A.—6

13

the very same post brought a letter from the Colonial Secretary of New Zealand to this Government, which conveys " the satisfaction of that Government at the course this Government adopted in the business." Another fact deserving of notice is that although Sir James Fergusson challenges the legality of the Victorian proclamation, he does not appear to question the validity of the proclamation of New South Wales (or any of the other Colonies), though precisely the same objections might have been urged to it, and it preceded that of any other Colony. Addressing the Governor of this Colony on such a question, and in the manner he did, argues on Sir James Fergusson's part a strange want of knowledge of the facts of the case, or a disregard of the practice and settled principles under which Responsible Government is conducted; and I desire only further to add that while this Government will be pleased in every way to receive representations, and, if possible, to adopt the requests of other administrations, so far as may be consistent with its duty, I am not advised that the prohibition is illegal, and until I am so instructed by the legal advisers of your Excellency's Government, I must decline to act upon the opinion of the advisers of Sir James Fergusson, though I am quite willing to consider and submit information on the subject, transmitted according to the practice in all previous communications between the two Governments. J. G. Francis, Chief Secretary's Office, Melbourne, 2nd January, 1874. Chief Secretary. Appendix A. "Argus," 23rd October, 1873. Sydney, Wednesday. The Government have issued a proclamation prohibiting the importation of cattle or fodder from New Zealand or Victoria, because the latter Colony has refused to prohibit the importation of New Zealand cattle. Appendix B. See three telegrams, enclosures to the Chief Secretary's letter, dated Melbourne, 31st October, 1873, No. 5,001, ante p. 9. » [Extract from Government Gazette of Victoria, No. 11, of 13th February, 1874.] Peoclamation [Bevoking former Proclamation Prohibiting Introduction of Cattle, Sfc, from New Zealand^ By His Excellency Sir Geoege Feegttson Bowen, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Colony of Victoria and its Dependencies, and Vice-Admiral of the same, &c, &c, &c. Wheeeas by a Proclamation under my hand and the Seal of the Colony, bearing date the twentyfourth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three, the introduction from New Zealand into Victoria was prohibited of all cattle, sheep, and pigs, or of meat, skins, hides, horns, hoofs, or other parts of any animals, or of hay, straw, fodder, or other articles likely to propagate the diseases which the Intercolonial Conference, held at Sydney in the year aforesaid, had it in view to guard against: And whereas the result of inquiries is that no disease among stock, not common to the other Colonies of Australasia, now exist in New Zealand: Now therefore, I, the Governor of Victoria, with the advice of the Executive Council, do hereby revoke the proclamation hereinbefore referred to, bearing date the twenty-fourth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three. Given under my hand and the Seal of the Colony, at Melbourne, this ninth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-four, and in the thirty-seventh year of Her Majesty's reign. (1.5.) G. F. Bowen. By His Excellency's command. J. G. Feancis, Chief Secretary. God sate the Queen ! His Excellency Sir James Febgtjsson, Bart., to His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen. Sic, — Government House, Wellington, N.Z., 20th February, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Excellency's Despatch of the 28th January, in which you enclose a copy of a Ministerial Memorandum signed by the Chief Secretary of Victoria, which your Responsible Advisers have requested you to forward, in reply to the Despatch which, by the desire of my Responsible Advisers, I addressed to you upon the 25th of November last, with reference to a proclamation issued by your Excellency, prohibiting the introduction into Victoria from New Zealand of certain animals and commodities. I have communicated that Despatch and Memorandum to my Advisers, who will doubtless give to them the earliest consideration in their power; but the Premier being at this moment in Auckland, some delay in making a reply may possibly take place.