5

A.--1

" Queen, in the hope that Her Majesty may still further distinguish her illustrious " reign by endeavouring to bring about a conference that shall represent the whole " of the British dominions and the United States of America, to meet either at " London or Washington, to consider the question of a political confederation as " hereinbefore mentioned." 7. The resolutions of Major Atkinson, Mr. Beetham, and Mr. Macandrew were carried without a division. 8. I transmit herewith a copy of the address which was presented to me by the House of Representatives, forwarding Mr. Macandrew's resolution. I have, &c, Wm. E. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Right Hon. Colonel Stanley, M.P.

Enclosure 1. Extracts from the New Zealand Parliamentary Debates.

Enclosure 2. May it please your Excellency,— We, Her Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the House of Representatives of New Zealand, in Parliament assembled, respectfully request that your Excellency will be pleased to transmit the following resolution to Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, to be laid before Her Majesty the Queen, in the hope that Her Majesty may still further distinguish her illustrious reign by endeavouring to bring about a conference that shall represent the whole of the British dominions and the United States of America, to meet either at London or Washington, to consider the question of a political confederation or alliance, as mentioned in the said resolution. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this House, the time has come when efforts should be made to unite the whole English-speaking people throughout the world in one grand political confederation or alliance, having for its object mutual defence against foreign aggression, the maintenance of peace, and the promotion of the brotherhood of nations. G. Maurice O'P.orke, Kt. 7th September, 1885. Speaker.

No. 4. (No. 114) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 26th September, 1885. With reference to the despatch from your predecessor marked "Circular," and dated the Bth January last, concerning the establishment of a parcel post between the United Kingdom and all British colonies and dependencies which have direct postal relations with the Mother-country, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a memorandum from the Postmaster-General, Sir Julius Vogel, on the subject, from which you will perceive the cause of the delay in answering this despatch, and the course which my Ministers propose to take in the matter. I have, &c, Wm. E. DRUMMOND jervois. The Right Hon. Colonel Stanley, M.P.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Governor is advised to reply to Lord Derby's circular despatch of the Bth January, 1885, respecting the parcel post, that a Bill was introduced during the late session to provide for a foreign and inland parcel post which would have enabled the colony to enter into the suggested arrangements, but that it was withdrawn owing to want of time to thoroughly shape it. It will be introduced next session, and no doubt will be carried; and, as one result of it, a parcel post between the United Kingdom, India, and foreign countries will be highly esteemed. Meanwhile it will be desirable for the Secretary to the Post Office, Mr. Gray, to correspond directly with Mr. Blackwood on the subject, as suggested by the latter gentleman. Wellington, 26th September, 1885. Julius Vqgel.