TO THE GOVERNOR OE NEW ZEALAND.

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A.—No. la,

favourable decision, would tend to establish a still more dangerous precedent. I do not doubt that the power thus given will, in the present instance, be fairly used; but I hope that the clause will not be re-enacted. Your Government would do well to consider whether any operation could practically be given to the provisions of the 30th section. It may be doubted whether a prisoner under sentence could be legally dealt with in the manner proposed, unless his consent were obtained. Without such consent, the articles or agreement would seem not to be binding on him, nor would the master of a ship be legally competent to detain him, out of Colonial waters. The 33rd section of the Act No. 57, which makes the selling Arms, &c, knowingly to rebels, or agents of rebels, a capital felony punishable by death, appears to me to be unnecessarily severe, and likely to deter people from giving information and juries from convicting. These provisions have probably received, as they have deserved, the serious consideration of the Legislature ; but I have thought it right to call your special attention to them in case it should be proposed to re-enact the law. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. GBANVILLE.

No. 39. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Earl Granville, E.G., to Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (No. 17.) Sir, — Downing Street, 28th January, 1870. I have to inform you that Mr. Dillon Bell and Dr. Eeatherston called upon me immediately on their arrival in England. I was fully aware of the ability and high character of these gentlemen, and my first interview with them, though it was impossible to enter largely into the subjects of their mission, leads me to hope that our intercourse will be of the most cordial kind, and that whatever differences may exist on particular points between their views and those of Her Majesty's Government, we shall be able to communicate with entire confidence, and co-operate heartily on those points in which co-operation is practicable. I think the mission was wisely decided on by your Government, and that the persons composing it could not have been better selected. I have, &c, Governor Sir George Bowen, G.C.M.G. GRANVILLE.

No. 40. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Bight Hon. Earl Granville, E.G., to Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (No. 18.) Sir, — Downing Street, 28th January, 1870. I have much pleasure in authorizing you to offer to Mr. Donald McLean the distinction of Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. lam aware, both from your Despatch of the Ist September last, and from other sources, of the high character Avhich Mr. McLean has long borne as a public officer. But in making this offer at the present moment, I desire particularly to recognize the value of his services in opening negotiations which promise a permanent pacification of New Zealand. Whether or not that promise is fulfilled, the Colony has great reason to be satisfied with the skill with which he has commenced his task, and Mr. McLean with the confidence which his character commands from the leaders of the Maoris. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. GRANVILLE. 7