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formation, and it was not until the papers were returned to me a few days since that I ascertained that the matter referred to in them had not been brought under the consideration of Messrs. Mac Arthur and Co., of Auckland, as desired by you. I accordingly requested the Colonial Secretary to transmit a printed copy of your despatch to the firm, which was done; and, on my arrival here last week, I received a letter from Mr. Larkins, the resident partner in the firm, a copy of which I now enclose. 2. I gave Mr. Larkins the interview he asked for, when he satisfied me that the plantation on Samoa, on which the cruelties to Polynesian labourers referred to in your despatch took place, is not the property of his firm ; and that Mr. Cornwall, who works the estate, is not an agent of Messrs. Mac Arthur and Co., but merely a customer, purchasing goods from the firm, and paying for them either in money or produce. 3. Mr. Larkins at the same time informed me that, although he has no control whatever over Mr. Cornwall, he intends to intimate to him that, if there should be any repetition of the cruelties complained of upon plantations worked by him, Messrs. Mac Arthur and Co. will decline to transact business with him. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 44. (Vide Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, 1879, Vol. 1., A.-6, page 10.)

No. 45. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Roblnscn, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 38.) Government House, Wellington, SIR— New Zealand, 15th July, 1879. I have the honor to forward a copy of a letter which I have received from Sir George Grey, covering two letters which he has addressed to you —one in continuation of previous correspondence respecting the retention of the title of "Honorable" by retired Judges of the Supreme Court within the limits of New Zealand, and the other urging, with reference to the distinctions recently conferred upon Sir W. Eox and Sir E. Stafford, that in a colony with a representative Constitution the Crown cannot, in his opinion, constitutionally bestow honors for political or administrative services of a local character without the advice of Ministers who are responsible to the people of this colony. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 45. The Hon. the Premier to His Excellency the Governor. Sir, — Government Offices, Wellington, 7th July, 1879. I have the honor to request that your Excellency will be so good as to forward to the Secretary of State for the Colonies the enclosed two letters—one referring to the conferring of titles or honors upon residents in New Zealand, and the other being in continuation of correspondence respecting the title of "Honorable" being borne, within the colony, by retired Judges of the Supreme Court and others. I have, &c, His Excellency the Governor. G. Grey.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 45. The Hon. the Premier to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. Sir, — Wellington, New Zealand, 2nd July, 1879. I have the honor to bring under your notice that, in your despatch to the Marquis of Normanby of the 16th September last, you state that you entertain no doubt that the Crown