3

A.—3a,

A precedent for this is found in the history of the formation of the Dominion of Canada, on which occasion parties and party leaders who had been long opposed, coalesced for the purpose of forming that Federal Government which has so much enhanced the prosperity and importance of the Colonies united under it. In view of the attention which this movement has received from the Imperial Government, as well as from the English Press and people, it seems to me especially desirable, that the importance of the present occasion should not be under-estimated,, and I .feel that it would add greatly to the weight of the Convention's determinations, if it were made a thoroughly representative body. It is of course a question for each Colony to decide how many delegates it will send. I have, &c. James Service, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington, New Zealand. Premier. i iimi ♦ „

No. 9. The Peemiee, Victoria, to the Pbemieb, New Zealand. Ee Annexation of Adjacent Islands and Federation of Australasian Colonies. Sie, —■ Premier's Office, Melbourne, Bth October, 1883. Eeferring to my letter of the 11th September, naming the last week in November as the time for the meeting of the Convention agreed to be held in Sydney on this subject, I now have the honour to announce Wednesday, the 28th November, as the day for the meeting of the Convention. My telegram of the 6th instant, to this effect, you will, doubtless, have already received. I have, &c. James Service, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Premier.

No. 10. The Pbemieb, New Zealand, to the Pbemieb, Victoria. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, October 22nd, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram naming Wednesday, the 28th November, for the meeting, in Sydney, of the proposed Conference on Annexation and Confederation ; and also the receipt of your circular letter of the Bth instant, confirming that telegram. The Hon. Frederick Whitaker, M.L.C. (late Premier of the Colony) and myself have been requested by the Cabinet to represent New Zealand at the Conference, and we purpose reaching Sydney on or before the 28th November. I have, &c. The Hon. the Premier, Victoria. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 11. The Pbemieb to His Excellency Sir W. F. D. Jekvois. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to the Governor. The Governments of Australasia having had under consideration the advisability of taking ac tion with a view of promoting the Annexation of certain Islands of the Pacific, and a Confederation of the Colonies, it has been determined to hold, in Sydney, a Conference respecting those questions. The Cabinet have agreed to ask the Hon. Mr. Whitaker to act as one of the representatives of the New Zealand Government; and it has also been agreed that (should His Excellency see no objection) the Premier should himself go as the second representative. Wellington, 11th November, 1883. H. A. Atkinson.

By Authority: George Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4.