H.—39

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influence us in such a matter, we feel it to be our duty most respectfully to record this our strong and unanimous conviction, and to request your Excellency to take an early opportunity of bringing it under the notice of Her Alajesty's Government in Great Britain. I have, &c, His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. E. W. Stafford.

No. 17. Despatch No. 99.—23 rd October, 1871. —Requesting that Sir David Monro may be allowed a seat in the Legislative Council, on his retirement from the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 99.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord,— 23rd October, 1871. I have the honor to transmit and to recommend to favourable consideration the enclosed letter from the present Speaker of the House of Representatives (Mr. Dillon Bell), forwarding a resolution recently passed by the House of Representatives to the effect " That a respectful address be presented to His Excellency the Governor requesting that Her Most Gracious Majesty may bo moved to confer on Sir David Monro, late Speaker of this House, some mark of Her Majesty's approbation on his retirement from the Chair. (2.) It will be seen from the accompanying Ministerial memorandum that I am requested to " inform Her Alajesty's Government that it would fulfil the intention of the House if a seat in the Legislative Council should be offered to Sir David Alonro." (3.) The resolution referred to above was proposed by Mr. Fox, the head of the Ministry, seconded by Mr. Stafford, the leader of the Opposition, and carried unanimously. (4.) Sir David Alonro was an early settler in New Zealand, and has for a lengthened period taken a prominent part in the public affairs of the colony, as I have already mentioned in my Despatch No. 81, of the 2nd September ultimo. He filled with dignity and efficiency the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives for ten years and during two Parliaments, and lately expressed his wish to retire on account of temporary ill health. It should be added that Sir David Monro has taken an active part alike in the development of the natural resources of the country and in the promotion of science and literature. He was knighted by patent in 1866. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley, &c, &c. G. F. Bowen.

No. 18. Despatch No. 106. —9th November, 1871. —Recommending that Mr. Henry Sewell be allowed to retain the title of " Honorable." Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 106.) Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, My Lord, — 9th November, 1871. Adverting to my despatch of 21st June, 1870, No. 61, I have now the honor to report that Air. Henry Sewell has resigned his seat in the Executive Council and his office in the present Alinistry, in consequence of a political difference with his late colleagues. (2.) In accordance with tho practice established here and in other colonies, I have the honor to recommend that Air. Sewell may receive Her Alajesty's gracious permission to retain the title of " Honorable." He was one of the founders of the Canterbury settlement, and has taken a prominent and active part in the public affairs of this colony, having been a member of several successive Alinistries during a period considerably exceeding three years. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley, &c, &c. G. F. Bowen.

No. 19. Despatch No. . —6th February, 1872.—Notifying that Her Majesty has been pleased to authorize that Mr. Henry Sewell shall retain the title of " Honorable." Copy of Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.AI.G. (New Zealand, No. .) Sir, — Downing Street, 6th February, 1872. I have received your Despatch No. 106, of the 9th November last, in which you recommend that A[r. Henry Sewell, who has retired from the Executive Council after having been a member of it for periods amounting in the aggregate to considerable more than three years, may receive the Queen's gracious permission to retain the title of " Honorable " ; and I have to acquaint you that Her Alajesty has been graciously pleased to authorize compliance with that recommendation. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., &c, &c. Kimberley.