17

D.—2

Majesty's vessels to the spot. I must respectfully submit that the merchant marine of Great Britain has grown up by the exercise of a fearless enterprise, which relied on itself rather than on Government aid. Notwithstanding the opinion of the Admiralty, merchant ships continue to pass near the Crozet group. I have myself passed close to it, and probably at least a ship a week passes within three hundred miles of it. When property only is at stake, the mercantile marine usually takes care of itself; but when life or death is the question at issue, it has been usual to look to Her Majesty's ships to spare no pains, and to be deterred by no fear from rendering the promptest aid. A nation which again and again, and yet again, sent out costly expeditions to search for the remains of Sir John Franklin and his party cannot rest contented under the possibility, not to say probability, that some seventy human creatures may be wearing away their lives upon forlorn islands, close to a much-frequented track, without seeking to solve the question. Fortunately, the solution is at once easy and comparatively cheap. One of Her Majesty's vessels, with little risk or expenditure, can call off the group; and, as I have said, even if the "Knowsley Hall" survivors are not there, the cause of humanity will be served by a visit after an interval of three years, and by the establishment of a depot containing stores for the use of shipwrecked persons. I am aware that on a previous occasion My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty expressed au unfavourable opinion concerning the establishment of a depot at the Crozets, for various reasons given. Some of those reasons are partially met by Captain Brine's experience on his visit to the group in the " Wolverine;" and for the rest I respectfully urge that those reasons are not sufficiently a justification for leaving without succour a group of dangerous islands, to the near neighbourhood of which ships, whether prudently or not, are in the habit of resorting. However, I am more concerned in asking for a search after the " Knowsley Hall " than for the establishment of a depot. I may point out that, whilst I am moved in this matter by the Government of New Zealand, the question is not one of a colonial character. The vessel, it is true, was proceeding to New Zealand; but she sailed from England, and the relations and friends of the unhappy seventy people on board reside in this country. I feel sure that I am uttering an opinion that would be echoed by hundreds of thousands of persons if the facts were known, when I add that the people of this country cannot rest contented with the possibility—not to say probability—of seventy human beings being allowed to perish for want of aid on a group of islands situated about a thousand miles from Her Majesty's possessions in South Africa, and within two hundred miles of a much-frequented sea-way. I have, &c., The Right Hon. W. H." Smith, Julius Vogel, First Lord of the Admiralty. Agent-General for New Zealand.

Enclosure 3 in No. 28. Admiral Hall to the Agent-General. Sir, — Admiralty, 2nd December, 1879. In reply to your letter of the 28th ultimo, representing the necessity of sending one of Her Majesty's ships to the Crozet Islands to search for the supposed survivors of the ship " Knowsley Hall," I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to inform you that H.M.S. " Comus" will shortly proceed to China, and will be ordered to examine the Crozet Islands and ascertain if any shipwrecked people are among them. My Lords, however, observe that your letter contains no reason whatever for supposing that the " Knowsley Hall" has been wrecked on those islands, or has foundered near them. I am further to remark that their Lordships are unable to undertake to provide a depot of provisions and other stores at the Crozets; and they cannot too earnestly urge on all who have any interest in the mercantile marine of Great Britain that ships should not be encouraged to run so far south as these islands, for by doing so the masters not only endanger the lives and property in their charge, but most probably lengthen the voyage to a considerable extent. I have, &c., Sir Julius Vogel, Agent-General for New Zealand. Robert Hall.

Enclosure 4 in No. 28. The Agent-General to the Premier. (Telegram.) London, 3rd December, 1879. Have persuaded Admiralty let " Comus," shortly proceeding- China, examine Crozets. They will not establish depot there. Will Government New Zealand aid, if money privately subscribed, establish depot. Reply prompt. The Premier, Wellington. Vogel. 3-D. 2.