TO THE GOVERNOR OE NEW ZEALAND.

17

A,—Jfp. IA,

Enclosure in No. 31. Mrs. Gascoyne to Eael Geanyille. My Loed, — 3, Bydal Terrace, Bedland Park, Bristol, 6th January, 1870. Not having heard from the Colonial Government concerning the request I made for a remuneration for the loss of my eldest son, Bamber Gascoyne, and wife and children, which was sent out the end of June last, I should feel grateful if you would use your influence in behalf of a widow in great distress of pecuniary circumstances, with a large family, and building on the efforts of her eldest son, Lieutenant Bamber Gascoyne, —indeed it would be a most charitable act if you would take the matter into consideration, and if only a small sum could be raised it would be a great boon to me, left in such a forlorn state, bereaved of both husband and son, and nobody to help or succour me. And may God in his mercy bless your endeavours is the earnest prayer of your obedient servant, 3, Bydal Terrace, Redland Park, Bristol, Julia Gascoyne, 6th January, 1870.

x> O. o£. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Bight Hon. Earl Granville, E.G., to Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (No. 8.) Sir, — Downing Street, 28th January, 1870. I transmit to you a copy of a correspondence with Messrs. Josselyn and Sons and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty arising out of the application of Messrs. Josselyn for information respecting a concession of the right of Collecting Guano on the Bounty Islands. As these Islands are within the limits of the Colony of New Zealand, it will be for your Government to take possession of them should it think fit, if this has not already been done. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. GRANVILLE.

■ Enclosure 1 in No. 32. Messrs. Josselyn and Son to the Assistant Seceetaey, Colonial Office. Sik, —■ Ipswich, 7th December, 1869. Some clients of, ours, a firm of merchants carrying on a very large trade in artificial manures are desirous of knowing whether the Bounty Islands, situate South of New Zealand, in Long. 179° 3. East, Lat. 47 D 46' South, are a possession of Her Britannic Majesty, and if so, whether any concession has been granted by the British Government of the right of collecting any guano to be found on such islands ? If no such concession has been granted, our clients would like to be informed whether the right can be treated for, and to whom their application on the subject should be made. Requesting the favour of an early reply, We have, &c, The Assistant Secretary of State, Colonial Department, Josselyn and Son. London.

Enclosure 2 in No. 32. Sir E. Eogees to the Seceetaey to the Admiralty. Sic, — Downing Street, 6th January, 1870. I am directed by Earl Granville to transmit to you the copy of a letter from Messrs. Josselyn and Son, of Ipswich, requesting information as to a concession of the right of collecting guano on the Bounty Islands. uraapti It will be seen by reference to the Act of Parliament, 26th Victoria, cap. 23, that these islands are within the limits of the Colony of New Zealand, as defined by that Act. ..;; *:?::"* Lord Granville would bo glad if the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty could inform him whether the islands have ever been formally taken possession of by Great Britain or any other power. I am, &c, The Secretary to the Admiralty. E. Eogees.

Enclosure 3 in No. 32. Mr. Lusiiington to the Undee Seceetaey of State, Colonial Office. Sic, — Admiralty, 14th January, 1870. With reference to your letter of the 6th January, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for the information of Earl Granville, that the Bounty Isles are within the limits of the Colony of New Zealand, as described by Act of Parliament, They were discovered by Captain Bligh in 1788, and were visits! by the Colonial steamship " Victoria" in 1865; 5