A.—s

No. 14. The Peemiee, New Zealand, to the Peemier, Tasmania. We have replied to Agents-General's telegram through our Agent-General, and sent copy to Premier, Victoria. To formal telegram of Secretary of State for Colonies, we have replied entertain strong objection to cession New Hebrides, but would be modified were Eapa ceded to England and deportation convicts French possessions in South Sea Islands stopped, missionaries and other British subjects protected, equal rights all religious bodies. 17th March, 1886. Eobert Stout.

No. 8. No. 9.

No. 15. The Premier, New Zealand, to the Premier, Victoria. Eespecting the Secretary of State for the Colonies' telegram New Hebrides, I have addressed to Governor following memorandum : " Ministers strongly opposed to France acquiring New Hebrides, but it might be modified if France agreed cede Eapa England and stop sending convicts all French possessions Pacific. It would be distinctly understood missionaries and other British subjects New Hebrides not to be interfered with, and all religious bodies equal rights." 17th March, 1886. Robert Stout.

No. 16. The Agent-General to the Premier. Becidivistes. French Ambassador has avowed to Lord Eosebery proposal relegate large number this year Isle Pines. 18th March, 1886. F. D. Bell.

No. 17. The Premier to the Agent-Geneeal. Threat of sending recidivistes attempt to force us to yield annexation New Hebrides. Be firm opposition annexation. Get answer Earotonga. 19th March, 1886. Eobert Stout.

No. 18. The Premier, Victoria, to the Premier, Now Zealand. Re New Hebrides, was much gratified at your letter of sth, which embodies admirable statement of case. Telegram of 17th not so satisfactory. Grifiith, Queensland, will send you copy telegram agreed tl by colonies in the Federation. Would be very pleased if you could signify concurrence. South Australia has done so except as to words referring to Federal Council. All colonies should agree as to unqualified rejection of proposal. Duncan Gillies, 19th March, 1886. . Premier.

No. 9. No. 15. No. 22,

No. 19. The Peemier, New Zealand, to the Premier, Victoria. We have wired our Agent-General as follows : " Threat of sending rMMvistes attempt to force us to yield annexation New Hebrides. Be firm opposition annexation." Will you inform other Australian Governments ? 19th March, 1886. Eobert Stout.

No. 20. The Agent-Geneeal to the Pkemiee. Consequent what Eosebery said Waddington, relegation stopped at present. Understand your IS message to-day consistent Governor's yesterday. Kermadcc would annex upon formal request Governor. Earotonga still being discussed. 19th March, 1886. F. D. Bell.

No. 17.

No. 21. The Premier, New Zealand, to the Premier, Victoria. Our telegrams crossed. Presume mine satisfactory. 20th March, 1886. Bobert Stout.

No. 22. The Psemieb, Queensland, to the Premier, New Zealand. With reference to Murray Smith's secret telegram of the 24th February, and the recent telegram of Secretary of State for the Colonies to Governor of South Australia {3rd March), and to Governor of Victoria (17th March), I have, as Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Federal Council, sent following telegram to Garrick for communication to Secretary of State : " Australian Colonies represented in Federal Council, except Fiji, which cannot be communicated with, have insuperable objection to any alteration of the status quo ante with respect to New Hebrides in direction of

No. 7.

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