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No. 37. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 15.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 13th May, 1879. In compliance Avith the request contained in your circular despatch of the 11th Eebruary last, I have the honor to forward copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, covering a report from the Collector of Customs, containing the information desired by the Italian Government respecting the production and manufacture of tobacco in this colony, as well as the rates of duty to which it is subject. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 37. Memorandum for His Excellency. Ministers have the honor to forward to His Excellency three copies of a memorandum by the Secretary of Customs supplying information respecting tobacco, for which information the Italian Government recently asked, through the Colonial Office, as explained in circular dated 11th February, 1879. G. S. Whitmore, Wellington, 9th May, 1879. (in the absence of the Premier.)

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 37. Memorandum for the Colonial Secretary. Tobacco has not yet been, cultivated to any great extent in New Zealand. Nearly the whole of the tobacco consumed in the colony is imported from the United States of America, either by direct shipments or through Sydney or Melbourne. There are no regulations in force respecting its production and manufacture. There is a Customs import duty of 2s. 6d. per lb. on manufactured and unmanufactured tobacco, and of ss. per lb. on cigars. William Seed, Secretary of Customs.

No. 38. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 16.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 13th May, 1879. I have the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which I have received from Sir George Grey, requesting me to transmit a petition to the Queen from the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Council of the University of Otago, praying for a grant of Letters Patent, giving general recognition throughout Her Majesty's dominions to the degrees of the University of Otago, and stating that Ministers desire to support with their recommendation the prayer of the petition. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 38. Memorandum for His Excellency. Ministers respectfully request His Excellency to transmit the enclosed petition, from the University of Otago to the Queen. Ministers venture to add that, in compliance with the request of the petitioners, they respectfully support with their recommendation the prayer of the petition. G. Grey.