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No. 39. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 17.) . Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 14th May, 1879. With reference to your circular despatch of the sth February last, requesting an expression of my opinion as to whether clause 151 of the Commissariat Regulations gives sufficient protection to colonial revenues, I have now the honor to inform you that, having submitted the matter to my Ministers, I have received a memorandum from the Premier, a copy of which I enclose. 2. It will be seen from this memorandum that, in the opinion of the Customs authorities here, the protection of the colonial Customs revenue would be best secured by adopting the alternative, suggested in your circular, of charging duty on all goods imported by contractors for the use of Her Majesty's troops, and granting rebate on delivery to the Commissariat Department. I have, &c.j HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 39. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to Sir Hercules Robinson, and returns herewith the Colonial Office circular dated sth February, covering a proposed addition to the Imperial Commissariat Regulations. 2. The circular having been referred to the Secretary of Customs, the Premier learns that, in the opinion of the Customs authorities, it is very doubtful whether the proposed clause would give sufficient protection to the colonial revenue ; and that such protection would be best secured by requiring contractors to pay duty on all dutiable goods imported by them for the supply of Her Majesty's forces, the colony refunding the contractors, upon certificates from the proper Commissariat officer, the amounts of duty paid on the goods actually delivered. 3. This course, the Premier is informed, was adopted in New Zealand some years ago; and it worked satisfactorily when large numbers of Imperial troops were stationed in the colony. Wellington, 17th April, 1879. G. Grey.

No. 40. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 19.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 16th May, 1879. I have the honor to report that, on the 15th instant, I received a telegraphic despatch from the Governor of South Australia, of which the following is a copy:— " Received following telegram from Secretary of State : ' London, 13th May. " —Inform other Governors Treasury will continue present arrangements carriage "of mails; but, after first February next, will retain twopence, instead of penny. " —Hicks Beach.' " I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 41. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.0.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 21.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 20th May, 1879. In connection with my Despatch No. 16, of the 13tb May, I have now the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the