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telegraphic despatch which has been sent to you this day : " Convey my thanks "to Grey. His suggestion Natal will receive attention." I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 39. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to Governor Sir Hercules Robinson. (General.) Sir, — Downing Street, 27th February, 1879. With reference to my despatch, marked " General," of the 24th December, I have the honor to transmit to you herewith Letters Patent, passed under the Great Seal, constituting the office of Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, together with instructions under the Royal sign-manual and signet to accompany the same. I also transmit the Queen's Commissions appointing you to be Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, and the Chief Justice or Senior Judge for the time being of New Zealand to be Administrator of the Government in the event of the death, incapacity, or absence of the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor. I have to request that you will return to me the Commissions noted in the margin,* in order that they may be cancelled in the usual manner. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G, &c.

No. 40. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. (Circular No. 1.) Sir, — Downing Street, 27th February, 1879. With reference to the Earl of Kimberley's circular despatch of the 27th of June, 1871, transmitting regulations respecting the supply of British silver coins to colonial Governments, I have the honor to enclose, for communication to your Legislature and for publication in the colony under your government, extracts of a letter from the Treasury enclosing revised regulations for the supply of new silver and bronze coin. 2. I entirely concur in the opinion expressed by the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury that, as the conditions of supply of new coin have now been made so favourable, it is incumbent on the Governors of Her Majesty's colonies to secure that the silver coinage is kept in proper condition by the systematical withdrawal of worn coin; and I trust that they will specially charge themselves with that duty. 3. Copies of this despatch and of its enclosures have been sent to the Crown Agents for the Colonies and to the Agents-General in London for the Australasian Colonies. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure in No. 10. Extracts from a Letter from the Treasury to the Colonial Office, dated 12th February, 1879. " Sir Michael Hicks Beach will perceive that the Mint will from henceforth defray all expenses connected with the shipment of silver and bronze coin to the port in the colony agreed

* 19th December, 1878, Sir Hercules Robinson, Administrator ; 7th November, 1874; Chief Justice or Senior Judge, Administrator.