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with respect to the presence of Her Majesty's ships on the coast of New Zealand. 2. That, after the withdrawal of the troops, it was understood by the Commissioners who went to England to confer with Her Majesty's Government, and especially by the present Premier of the New Zealand Ministry, Mr. Vogel, who had some correspondence on the subject with your Lordship, that Her Majesty's Government, without giving any pledge, because such pledge would be inconsistent with the general conditions of the service, would endeavour to allow two ships to show themselves frequently off the coasts of New Zealand; but that, except when vessels have met for the purpose of relief, two of Her Majesty's ships have not for a long time been stationed on this coast. 3. That they are aware of the duty imposed on the squadron in connection with the " Labour Traffic " amongst the Pacific Islands, and, believing that such duty is rather likely to be increased than diminished, they desire, upon the appointment of a new Commodore, to urge the claims of this Colony to the presence of two men-of-war, notwithstanding the requirements in other quarters. 4. They wish most respectfully to point out that there are certain duties due to New Zealand, with the performance of which no other duties should be allowed to interfere. They have a very strong opinion of the advantage of Her Majesty's ships being seen off the coast, for a purpose of which the importance has been recognized by Her Majesty's Government, namely, "to prevent any impression " amongst the Natives, that the removal of the troops implies an abandonment of "the Colony by the Queen." 5. I shall inform Captain Goodenough of this representation so soon as he shall have assumed command of the station, although I cannot anticipate that, with the force at his disposal, he can afford to leave more than one ship here, as has generally been the case. I know, however, that the ship now here is about to cruise round the North Island. 6. It is perhaps right for me to mention that the French Admiral's flag-ship, an iron-clad frigate, is at present visiting the harbour of Auckland, having been recently repaired at Sydney. I have, &c, JAMES FERGUSSON, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. Governor.

No. 14. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor the Right Hon. Sir J. Fergusson, Bart., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 75.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 7th October, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge your Lordship's Despatch No. 50, of 31st July, 1873, informing me that Her Majesty's Government had decided to affirm the claims and counter-claims with respect to certain charges on account of Her Majesty's troops formerly stationed in New Zealand, which had been in dispute between the Imperial and Colonial Governments, and enclosing copies of correspondence with the War Office upon the subject. 2. My Advisers are satisfied with the adjustment of these accounts thus communicated, but they are " not prepared to concur in the understanding attached " by the Secretary of State for War to the present settlement, that the Government " of New Zealand are thereby debarred from making any future claims with respect "to such charges, should due grounds for such present themselves." I have, &c, JAMES FERGUSSON, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. Governor.

No. 15. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor the Bight Hon. Sir J. Fergusson, Bart., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 76.) Government House, Wellington, My Loud, — New Zealand, 14th October, 1873. I have the honor to transmit a Bill, which I have reserved for the

Enclosure 1. Governor's Salary Bill, 1873.