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The Governor's suggestions appear to afford a very satisfactory solution of the difficulty, and Ministers will be glad if the Governor will be pleased to make application accordingly, on behalf of the colony, to the Imperial Government for the services of an officer of Engineers, " to be selected with special reference to his knowledge of matters relating to the design and construction of batteries for harbour defence." Feed. Whitakeb. 16th April, 1883.

No. 4. His Excellency the Govebnoe to the Seceetaet of State for the Colonies. My Loed, — Government House, Auckland, 22nd April, 1883. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a memorandum addressed by me to my Ministers, with reference to Colonel (now Major-General) Scratchley's report, dated Ist March, 1880, suggesting that they should obtain the services of an officer of Royal Engineers to prepare plans for the defensive works required to place the principal harbours of New Zealand in a state of defence: together with a memorandum in reply thereto, addressed to me by my Ministers. In accordance with those memoranda, I have the honour to suggest that application should be made to the Secretary of State for War, to select an officer specially qualified for this dutv ; and that the War Office should be requested to communicate with Sir Francis Dillon Bell, the Agent-General for New Zealand, who will have received instructions from my Government on the subject. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby, &c. Wm. F. Dbummond Jeevois.

No. 5. The Peemiee to the Agent- Genebal. Sie, — Auckland, New Zealand, 23rd April, 1883. I have the honour to enclose herewith—(l) A memorandum addressed by the Governor to Ministers on the defences of the colony ; (2) a copy of my reply. The Government of New Zealand will be glad if you will give your best attention to this matter, with a view to give effect to the arrangements proposed to be made for carrying out the intentions of the General Assembly. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, Feed. Whitakee. Westminster Chambers, London.

No. 6. The Agent-General to the Peemiee. Premier, New Zealand. Me harbour defences: Lord Derby promises assistance. Have seen Steward and Seratchley. Steward cannot leave, but discussing another scheme. Bell. London, June 9.

By Authority : Q-soegb Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB3.