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No. 13. The Peemiee to the Colonial Seceetaey, Sydney. Eegbet that through our Parliament meeting early in June I shall be unable to visit Sydney. We propose to send a representative, however, who will convey our congratulations. When do you expect the arrival of the contingent at Sydney? Bobert Stout. 23rd May, 1885.

No. 14. The Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. Sib, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 22nd May, 1885. In reference to the meeting of the Agents-General for the colonies, held at the War Office on the 3rd March last, regarding the offer of troops to Her Majesty's Government by the colonies for operation in the Soudan, it occurs to me to explain to you why this Government made no offer on the subject. The Colonial Office has stated, in reply to the offers from the Colonies of Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland, that, even if their offers were accepted, the troops would only be required for an autumn campaign. As our Parliament was to be in session in May or June, it seemed to us that there would be time to deal with the question after the session commenced, and that there was no need to anticipate the decision of Parliament. You will have seen, by the telegram forwarded to me by the Hon. Mr. Dalley, on our receipt of the intelligence of the offer of troops by the Sydney Government, that we felt that New South Wales had done honour to the colonies by the offer it had made. It is scarcely necessary to add how gratified we continued to be at the brilliantly prompt manner in which that colony was able to give effect to its offer when accepted. All that could immediately be done having been effected by New South Wales, we, as I have said, saw no reason for action without consulting Parliament, though you will of course understand that, in case of emergency, we should have held ourselves justified in taking immediate action. I may point out to you that a dangerous precedent would be established if the Government, without the sanction of Parliament, and in the absence of immediate urgency, pledged the colony to large expenditure, and to so important a step as sending troops out of the colony. You are at liberty to mention to the Bight Hon. the Secretary of State that the Government had come to the conclusion to recommend Parliament to approve of an offer being made to Her Majesty's Government to provide 1,000 well-trained men for service in India or elsewhere, in the event of war with Bussia. I have, &c, Sir F. Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., Agent-General, &c. Bobebt Stout.

No. 15. The Peemiee to Colonel Haultain. The Government wish you, if agreeable, to proceed to Sydney to represent them in welcoming the New South Wales contingent on its return, which will be about the 11th or 12th June. If convenient, could you go by the " Manapouri " on the 2nd? Bobebt Stout. 27th May, 1885.

No. 16. Colonel Haultain to the Peemiee. I shall be ready to proceed to Sydney by the " Manapouri " on the 2nd June. Thanking the Government for the honour conferred. 27th May, 1885. T. M. Haultain.

No. 17. The Peemiee, New Zealand, to the Peemiee, Sydney. Sic,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 27th May, 1885. This will introduce to you the Hon. Colonel Haultain, who has consented to represent the Government on the interesting occasion of the return of the New South Wales contingent from the Soudan. It would have afforded me very much pleasure to have been present, but Parliament meets on the 11th June, so that it would have been quite impossible for either my colleagues or myself to be away. However, we consider Colonel Haultain, who is an old Minister of the Crown, a gallant soldier, and otherwise a most distinguished colonist, will ably represent us. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Sydney, New South Wales. Bobebt Stout.

By Authority: Geoege Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBs