A.—No. 14

BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA.

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Prohibition of Arms and Ammunition to South Sea Islands. There is reason to think that arms and ammunition exported from the different Colonies to South Sea Islands find their way to New Zealand. In the interest of civilized humanity, even though in some quarters inconvenience be the result, a check should be interposed to indiscriminate exportation. Naval Defence, A suggestion of Mr. Fitzherbert's (late Colonial Treasurer of New Zealand) that some understanding should be come to between the Mother Country and the Colonies for the maintenance, at joint expense, of a naval force. The general subject of the relations between the Mother Country and the Colonies will crop up in the consideration of many of the questions already referred to ; but it would be well to make it also the subject of special and separate discussion. Julius Vogel, Melbourne, 10th November, 1869. Charles Knight.

No. 5. The Hon. J. MacPheeson to Hon. J. Vogel and Dr. Knight. (No. 3172.) Chief Secretary's Office, Gentlemen, — Melbourne, 16th November, 1869. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Memorandum, setting forth the subjects it is proposed to discuss at the Intercolonial Conference. After due consideration, I have the honor to inform you the Cabinet does not think it desirable to send a delegate to the Conference, as it is doubtful whether any advantage could result from it. But we shall be happy to join in any correspondence regarding matters of interest to the Colonies generally. I have, &c, Messrs. Julius Vogel and Charles Knight. John Macßheeson.

No. 6. The Hon. J. Vogel and Dr. Knioht to the Hon. J. Eobeetson. Sir,— Melbourne, 18th November, 1869. We have delayed replying to your telegram, in which you invited us to proceed to Sydney, as we considered that it was desirable to again request the Government of Victoria to take a part in the Conference. They delayed coming to a decision for nearly a fortnight. It was only two days since that decision was announced to us in a letter, copy of which we attach. We also send you copy of Memorandum with which we furnished the Government here. You will observe that we suggested some new subjects, but which we venture to think you will consider important. We propose to proceed to Sydney next week, say after the arrival of the English Mail, if it will be convenient to you to confer with us then. We believe, concerning several of the subjects set forth in the Memorandum, New South Wales and New Zealand may take joint action with great advantage, and we shall be glad to cement the friendly relations between the two Colonies. You may think it desirable to invite the attendance of representatives from Queensland, Tasmania, and South Australia, or any one or more of them; but we would rather not express an opinion on the point, leaving it entirely to your discretion. We have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, &c, Sydney. Chaeles Knight.

Note. —Various memoranda were agreed to subsequently, with the Colonial Secretaries of New South Wales and Queensland. Subject to the approval of the respective Governments, they were to be submitted to the respective Legislatures. The Queensland Government subsequently dissented; but correspondence on the subject is still proceeding between the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland. In the meanwhile, in the absence of Queensland's approval, it would be contrary to the understanding arrived at by the delegates to publish the documents.

No. 7. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey, Tasmania, to the Hon. W. Gisboene. (Circular D. 39.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sic, — Tasmania, 18th February, 1870. It will be in the recollection of the Government of New Zealand, that towards the close of 1868, Mr. Stafford, then Colonial Secretary of the Colony, in a Circular Despatch to the Government of tho 2