A.—2.

No. 31. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, sth February, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that the Secretary of State for War has requested an expression of my opinion as to whether the clause of the Commissariat Regulations, a copy of which is enclosed, gives sufficient protection to colonial revenues, or whether goods imported by contractors should first pay duty, and rebate be granted after the delivery of the goods have been made to the Commissariat Department. I have to request that you will favour me with your opinion on the subject. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. Tbe Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure in No. 34. 151. With the view of preventing articles which have been imported duty free for the use of Her Majesty's troops from being brought into general consumption without the payment of duty, it is directed that whenever any articles which have been so delivered for the use of the troops are subsequently returned upon the hands of tbe contractor, or sold, the District Commissary-General will forthwith apprise the officers of the Customs of the particular quantities and description of the articles so returned, in order that they may be enabled to receive the duty thereon.

No. 35. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, Bth Eebruary, 1879. I have the honor to acquaint you that Her Majesty's Government have been informed by the United States Minister in this country that General Grant, late President of the United States, accompanied by Mrs. Grant and their son, Colonel Frederick Grant, proposes to make a tour in India, and possibly in Australia and New Zealand, and has already embarked for that purpose from Marseilles. Her Majesty's Government are further informed that General Grant has been joined by the Hon. Mr. Borie, formerly Secretary of the United States Navy, and that the Government of the United States have placed at General Grant's disposal the ship "Richmond," which will meet the party at some Eastern port. I have to add that no salutes or official honors should be given in the event of General Grant visiting the colony under your government, but that he should receive all such courtesies as are proper in the case of a distinguished foreigner. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 36. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 11th Eebruary, 1879. I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a letter from the Eoreign Office, enclosing a copy of a note from the Italian Ambassador at this Court, applying on behalf of his Government for information as to the regulations in

26