STATE TO THE GOVERNOR OE NEW ZEALAND.

41

A.—No. la,

No. 53. Copy of a DESPATCH from His Grace the Duke of Buckingham to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (No. 67.) Sir, — Downing Street, 12th June, 1868. I have received your Despatch No. 22, of 17th March, furnishing much valuable information respecting the present condition of the Native Inhabitants of New Zealand, and forwarding a map which shows the distribution of the tribes, with a statement of their estimated numbers. I view with pleasure the steps which you have taken to obtain early and complete information on matters connected with Native affairs, and I earnestly hope with you that the measures now in progress may arrest the decay of the Maori race. I have, &c, BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS. Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G.

No. 54. Copy of a DESPATCH from His Grace the Duke of Buckingham to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (No. 68.) Sin, — Downing Street, 13th June, 1868. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 26, of the 2nd April, reporting the feelings of indignation excited in New Zealand by the intelligence of the attempted assassination of His Eoyal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. I have also received your Despatch No. 28, of 4th April, enclosing an Address to the Queen, and the copy of an address to His Royal Highness which were adopted at a public meeting held at Auckland. I am commanded to instruct you to assure the Inhabitants of New Zealand, that Her Majesty cordially appreciates the spirit of loyalty to the British Crown, and of attachment to the person and family of the Sovereign, displayed in the Addresses which you have transmitted to me. I have, &c, BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS. Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G.

No. 55. Copy of a DESPATCH from His Grace the Duke of Buckingham to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (No. 69.) Sin,— Downing Street, 29th June, 1868. I have received your Despatch No. 16, of sth March, enclosing a memorandum prepared by the Colonial Secretary, and a case drawn up by the Attorney-General of New Zealand, on the subject of the reappointment of Executive Councillors. I am advised that the proper course was pursued in reappointing and reswearing the members of the Executive Council. I shall be obliged if you will forward to me a copy of the instrument of appointment of a member of the Executive Council, as there is no form in this office. I have, &c, BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS. Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. 11