A.—4c.

Enclosure. The Coloniali Office to the Agent-Genebal. 'Sib,— Downing Street, 30th October, 1884. With reference to previous correspondence, I am directed by the Earl of Derby to transmit to you a copy of a telegram which has been despatched to-day to the Governor of New South Wales respecting the appointment of General Scratchley as Special Commissioner to control the Queen'g protectorate in New Guinea, and the steps which it is desirable should be taken to make the protectorate efficient. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Edwabd Wingfield.

Sub-Enclosure. Copy Telegbam from Lord Debby to Lord A. Loftus, dated 31st October, 1884. The Queen has approved of General Scratchley as Special Commissioner to control protectorate in New Guinea. He will sail about 20th November. Her Majesty's Government think it desirable that the colonies contributing to the cost of the protectorate should appoint members of a Council of Advice in Australia to assist him. Please ascertain, and inform me by telegraph, whether your Government and other contributing Governments agree to be represented in this Council. It is intended that the Special Commissioner, who will be independent of High Commissioner, shall have jurisdiction over all persons within the protectorate, and that no land shall be acquired there except through him. He will also be Deputy Commissioner for portion of New Guinea outside protectorate. Admiralty recommend purchase in England of steamer for Special Commissioner; estimated cost, arrived in Sydney, sixteen or eighteen thousand pounds. To make him efficient, the £15,000 guaranteed must apparently be considerably increased. Telegraph whether contributing colonies will double their contributions for this purpose. If not, Scratchley must make best practical arrangements he can after arrival in Australia.

No. 42. The Pbemieb, New Zealand, to the Pbemiee, Victoria. New Guinea. —What do you think of request to double contribution ? It is great blow to us to find that the contribution is to be devoted entirely to Guinea, and no thought of other islands entertained. Ist November, 1884. Eobebt Stout.

No. 43. The Pbemieb, New Zealand, to the Peemieb, New South Wales. Does New South Wales intend contribute New Guinea protectorate ? What are your views as to request for doubling contribution ? We feel much dissatisfied that other islands ignored; only New Guinea thought of. Ist November, 1884. Eobebt Stout.

No. 44. The Acting Colonial Secbetaby, New South Wales, to the Pbemieb, New Zealand. Our intention is to contribute according to agreement. We are unable to enter into any undertaking for doubling contribution. William Bede Dalley. Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 3rd November, 1884.

No. 45. The Pbemieb, Victoria, to the Pbemieb, New Zealand. Yesterday close holiday here : excuse delay. We think better delay question of doubling contribution till Scratchley's arrival. Information at present insufficient. We feel, with you, disappointment that contribution should be devoted solely to New Guinea. The southern colonies quite as much interested in other islands. At same time we think proposalfor Consulting Council a great concession, and have little doubt, if foreign Powers stay their hands for awhile, protectorate will be greatly extended. Every new development shows necessity for some federal body to give expression to common sentiment. Without some form of union we are helpless. James Sebvice. Melbourne, sth November, 1884.

No. 46. The Agent-Genebal to the Peemieb. Sib, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 6th November, 1884. Since -writing to you on the 25th ultimo, No. 472, I received your permission by telegram (copy of which is annexed) to communicate the substance of your views respecting the Pacific .question to the other Agents-General.

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