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A.—2

No. 74. Copy of a DESEATCH from the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to the Oeeicer Administering the Government of New Zealand. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 28th September, 1879. A question having recently been raised as to the right of a colonial Governor, when absent from his colony, to receive salutes and to use the Governor's flag, I have thought it desirable to lay down the rule of which a copy is enclosed, and which should follow No. 159 of the present Colonial Eules and .Regulations. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure in No. 74. A colonial Governor absent from his colony on leave, or otherwise than on a special mission expressly authorized by Her Majesty's Government, is not entitled to any salute, or to fly any flag, as these attributes are only allowable when he is actually representing the Sovereign. A Governor so absent should promptly decline all salutes or other official recognitions of a Royal character from any foreign ship or troops; but he should avail himself of any offer made to him to be received on board, or conveyed by Her Majesty's ships or boats ; though he cannot demand this attention.

No. 75. Copt of a DESEATCH from the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to Governor Sir Hercules Eobinsot*-, (No. 49.) Sir, — Downing Street, Ist October, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt ot your Despatch No. 45, of the 11th August last, informing me of the prorogation ot the Eourfch Session of the Sixth Earliament of New Zealand, with a view to its immediate dissolution. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. Governor Sir Hercules Eobinson, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 76. Copy of a DESEATCH from the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to Governor Sir Hercules Eobinson. (No. 50.) Sir, — Downing Street, Ist October, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 18, of the 15th ultimo, informing me of the dissolution of the General Assembly of New Zealand. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. Governor Sir Hercules Eobinson, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 77. Copy of a DESEATCH from the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to Governor Sir Hercules Eobinson. (No. 51.) Sir,— Downing Street, Ith October, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 43, of the Bth August last, forwarding copies of the Addresses presented to you by the Legislative Council and House of Eepresentatives in reply to your Opening Speech, together with copies of your rejoinders. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. Governor Sir Hercules Eobinson, G.C.M.G., &c.