A.—2.

8

It is also desirable that their Lordships should be furnished, before the Ist of November next, with such information, on the points above referred to, as Her Majesty's representatives in foreign countries which export animals to the United Kingdom may be able to obtain through the British Consulates.

No. 6. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby. (No. 42.) My Lord,— Downing Street, 18th September, 1878. I referred for the consideration of the Board of Trade the papers connected with the inquiry held into the circumstances attending the wreck of the barque "Ann Gamble," which accompanied your Despatch No. 31, of the 18th of July; and I have the honor to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, a copy of a reply which I have received from that department, together with a copy of a previous letter from the Board of Trade on the same subject. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, G.C.M.G., &c.

Enclosure 1 in No. 6. The Boaed of Trade to the Colonial Office. Board of Trade (Marine Department), Whitehall Gardens, S.W., 3rd September, 1878. Sir, — Casualties. I am directed by the Board of Trade to transmit to you a copy of a despatch from the New Zealand Government, relative to an inquiry held into the wreck of the barque "Ann Gamble," and I am to request you to move Sir Michael Hicks Beach to cause the report of the inquiry, and other documents referred to, to be forwarded to this department as soon as they are received in the Colonial Office. I have, &c., The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. George J. Swanston.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 1 in No. 6. The Marine Depaktment, New Zealand, to the Board of Trade. New Zealand Marine Department, Sir,— Wellington, 18th July, 1878. I have the honor to forward herewith casualty return for the barque "Ann Gamble," which vessel was wrecked at the Bluff Harbour, in this colony, on the 16th May last. The report of the Court of Inquiry, together with a copy of the depositions of witnesses, and the master's certificate, which was suspended for six months, have been forwarded to His Excellency the Governor for transmission to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. His Excellency, who confirmed the report, has been advised to recommend that the Board of Trade should re-issue Captain Morgan's certificate at once; and has also, under the provisions of "The Inquiry into Wrecks Act, 1869/-" directed that a New Zealand certificate as master should be granted to him in the meantime, which has been done; and such certificate has, at Captain Morgan's request, been forwarded to the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen, as he left the colony before it was issued. On the return of Captain Morgan's Board of Trade certificate, I should feel obliged if you would obtain from him, and return to this department, the New Zealand certificate above referred to. I have, &c., The Assistant Secretary, Marine Department, R. Johnson, Board of Trade. Officer in Charge.

Enclosure 2 in No. 6. The Board of Trade to the Colonial Office. Board of Trade (Marine Department), Whitehall Gardens, S.W., 14th September, 1878. Sir,—- Inquiries Certificate. I am directed by the Board of Trade to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the sth instant, forwarding a despatch from the Governor of New Zealand, with a report of the inquiry held into the circumstances attending the wreck of the "Ann Gamble."