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No. 19. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to the Oeeicer Administering the Government of New Zealand. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 6th December, 1878. I lxslvq the honor to transmit to you, for publication in the colony under your government, a copy of a treaty between Her Majesty and the King of Spain for the mutual surrender of fugitive criminals, as well as a copy of the Order in Council of 27th November, for carrying that treaty into effect. It will be observed tbat under Article 17 the treaty comes into operation ten days after its publication in conformity with the laws of the respective countries. It will therefore be in force in this country from the 9th instant. I have, &c.j M. E. HICKS BEACH. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure in No. 19. Copy of a Treaty between Her Majesty and the King of Spain for the Mutual Surrender of Fugitive Criminals. (See the New Zealand Gazette, 6th March, 1879.)

No. 20. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to Governor tho Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby. (No. 56.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 11th December, 1878. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches, No. 45, of the 13th of September, and No. 19, of the 12th of October last, enclosing an address to the Queen from the Legislative Council of New Zealand, expressing gratification at the success which has rewarded the efforts of the representatives of Her Majesty's Government at the Berlin Congress to secure a peaceful settlement of the Eastern question. I have to acquaint you that the address was duly laid before the Queen, who was pleased to receive it very graciously; and I request that, in informing the members of the Legislative Council through their Speaker, you will at the same time convey to them an expression of the high appreciation with which tho Imperial Government has received the assurance of their loyalty and patriotism. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 21. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach to the Oeeicer .Administering the Government of New Zealand. (Circular.) g lßj — Downing Street, 16th December, 1878. It is with the deepest regret that I have to communicate to you the melancholy intelligence of the death of Her Eoyal Highness the Grand Duchess of Hesse, Princess Alice of Great Britain and Ireland, second daughter of Her Majesty the Queen. Her Eoyal Highness expired at Darmstadt on the morning of the 11th instant, shortly before 8 o'clock, to the inexpressible grief of Her Majesty, the Eoyal Eamilv, and the nation. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. 3—A. 2.