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lands East Indian Government in Java; with any account which those Governments would be so good as to furnish of the system of culture. 4. The Government are contemplating the direct encouragement of tobacco culture in the Province of Auckland, for which it appears to be well adapted, and which might supply the want of a special industry calculated to induce the progress of that Province at an equal rate with others. I have, &c, JAMES FERGUSSON, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. Governor.

No. 24. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor the Right Hon. Sir J. Fergtjsson, Bart., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimbekley. (No. 8.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 18th February, 1874. At the request of my Advisers, I have the honor to inform you that the Provincial Government of Otago are anxious to present Captain Jacquemart, of the French ship "La Vire," with a service of plate in recognition of the prompt assistance which he rendered to the shipwrecked passengers and crew of the immigrant ship " Surat," of the particulars of which I informed your Lordship in my Despatch No. 1, of 4th January, 1874. 2. I understand that, by the rules of the French naval service, Captain Jacquemart is not permitted to receive such a testimonial without permission of his Government. 3. I have therefore the honor to request that you will be so good as to move the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with a view to obtaining the requisite permission from the French Government. 4. The plate has been forwarded to the Agent-General for New Zealand in London, with instructions to hold it in his possession until communicated with by your Lordship on the subject. I have, &c, JAMES FERGUSSON, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. Governor.

No. 25. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor the Eight Hon. Sir J. Fergusson, Bart., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimbekley. (No. 9.) Government House, Wellington, My Loud, — New Zealand, 18th February, 1874. I have the honor to inform you that I have to-day returned here after an absence of three months, which I have spent in the Provinces of Canterbury and Otago, paying also, from the former, a short visit to Westland, upon the occasion of its proclamation as a Province, under an Act of the last Session of the General Assembly. 2. I had been led to expect that my residing for some time, during the Parliamentary recess, in the Provincial capitals would be generally acceptable, and comfortable residences were provided by the Provincial Governments, besides an ample supply of horses for my conveyance about the country. 3. I have thus been able to see at leisure these important and prosperous districts, and to become acquainted with their leading men to an extent that would be impossible by residing during the greater part of the year at the seat of Government. I was able to make arrangements for the despatch of business at my temporary residences, which obviated inconvenience. 4. The Provinces of Canterbury and Otago present striking evidences of their great capabilities and speedy development, and the Provincial administration