A.—l.

forward the watch intended for him to the Mayor of Invercargill, with a request that it might be publicly given to Captain Greig when next he visited the borough. I transmit herewith an extract from the Southlander, giving an account of the ceremony; and also the receipts for the two watches. I have, &c, Wm. F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby.

No. 4. (No. 82.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, Bth November, 1884. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch No. 41, dated the 29th July last, respecting a fugitive offender, James Chapman, I have the honour to report that careful inquiries have been made, but no trace of him has yet been found. Inquiries are still being made. Mr. and Mrs. Scott, referred to in the enclosure to your Lordship's despatch, have been residing at Nelson for some time. 2. I enclose herewith a copy of the New Zealand Police Gazette for 29th October, containing an advertisement and reward offered for James Chapman's discovery. I have, &c, Wm. F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby.

A.-2, No. 2,

No. 5. (No. 83.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, Bth November, 1884. With reference to your Lordship's circular despatch of the 15th August last, covering copy of correspondence between the Colonial Office, the Board of Trade, and the Secretary of Lloyd's, with reference to the employment of officers in the colonies, having duties in connection with the mercantile marine, as agents for Lloyd's, I have the honour to report that the mercantile marine officers in New Zealand are entirely paid by the colony. My Government, however, are of opinion that, even supposing these officers to be qualified, it would be very objectionable that, they should act in any way as agents for Lloyd's, seeing thatmany cases might come before them with which they would have to deal, not only as such agents, but as representing the Government. I have, &c, Wm. F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby.

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I No. 6. (No. 84.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, Bth November, 1884. With reference to your Lordship's circular despatch of the 2nd September last, concerning Naval and Marine Court-martial prisoners, I have the honour to report as follows : — 1. The usual remission for good behaviour which is granted to civilian prisoners is not in New Zealand extended to Naval and Marine Court-martial prisoners, because the warrants under which they are detained specify the dates on which they arc to be released. 2. There is no record of a Naval or Marine Court-martial prisoner being transferred from a New Zealand prison to complete his sentence in England. I have, &c, Wm. F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS, The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby.

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