealand ports are permitted to deposit the Registers and official crew lists of their vessels with American Consular Officers ; and that (6.) Masters of vessels registered in New Zealand arriving in United States ports are not required by New Zealand law to deposit their registers or other national papers, and/or official crew lists with British Consular Officers there. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. tils Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 13. New Zealand, No. 98. My Lord Duke,— Government House, Wellington, 16th April, 1923. With reference to your despatch, Dominions No. 38, of the 26th January, relative to the identity registration system for seamen, 1. have the honour to inform Your Grace that the necessary instructions will be issued to Superintendents of Mercantile Marine in this Dominion. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.O. G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.—l

6

No. 14.New Zealand, No. 127. My Lord Duke,- Government House, Wellington, 18th May, J923. With reference to your despatch, No. 26, of the 6th February, 1 have the honour to inform Your Grace, that I have communicated direct to the GovernorGeneral of Canada, as suggested, the reply of my Government, which was to the effect that New Zealand had much pleasure in accepting the invitation to be represented at the forthcoming Empire .Forestry Conference to be held in Canada during July and. August, and that its representative would be Captain Macintosh Ellis, Director of Forestry in New Zealand. 1 have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor- G eneral. His ({race the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.0., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 15. New Zealand, No. 12S. My Lord Duke,— Government House, Wellington, 19th May, 1923. With reference to your despatch, Dominions No. 106, of the 19th March, relative to the entry of boy mechanics into the Royal Air Force, 1 have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers advise me that the High Commissioner will lie requested to communicate with the Air Ministry and arrange for examination-papers to be supplied as required. 1 have, &c, JELLICOE, Go ver nor- (J ene ral. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.O, G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 16. New Zealand, No. 135. My Lord Duke, Government House, Wellington, 23rd May, 1923. With reference to your despatch, Dominions No. 91, of the 15th March, 1 have the honour to inform Your Grace that while greatly appreciating the kind invitation of the French Government, my Government regrets that it is unable to send a representative to the Conference on Leprosy to be field in Strasburg on the 28th, 30th, and 31st July of the present year. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. Plis Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.O, G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies,

No. 17. New Zealand, No. 145. My Lord Duke,— Government House, Wellington, Ist June, 1923. With reference to your despatch, Dominions Treaty No. 14, of the Ilth April, relative to the contribution of the British Empire towards the expenses of the International Commission for Air Navigation, I have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Government agree to the suggestion that the Empire's share of these expenses should be apportioned on the same scale as that to be adopted in the case of contributions to the expenses of the League of Nations. I have, &c, JELLICOE, (tOVPT*TIOT' — ( iPnPT'J-l I His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.O, G.C.M.C., G.C.V.0., &c." Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-l

7

No. 18. New Zealand, No. 152. My Lord Duke,— Government House, Wellington, Ilth June, 1923. With reference to Mr. Churchill's despatch, No. 212, of the 17th October, 1922, I have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers state that the form of invoice and combined certificate of value and of origin recommended by the Imperial Customs Conference, 1921, will be brought into use in the territory of Western Samoa on the Ist January, 1924. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.O, G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 1!). New Zealand, No. 173. My Lord Duke,— Government House, Wellington, 2nd July, 1923. Willi reference, to your despatch, Dominions No. 63, of the 27th February, relative to the Second International Seed-testing Congress to be held in Great Britain from the 7th to the 12th July, 1924, I have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers advise me that the question of New Zealand nominating two delegates to attend the Conference and making an annual contribution of £50 to a, fund on which could be borne the cost of any work of correlation which the Congress may decide is necessary in the interests of international trade will be given careful consideration in good time before the holding of the Conference. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &o„ Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 20. New Zealand, No. 175. My Lord Duke,— Government House, Wellington, 3rd July, 1923. With reference to your despatch, Dominions No. 142, of the 23rd April, I have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers would be glad if you would convey to the Government of the United States the New Zealand Government's great appreciation of the invitation extended to it to be represented at the World's Dairy Congress, to be held at Washington, D.C., in October next. 2. Ministers state that it was hoped that it would have been possible to have arranged for the Director of the Dairy Division of the Department of Agriculture to attend the Conference, but owing to the extreme pressure of work consequent upon a largely increased output of dairy-produce it has been found impracticable to arrange this, and hence it is unlikely that a delegate will be appointed from New Zealand to proceed to the Congress. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &«., Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No 21. New Zealand, No. 178. My Lord Duke,— Government House, Wellington, sth July, 1923. 1 have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers advise me that they have given consideration to your despatch, No. 92, of the 4th May,

A.—l

8

relating to the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, and that in deference to the wishes of His Majesty's Government they agree to the inclusion of the loan provisions in the proposed renewal of the agreement 2. Ministers state that the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London has been instructed to act accordingly. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Go vern or- General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., P.O, G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O. &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 22. New Zealand, No. 197. My Lord Duke, — Government House, Wellington, 27th July, 1923. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's despatch, No. 107, of the 22nd May, on the subject of the Empire Forestry Conference which is being held at Ottawa this month. 2. My Ministers inform me that the information furnished by Your Grace regarding the arrangements made by the Government of Canada for the delegates to the Conference has been very much appreciated by the Government of this Dominion. I have, &c., JELLICOE, Governor-General His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, K.G., P.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 23. New Zealand, No. 201. * My Lord Duke, — Government House, Wellington, 31st July, 1923. With reference to your despatch, Dominions Treaty No. 19, of the Bth May, relative to the right to a flag of States having no sea-coast, I have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers advise me that they agree to the 31st October, 1922 (the date on which the notification of accession was received by the Secretariat of the League), as the effective date. I have, &c., JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, K.C., P.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &6., Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 24. New Zealand, No. 219. My Lord Duke, —- Government House, Wellington, 17th August, 1923. With further reference to Mr'. Churchill's despatch Dominions No. 300, of the 15th August, 1922, and in continuation of my despatch, No. 294, of the 24th October, 1922, on the subject of the report of the British Empire Patent Conference, I have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers advise me that, having considered such report and the views expressed thereon and embodied in the accompanying memorandum by the New Zealand delegate, the Government of New Zealand is favourable to the adoption of the " Provisional scheme " referred to. 2. As, however, the success of the scheme depends in a great measure on the extent of its acceptance throughout the Empire, my Ministers would be glad to be informed of the views of the Governments of the other parts of His Majesty's Dominions before the New Zealand Government comes to a definite decision in the matter. I have, &c., JELLICOE, Governor- General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, K.C., P. 0., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c., Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.—l

No. 25. New Zealand, No. 253. Government House, Wellington, Ilth September, 1923. My Lord Duke, — I have the honour to inform Your Grace that my Ministers advise me that the Audit Department of the New Zealand Government will undertake the local audit of Imperial pension-payments, as requested in your despatch, No. 147, of the 6th July, 1923. 2. Ministers note that an audit of not less than 10 per cent, of payments is suggested, but it is proposed to adopt a full audit as being more satisfactory for all parties and in line with the examination of war pensions in New Zealand. 3. The accounts for Imperial pension-payments in respect of the months of April, May, and June, 1923, have been already forwarded to London, and local audit will therefore take effect from the Ist July, 1923. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, K.G., P.O, G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 26. New Zealand, No. 271. Government House, Wellington, 28th September, 1923. My Lord Duke, — With reference to Your Grace's despatch, Dominions No. 268, of the 20th July, relative to the use of preservatives and artificial colouring-matters in food and drink, I have the honour to transmit to Your Grace the accompanying copy of the regulations under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, which, my Ministers inform me, apply to foodstuffs for sale in New Zealand, whether manufactured here or imported. 2. Preservatives. —The general regulations relating to preservatives commence on page 6, but the conditions pertaining to the use of preservatives in any particular foodstuff will be found under the specific regulations for such foodstuff. The redrafting of these regulations is in hand, and it is proposed that for cordials, syrups, and the like the use of salicylic acid as an alternative to sulphur dioxide shall be permitted in all cases except for artificial cordials. 3. Colourings. —The general regulations relating to colourings also commence on page 6. In the redrafting of the regulations, referred to in paragraph 2, it is proposed that the amended regulations shall read as follows : — "11. (a.) The addition of a flavouring substance or of a colouring substance to any article of food, except as specifically permitted by these regulations, is hereby prohibited. " (b.) When an artificial colouring or an artificial flavouring substance has been added to any article of food there shall be written in the label attached to any package of such food, in bold-faced sans-serif capital types of not less than six points face measurement, a statement in such one of the three forms following as the case may require : — ARTIFICIALLY COLOURED. ARTIFICIALLY FLAVOURED. ARTIFICIALLY COLOURED AND FLAVOURED. " Provided that this statement shall not be required in the case of the following foods:— Butter. Whole-milk cheese. Cocoa and chocolate. Confectionery. Bastry. Ice-cream and ices. Jelly-crystals or fruit-jelly crystals. Spirits. Artificial cordials and syrups, and artificial non-alcoholic flavoured beverages labelled as prescribed by Regulation 75 (3) (c) of these regulations.

•I— A. 1.

9

A.—]

10

" Nor in the case of the following articles when they are artificially coloured with caramel only : — Vinegar. Sauces. Non-excisable fermented drinks. Flavoured non-alcoholic beverages. Cordials and syrups. Compound cordials and syrups. " (c.) The following substances shall be deemed to be harmless colouring-matters within the meaning and for the purposes of these regulations : — Caramel; Cochineal; Chlorophyll; Saffron ; and Any vegetable colour extractive or coal-tar dye in regard, to which the manufacturer or his agent produces evidence to the satisfaction of the Director-General of Health that such extractive or dye is harmless." 4. Ministers state that it will be seen that a much wider license will be permitted manufacturers in the choice of colours, although the existing schedule is practically the same as that insisted upon in most of the Australian. States and in the United States of America. Owing to representations made to the Department of Health that manufacturers of foodstuffs requiring the use of colours had found the existing schedule insufficient for their purposes, my Government has been in touch with the High Commissioner and with the British Trade Commissioner with a view to obtaining a lead from the manufacturers in England as to what would be a sufficiently comprehensive schedule with which to work. Unfortunately, it was impossible to bring all the manufacturers together for this common purpose, which had for its object the setting of a basis which would make the use of colours, at least as far as New Zealand is concerned, exclusive to those of British manufacture. 1 have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., E.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 27. New Zealand, No. 286. My Lord Duke, — Government House, Wellington, 15th October, 1923. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of and to thank Your Grace for your despatch, Dominions No. 315, of the 17th August, conveying an invitation from the Executive Committee of the Imperial Botanical Conference for an official delegation of botanists in the service of the New Zealand Government to be present at the Conference in London in July, 1924. 2. My Ministers have asked me to inform you that, whilst they recognize it would be a great advantage for New Zealand to be represented at the Conference, they regret that they cannot see their way to arrange for the sending of a delegation. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor- General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 28. ''"■'•■ :•■. ■■ ' New Zealand, No. 306. Government House, Wellington, 13th November, 1923. My Lord Duke, — In accordance with the request contained in despatch, Library, of the 12th September, I have the honour to transmit to Your Grace the accompanying

11

A.—l

copies of the Third Report of the Government of New Zealand on the Administration of the Mandated Territory of Western Samoa for the year ended 31st March, 1923. 2. Ministers advise me that there are no regulations respecting access to the archives and records of this Dominion. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 29. New Zealand, No. 307. Government House, Wellington, 15th November, 1923. My Lord Duke, — With reference to Your Grace's despatch, Dominions No. 286, of the 2nd August, I have the honour to inform you that the New Zealand Government concurs in the recommendations of the Conference convened at the instance of the Board of Trade by the Corporation of Trinity House to consider the general question of the system of marking wrecks, and the necessary action is being taken in the matter. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor- G eneral. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of|State for the Colonies.

No. 30. New Zealand, No. 320. Government House, Wellington, 7th December, 1923. My Lord Duke, — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's despatch, No. 212, of the 29th September, enclosing copy of a communication from His Majesty's representative at Banama regarding the provision, free of charge, of inscribed tombstones over the graves of two New Zealand soldiers buried in the United States military cemetery at Corozal. 2. The graceful act contemplated by the United States military authorities and the American Legion has touched us very deeply, and I beg that Your Grace will convey to the authorities concerned the grateful thanks of the Government of this Dominion and of the next-of-kin of the deceased soldiers for this generous and kindly attention. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 31. New Zealand, No. 321. Government House, Wellington, Bth December, 1923. My Lord Duke, — In continuation of my despatch, No. 316, of the 4th December, I have the honour to inform Your Grace that I am advised by my Ministers that the copies of the Ordinances and rules in force in Western Samoa regulating the admission of members of the legal profession to practise in the Courts of that territory, and also a statement showing the method of procedure in regard thereto, have been

A.-l

12

posted to Your Grace through the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, through whom similar inquiry was made. 1 have, &c, JELLICOE, G o vernor- G eneral. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 32. New Zealand, No. 324. Government House, Wellington, 17th December, 1923. My Lord Duke, — I have the honour to inform Your Grace that a copy of your despatch of the 6th October, Dominions No. 378, and of its enclosure, relative to the Nobel .Peace Brize for 1924, was published in the New Zealand Gazette No. 85, of the 6th December. 2. In addition the circulars will be distributed to those bodies and persons specially interested in the prize. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 33. New Zealand, No. 325. Government House, Wellington, 24th December, 1923. My Lord Duke, — With reference to Your Lordship's despatch, Dominions No. 354, of the 22nd September, I have the honour to confirm my telegram of the 22nd December, intimating that the Government of New Zealand has no objection to the proposed amendments to the Tonnage Measurement Agreement with Finland. 2. Ministers state that on receipt of a copy of the completed agreement the necessary steps will be taken to have it brought into force in New Zealand. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (475 copies), £11) IDs.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington. —1924.

Price lid.]