3

H.—26

was the want of courtesy and consideration, whether intentional or not, shown to him by Sir George Grey, in neglecting for so long a period to give him any answer, when he must have known that the Governor had to make his arrangements for moving to Victoria. A matter to be entered on the minutes of Council must take place in Council; but, as Sir George Grey is anxious that his memorandum should appear on the minutes, the Governor will submit it, together with this reply, at the next meeting of the Council, and it will then be placed upon the minutes. Government House, Wellington, 24th January, 1879. Nobmanby.

No. 3. The Premier to His Excellency the Governor. Memorandum for His Excellency. Sic Geoege Gkey begs to acknowledge the receipt of the Governor's memorandum of the 24th instant. 2. His Excellency is mistaken in believing that Sir George Grey asked that the paper he addressed to the Governor on the 21st instant should be added to the minutes of Council, in reply to what took place at Council on the 14th instant. 3. Sir George Grey's only desire was that his paper of the 21st instant should remain on record in the Governor's Office, and that a copy should be preserved for record in the Premier's Office. He does not think that the paper should be placed upon the minutes of the Executive Council. 4. Sir George Grey further respectfully states that, in his belief, the Governor was not justified in entering upon the proceedings of the Executive Council of the 14th instant the minute which he understands His Excellency caused to be so recorded; and he respectfully protests against that minute having been so entered. 5. The remarks His Excellency was pleased to address to Sir George Grey upon the 14th instant were made before the business of the Council commenced, and without any warning or notice that the subject His Excellency alluded to was to be brought under the consideration of the Council; and certainly His Excellency's remarks formed no portion of the deliberations, acts, proceedings, votes, or resolutions of the Executive Council. His Excellency's Instructions particularly direct that the business of the Executive Council should not commence until the minutes of the last meeting be read over, and confirmed or amended as the case may require. This had not been done when His Excellency addressed his remarks to Sir George Grey. 6. Sir George Grey respectfully points out that His Excellency is not authorized by law or custom to depart from the explicit Instructions of Her Majesty upon this head, which Instructions are necessary as a matter of convenient regulation, as it prevents any member of the Council, in the heat of any temporary excitement, from giving vent to his feelings until the orderly and methodical commencement of the business, under the prescribed regulations, has allowed time for any heat to evaporate. 7. Generally, with regard to the observations His Excellency has been pleased, in his memorandum of the 24th instant, to make upon the subject of his applications for the use of the " Hinemoa," Sir George Grey is conscious that an investigation into each case would show that he had always acted for the good of the Service, and that his earnest desire, holding this object in view, was, in as far as possible, to meet His Excellency's wishes with the most courteous respect. 8. Sir George Grey was not aware that these various matters were in His Excellency's mind, and influencing him, when he made to Sir George Grey, on the 14th instant, the remarks he thought proper to address to him. Even a misunderstanding on His Excellency's part on these subjects would not, however, in Sir George Grey's belief, justify the treatment which he received from the Governor on the occasion alluded to. Wellington, 28th January, 1879. G. Geey.

No. 4. His Excellency the Goveenoe to the Peemiee. Memorandum for the Hon. Sir George Grey. The Governor presents his compliments to Sir George Grey, and begs to acknowledge the receipt of his memorandum of this day's date, and in compliance with Sir George Grey's request, the Governor did not bring his memorandum under the consideration of the Council. Government House, Wellington, 28th January, 1579. Noemanby.

No. 5. The Peemiee to His Excellency the Governoh. Memorandum for His Excellency. Sic George Geey presents his respectful compliments to the Marquis o£ Normanby. 2. Sir George Grey encloses, for His Excellency's information, copy of a communication made yesterday afternoon to the Colonial Secretary by a member of the House of Representatives. 3. The Governor will probably feel, from this communication, that Sir George Grey really had good reason to hesitate and ponder in coming to a decision in favour of the "Hinemoa" being sent out of the colony, for the purpose of proceeding to Melbourne and Sydney, whilst such a feeling of apprehension as is disclosed in this communication existed in the minds of a portion of the European population.