A.-l

17

No. 21. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 6.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 21st Eebruary, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that yesterday His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby, the Governor of New Zealand, departed from New Zealand for Melbourne, in Victoria, in order to assume the government of that colony. 2. The Marquis of Normanby prior to his departure delivered to me, as Chief Justice of New Zealand, Her Majesty's Commission to administer the government in his absence; and I have this day, having first taken the required oaths in the presence of several members of the Executive Council, assumed the government of this colony, pending the arrival of His Excellency Sir Hercules Robinson. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 22. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 7.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 28th Eebruary, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that, in compliance with your directions, received by telegraphic despatch delivered here last night, I have written to Sir George Grey, conveying your thanks for his suggestions as to Natal, and stating that they would receive attention. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 23. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 9.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, Ist March, 1879. In reply to your Despatch No. 50, of the 18th October last, I have the honor to inform you that my Government will, in compliance with the request therein contained, forward as soon as possible to Messrs. Mac Arthur and Co., of Auckland, a copy of that despatch and its enclosures. 2. I enclose also printed copies of a memorandum by Sir George Grey, which I have the honor to transmit to you at the request of my Government. 3. I have not thought it necessary to make any observations on the matters referred to in this memorandum other than to remark that some immediate action is expedient, with a view to giving jurisdictioji to the Courts of this colony over British subjects committing grave offences in the Pacific Islands beyond the jurisdiction of this colony. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 23. (Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, 1879, Vol. 1., A.-6.) 3—A. 1.