A.—4c.

ask their Governments, through the Chairman of the Convention Committee (Mr. Service), for instructions. I annex a copy of the telegranrthat was sent through Mr. Murray-Smith, and of the other messages, which have passed between yourself and me. This morning I have had the great satisfaction of receiving the cablegram containing your instructions for my private guidance. I shall not be able to address you thereon by the present mail, but I wish not to lose a day in saying that, if I correctly gather from the terms of that message the general principles by which you direct me to be guided, these are in absolute accord with what I have from the very first desired and hoped; and you will thus be assured, not only of the co-operation which it would have been my official duty in any case to give for the policy which my Government might lay down, but of that thorough concert of opinion and aim which, if it is not an impertinence in me to say so, may perhaps be of advantage to the colony at this moment. I have, &c, The Hon. the]Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

No. 36. The Agent-General to the Peemier. Sie, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 25th October, 1884. In the House of Commons last night, answering a question by Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, Mr. Evelyn Ashley made a statement of the steps taken about the protectorate over New Guinea, and I enclose you the Times report of it. You will notice that a contradiction was given to the rumour that an " understanding " had been come to with Germany about the north coast of the island, which, as you are aware, is excluded from the protectorate. You will not, however, understand this as meaning that nothing whatever had passed between the two Governments on the question of the Pacific Islands. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure. [The Times, Saturday, 25th October, 1884.] Paeliamentaby Intelligence.—House of Commons, Friday October 24. New Guinea. Sir M. Hicks-Beach asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he could inform the House of the precise extent and situation of the coast-line and of the territory comprised in the British protectorate of New Guinea; whether the British authorities would have jurisdiction over the subjects of foreign Powers as well as over the natives within the protectorate; and whether all settlement within the protectorate was for the present prohibited, and, if so, whether there was any precedent for such prohibition within British territory, and for how long it was to continue. The Lord Mayor asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he would inform the House what arrangements the Government had made in connection with the proposed establishment of a British protectorate in New Guinea; what amount of territory in the interior would be brought within British jurisdiction; and whether the Government had come to an understanding with Germany as to the occupation by the latter Power of the northern part of the island. Mr. Ashley.—The instructions to the Commodore on the Australian station are to proclaim the Queen's protectorate over the whole of the southern coast of New Guinea from the 141st meridian east longitude to East Cape in Goschen's Straits, and over the adjacent islands. It is not possible at present to define the inland limits of the British protectorate, as the country is unexplored and unknown; but it will extend as far as local circumstances may demand. British authority will have jimsdiction over the subjects of foreign Powers as well as over natives. Settlement within the protectorate is at present forbidden, but it is intended that as soon as Her Majesty's Commissioner assumes charge he shall, after consulting the Colonial Governments, make such provision for the occupation of land as may sufficiently protect the interests of the natives and prevent collisions with them. I may remind the right honourable gentleman that at the colonial Convention held at Sydney last year it was unanimously resolved that after the establishment of British jurisdiction in New Guinea no acquisition of land should be permitted except through the Crown, and then only for missionary or trading purposes. As to the question of precedents, lam not sure that experience would not assist us more than precedent: but there are, no doubt, cases in which the occupation of land in countries under British sovereignty and jurisdiction has been restricted, but I have not had time, owing to shortness of notice, to hunt them up. It is, however, quite obvious that there would be collisions and outrages if land were taken over from the natives of New Guinea without the control of a British officer. As to the question of an understanding with Germany as to her occupation of the northern part of the island, the answer is in the negative.

No. 37. The Agent-General to the Pebmieb. Pacific Islands.—lnstruct whether'"you wish me not acquaint Agents-General substance your views. Advise allowing, because sure transpire at Colonial Office. 25th October, 1884. F. D. Bell. ■■ 2—A. 4.0.

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