A.—4c.

1885. NEW ZEALAND.

FEDERATION AND ANNEXATION A FEDERAL COUNCIL AND NEW GUINEA PROTECTORATE. (FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE RELATING THERETO.)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. The Peemiee, Victoria, to the Pebmieb, New Zealand. South Austealian Assembly has passed address for Federal Council by majority of twenty-two. sth September, 1884. James Seevice.

No. 2. Tho Peemiee, Victoria, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Invite your attention to the still unsettled and unsatisfactory condition of the Islands question. We have gained something as regards Guinea ; but even that is imperfect, leaving out, as I understand, north-west portion. As regards other islands, the policy of delay adopted by Lord Derby simply increases the difficulties. Twelve months ago the Islands might have been ours without difficulty; now at any moment another Power may appear upon the scene. All considerations induce me to submit at the present juncture that we make unitedly one more effort to prevail upon England to make a complete work by establishing protectorate over unappropriated islands, respecting, of course, international obligations. If you concur in this, the course I should suggest is that colonies having an Agent-General should instruct by telegram their Agents to consult and make one more united effort with Lord Derby, or even the Premier. Colonies not having an Agent, but concurring, to authorize one of the other colonies to speak for them in this matter. To leave matter where it is would be an impotent conclusion to our efforts; but, more than that, we should be letting slip an opportunity that may never recur. James Seevice, Melbourne, 17th September, 1884. Chairman of Convention Committee.

No.-3. The Peemiee, New Zealand, to the Peemiee, Victoria. Pacific Islands.—Quite concur. Will instruct Agent-General as you suggest. Telegraph me terms your cablegram to Agent-General and we will send one in accordance. 18th September, 1884. Eobeet Stout.

No. 4. The Peemiee, Victoria, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Pacific Islands. —Form of telegram to our Agent-General will be simply instructing him to consult and zealously co-operate with Agents-General of other colonies in making one more effort with Lord Derby, or even Mr. Gladstone, if necessary, to establish as speedily as possible a protectorate over these Islands and New Guinea. Melbourne, 23rd September, 1884. James Seevicb.

No. 5. The PitEMiEK to the Agent-Genebal. Pacific Islands.-—Co-operate zealously with Agents-General induce Imperial Government establish speedily protectorate Islands generally and New Guinea. Victoria desires representation be made direct to Ministers. We concur. 25th September, 1884. Eobebt Stout I—A. 4c.