A.—4b.

Enclosure 2. The Agent-Geneeal to the Peemiee. Numbee fifty. From what passed yesterday, think Colonial Office will continue suspend assent until you decide respecting Convention Bill. 15th October, 1884. F. D. Bell.

No. 3. The Agent-Geneeal to the Peemieb. "Sie, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 20th November, 1884. I transmit to you herewith copy of a letter I have received from the Colonial Office, stating that Lord Derby had decided to give no advice to Her Majesty, for the present, respecting the Confederation and Annexation Bill passed last year, but that his Lordship would probably soon make a further communication on the subject. I sent you, immediately on receiving that letter, a telegram informing you of its tenor; copy ■of the same is annexed. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure 1. The Colonial Office to the Agent-Geneeal. Sie, — Downing Street, 15th November, 1884. In reply to your letter of the 15th ultimo, I am directed by the Earl of Derby to inform you that Her Majesty's Government have not failed to give their careful attention to the Bill passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand, intituled " The Confederation and Annexation Bill, 1883," which was reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure. They, however, think it preferable not to advise Her Majesty with regard to it at the present moment, as various questions connected with the islands of the Western Pacific are under consideration. Lord Derby will probably be able, at no distant date, to make a further communication to you on the subject. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Eobeet G. W. Heebeet.

Enclosure 2. The Agent-Geneeal to the Peemiee. Bill fifty. Colonial Office prefers not advising Queen at present, because various questions connected Pacific Islands under consideration, but promises further statement soon. 17th November, 1884. F. D. Bell.

By Authority : Geobge Didsbuby, Government Printer, "Wellington.—lBBs.

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