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discussing the annexation of the Samoan Group, as I promised the Samoan Parliament that I would do my best in their interests with the Premier and Government of New Zealand. Yours, &c. The Hon. Major Atkinson, Premier of New Zealand. John Lundon.

No. 3. The Peemieb to Mr. Lundon. Sie, — Government Offices, Wellington, March 20, 1884. I duly received your letter of February 25th, respecting your visit to the Navigator Islands, and as to the proposals made respecting their future government. I should have written to you sooner, had I not been hoping, day by day, to be able to fix the time for my visit to Auckland. Even now, lam not quite certain as to the matter, but I shall be very shortly, and I will then write again, giving you the date of my arrival in Auckland. I have, &c. John Lundon, Esq. Onehunga. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 4. The Peemieb to Mr. Lundon. John Lundon, Esq. Onehunga. Wellington, May sth. I hope to arrive Auckland Thursday next. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 5. The Peemiee to Mr. Lundon. Sie,— Government Offices, Wellington, May 30, 1884. I have now the honour to state, in writing, the opinions I expressed to you at our recent interview in Auckland, upon the alleged desire of certain Chiefs and a considerable section of the people of the Samoan group, to secure the annexation of those islands to New Zealand. At that interview, you explained your action during your late visit to the group, respecting which you had written to me; and you stated that a deputation desired to visit this Colony to urge their views upon Ministers. My colleagues agree with the opinions I stated to you, namely, that, the Assembly having passed "The Confederation and Annexation Bill, 1883," which was reserved for the expression of Her Majesty's pleasure, and has not yet been assented to, the Government are not in any way empowered to receive applications for annexation; and that now—in the absence of authority, and while the Imperial Government have the matter under consideration—to take action of any kind respecting Samoa, or to encourage the visit of the proposed deputation, would certainly prejudice, if not defeat, the object which it is stated a large proportion of the people of the group desire to secure. I have, &c. John Lundon, Esq. Onehunga. H. A. Atkinson.

Authority: Geokge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4.