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No. 27. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 16.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 20th March, 1879. In reference to your despatch to the Marquis of Normanby, dated the 10th of October, 1878, and numbered 48, I have now the honor, at the request of Ministers, to forward to you six printed copies of a memorandum by Sir George Grey, and also a copy of a memorandum by the Attorney-General of New Zealand. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure 1 in No. 27. Memorandum on Secretary of State's Despatch, 10th October, 1878. (Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, 1879, Vol. 1., A.-5.)

Enclosure 2 in No. 27. Memorandum from the Attorney-General. I think it is to be regretted that the Imperial Government has come to the conclusion mentioned in this despatch (No. 48). Might not the Secretary of State for the Colonies be asked if the Government would permit New Zealand to obtain and have the management of the New Hebrides ? Robert Stout. 15 th January, 1879.

No. 28. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Bight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 1.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 27th March, 1879. I have the honor to report that I arrived here late last night, and have to-day been duly sworn-in as Administrator of the Government of this colony. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 29. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 4.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 31st March, 1879. Your circular despatch of the 17th January last having been laid by the Acting-Governor before Ministers, I have now the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which has been addressed to me by the Hon. the Treasurer, in the absence of the Premier, stating that arrangeiuejits have been made by this Government for the conveyance of mails between Auckland and San Erancisco until 1883, and intimating that the Agent-General of this colony will, as desired by you, be appointed to negotiate with Her Majesty's Government upon the subjects referred to in your despatch. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.