A.—4c.

No. 6. The Agent-Geneeal to the Pbemiee. Toubs yesterday. Position requires extreme care, because Sydney Agent-General been directed not to press Colonial Office. Advise your urging Sydney allow concerted action here. 26th September, 1884. F. D. Bell.

No. 7. The Peemiee, New Zealand, to the Pbemiee, Victoria. Afteb considering telegram from New Zealand Agent-General (copy subjoined) cable whether you think we can be of use in inducing Sydney take concerted action; also whether Sydney's defection will not prevent concerted action being of use. This Government desires act other Governments unitedly. Copy Agent-General's telegram : " Yours yesterday. Position requires extreme care, because Sydney Agent-General been directed not press Colonial Office. Advise your urging Sydney allow concerted action here." 27th September, 1884. ___^____ ra^____«__mm _ Eobeet Stout.

No. 8. The Peemiee, Victoria, to the Pbemieb, New Zealand. The attitude of New South Wales greatly to be regretted, and I thank you much for offering to assist in inducing Stuart to co-operate. Kindly do so in the way you think best, and inform of result. All the other colonies are heartily united, and should persevere even if we cannot have the assistance of Sydney. Melbourne, 29th September, 1884. James Seevice.

No. 9. The Agent-Geneeal to the Peemieb. Pacific Islands.—Necessary know following before concerted action possible: Firstly, whether co-operate Victorian Agent-General federation; secondly, whether you contribute share of £15,000. Obviously cannot press Colonial Office take action without sharing. 29th September, 1884. _ ' F. D. Bell.

No. 10. The Pbemieb, New Zealand, to the Peemiee, New South Wales. Wish you could see your way to instructing your Agent-General co-operate with others in pressing Lord Derby re protectorate Guinea and other islands. We have agreed to join, but are very reluctant to appear in disunion with New South Wales. Hope you will excuse my urging you, in memory of long amity with this colony, to join in the representation. Delay very dangerous. Several countries undoubtedly disposed place difficulties in way, and these will increase the longer decision delayed. 30th September, 1884. Robeet Stout.

No. 11. The Peemiee, Victoria, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Uegent newspaper telegram this morning says that Bell has declined to co-operate with other Agents-General unless Samuel, for New South Wales, also joins. I presume there is some error here, and shall be glad to be in a position to contradict. Kindly reply promptly. Tasmania has now joined in the movement, and asks our Agent-General to act for her. The Australian concert is thus complete, only except New South Wales. Melbourne, 2nd October, 1884. James Sebvice.

No. 12. The Peemieb, New South Wales, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. This Government's desire is to carry out Convention's resolutions, which were annexation or protectorate of New Guinea, and leaving Imperial Government entirely free to take its own course with regard to the other islands, with only the expression of our opinion that their annexation by foreign Powers would be inimical to welfare of these colonies. Sydney, 3rd October, 1884. Alex. Stuabt.

No. 13. The Peemieb to the Agent-Geneeal. Guinea, Pacific Islands.—lnstruct you immediate co-operate heartily vigorously Agent-General Victoria. May state, supposing necessary, Federal Council Bill remains undecided. Fifteen thousand, will recommend Parliament, New Zealand pay proportion. 3rd October, 1884. Bobebt Stout.

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