A.- , No. 13.

A.—2.

The Postmaster-General has therefore decided, so long as the heavy expense at present incurred by this country for the conveyance of mails by sea continues, to oppose to the uttermost the movement originating in the German Post Office ; and he will use his best endeavours to induce that office to withdraw from the highly unreasonable attitude which, as a representative of inland interests, it has assumed. The Cape Colony and Natal are, in their degree, equally interested in opposing the German scheme; and, now that the British Colonies are beginning to support-mail packet services of their own, the question becomes one of large Colonial as well as Imperial concern. The Postmaster-General is entirely opposed to any reduction whatever of the present rates for sea-transit, which in actual circumstances are but moderate ; and he feels sure that Lord Kimberley will wish to put the Colonial Government of the Cape and Natal in possession of the circumstances detailed above. He is of opinion that, if those Colonies make an unqualified application for admission to the Union, they will run a very grave risk of incurring, within a comparatively short period, the loss of revenue incidental to a forced reduction of postage and a forced conveyance of mails from other countries at a payment of one-third of the present rate. Mr. Fawcett thinks it would be wise therefore if, when the application is made, it were coupled with two stipulations : (1) That the rates of payments for sea-transit, and the surtaxes, fixed by the Convention of Paris, shall not be reduced at all events until after the next quinquennial Congress to that of 1884; and (2) that the South African group of Colonies shall have a separate voice in the affairs of the Postal Union. The Postmaster-General attaches considerable importance to the second stipulation, because it has been found from experience that the great financial interests of the Empire are not adequately protected by the very small number of voices accorded to Great Britain and her possessions. Notice has already been given to the International Bureau of the Union that this country will apply at Lisbon for a more adequate representation of her Colonies; and it is thought that a stipulation in the same sense coming from a Colony not already pledged to the Union system would have great weight. Indeed, so anxious are some of the European Administrations to see the rest of our Colonies in the Union, that it is likely there would be a general preference for the accession of the South African group on these terms, rather than not at all. A similar preference would probably apply to the Australasian Colonies if they decided to apply for admission to the Union ; and the present opportunity may fitly serve to point out that the success of the German scheme would upset the whole calculations connected with the question of their adherence, just as it would those relating to the adherence of the Cape and Natal. I have, &c, E. G. W. Herbert, Esq., C.8., Colonial Office. S. A. Blackwood.

No. 23. The Secretary of State for the Colonies to His Excellency the Governor. (New Zealand, No. 52.) Sir, — Downing Street, 22nd December, 1882. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 79, of the 11th October, reporting the appointment of Mr. E. T. Conolly as a member of the Executive Council of New Zealand and Minister of Justice. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government DEEBY. of New Zealand.

No. 24. The Secretary of State for the Colonies to His Excellency the Governor. (New Zealand, No. 53.) Sir,— Downing Street, 27th December, 1882. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 80, of the 12th October, transmitting addresses from the Municipal Councils of Dunedin and Invercargill on the success of Her Majesty's forces in Egypt. I have to request that you will inform the members of these Councils that their addresses have been laid before the Queen, who was pleased to receive them very graciously. Her Majesty and Her Ministers have been much gratified at the expressions of congratulation contained in the addresses. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government DEEBY. of New Zealand.

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