A.—4c.

8. If any question should arise regarding the expense of governing Samoa, Tonga, and the Hervey Group, you may state that should they be annexed to New Zealand we will propose to Parliament to undertake their government, and I have no doubt our proposal would be heartily concurred in. Indeed, if Fiji were annexed to New Zealand, I believe we could govern it well and economically, and give every satisfaction to both races there. I have, &c, Sir E. Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., Agent-General, &c. Bobeet Stout.

No. 60. The Peemiee to. the Agent-Geneeal. Bbpoeted here Germany forced King Samoa treaty, under which sole control Government will rest with Germany. Chiefs, people, Parliament protest against treaty. Supposing negotiations occur, keep Samoa in view. Strong irritation here respecting Germany's action. We protest against Agents-General's suggestion giving New Hebrides to France provided she foregoes sending recidivistes New Caledonia. Compact seventy-eight respecting independence Hebrides must be observed. sth January, 1885. Eobebt Stout.

No. 61. The Peemieb, New Zealand, to the Peemieb, Victoria. Peesume newspapers have published report respecting German treaty with Samoan King. AgentsGeneral seem to have offered New Hebrides to France on condition no recidivistes are sent to New Caledonia. We protest against this arrangement. sth January, 1885. Eobebt Stout.

No. 62. The Agent-Genebal to the Peemiee. Samoa —Colonial Office knows nothing about treaty. Your orders respecting Hebrides noted. sth January, 1885. .___________„ F- D- Bell-

No. 63. The Peemiee, Victoria, to the Peemieb, New Zealand. We have seen nothing of German treaty with Samoa, and know of no offer such as you mention respecting New Hebrides. We objected to such arrangement long ago, and certainly our AgentGeneral cannot be a party to it. Melbourne, 6th January, 1885. Jambs Seevice.

No. 64. The Peemiee, Victoria, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Sik,— Premier's Office, Melbourne, 6th January, 1885. I have the honour to transmit herewith for your information some copies of a memorandum which I addressed to His Excellency the Governor of this colony on receiving intelligence of the recent action of Germany in New Guinea and the Western Pacific. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellingotn. James Seevicb.

Enclosure. Gbbman Occupation in New Guinea and the Westeen Pacific. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. Premier's Office, Melbourne, 20th December, 1884. Me. Seevice begs to draw your Excellency's serious attention to the attached clipping from a second edition of the Age newspaper of the 19th instant, headed " German Annexation in the Pacific;" also to a clipping from the Argus of the 20th idem on the same subject. The intelligence therein conveyed of definite steps being taken by Germany to annex or establish a protectorate, not only over the more important islands of the Western Pacific, but even in the northern portion of New Guinea, has already created consternation in this community. 2. The surprise thus created is based upon the following facts : Your Excellency is aware that the Convention which met in Sydney last year representing the Governments of all the British colonies of Australasia passed as the first of its resolutions the following, viz. : " That further acquisition of dominion in the Pacific south of the equator by any foreign Power would be highly detrimental to the safety and well-being of the British possessions in Australasia, and injurious to the interests of the Empire." The Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, writing subsequently to this—namely, on the 9th May, 1884 —gave this assurance, viz.: " Her Majesty's Government are confident that no foreign Power contemplates interference with New Guinea." Again, in the House of Commons, on the 24th October, 1884, the Lord Mayor asked whether the Government had come to an understanding with Germany as to the occupation by the latter Power of the northern portion of New Guinea, to which the Hon. Evelyn Ashley replied,

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