A.—l.

5. However, while I am confident on this score, certain it is that every effort made to complete a local defence renders attack less probable, and it also releases vessels of war to perform their mission, which, while assisting everywhere, is rather on the wide sea, out_ of sight of land, than locking themselves up in any particular port to aid local defences, with the idea that the port they select may also be selected for attack. At the same time, it may be best at times to remain in port, for the range of their eyes may possibly be then only limited by the limits of the telegraphic system, on the development of which much depends. 6. I must be excused if I cannot follow your Excellency in your remarks as to a difficulty in employing and arming the fast steamers that frequent our ports. There is no greater difficulty or responsibility here or in New Zealand than elsewhere in the matter, unless it be the want of armament and means at command. And, as to the proposition for an armed cruiser made a few weeks ago for New Zealand, on terms following to some extent the lines of the proposals at Melbourne, made when you were there, I regret that it will hardly serve us at this moment; but I most earnestly hope some such plan will be carried into effect, and I trust to be permitted to aid in solving the questions involved. 7. I have read much that has been printed that points in this direction ; but years have rolled on, and I ask, Where is the man that has given practical effect to what has been said and written ? and by none more ably than is set forth by your Excellency in the paragraph to which you refer me in your address to the New Zealand Institute. 8. The infrequent visits of Her Majesty's ships to New Zealand of late years is a fact. I much regret it. 9. Your Excellency draws my attention to the fact that the question of naval defence was referred to in the Intercolonial Conference held in 1881. I observe that it was very briefly referred to, and in general terms, on pages 3 and 4, and that the question affecting the Pacific Islands occupied from pages 22 to 46 inclusive, and the questions that have arisen in the Pacific Islands have much occupied the attention of the squadron of late years. 10. Your Excellency says, " Meanwhile I deem it my duty to represent to you the views that are entertained by my Government with regard to the necessity for an Imperial vessel of war being sent here immediately." Your Excellency made a request of a similar nature at Sydney some time back, and again at Melbourne. I regret that now, as then, I can give no further reply than that which I have already given. 11. Meanwhile I must claim from your Excellency —while not desiring to share that responsibility which is mine alone —a little more patience than is at present shown. 12. It appears to me that all that is desired in the memorandum you were so good as to furnish me with is the assurance you have already received, and which I venture to think could have been given by your Excellency without asking for it—that New Zealand is not forgotten either at Home or by the Naval Commander-in-Chief on this station. 13. While the strategy that dictates the duties assigned to the naval force of the country is of wide-world extent, and is directed from Home, that part of it which is assigned to me will be carried out with blind confidence that the arrangement of the fleet as made at Home is for the best. In my turn, nothing will cause me to deviate from that course which I consider it to be my duty to follow. I have, &c, G. Teyon, Bear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief. His Excellency Lieut.-General Sir William F. D. Jervois, 8.E., K.C.M.G., &c, Governor and Commander-in-Chief, New Zealand.

B. Sir W. Jeevois to Bear-Admiral Teyon. S IE) Government House, Wellington, 4th June, 1885. It occurs to me that I should observe, in reference to paragraph 3 of your letter of the 28th April, written in answer to my letter to you of the 17th of the same month, that, besides the batteries and other defensive arrangements which with your valuable assistance are being provided at Auckland, defences are in course of construction at Wellington, Port Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers, and these, when completed, will afford additional bases for naval defence. I have, &c, Bear-Admiral Tryon, &c. Wm. F. D. Jeevois.

Enclosure 3. Memoeandum for His Excellency. The accompanying copy of a statement, prepared by the Customs Department, showing the number of visits made to New Zealand ports, during the last five years, by British and by foreign men-of-war, is respectfully submitted for His Excellency's information, as bearing upon recent correspondence with the Colonial Office and with the Admiral commanding on the station. Julius Yogel, Wellington, Bth May, 1885. (in the absence of the Premier.)

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