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Enclosure 2. The Premier, New Zealand, to the Premier, Victoria. (No. 9.)

Enclosure 3. The Pbemieb, New Zealand, to the Peemiee, Victoria. (No. 19.)

Enclosure 4. The Premier, Victoria, to the Premier, New Zealand. (No. 24.)

Enclosure 5. The Peemiee, Victoria, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. (No. 25.)

No. 31. The Peesbyteey of Dunedin to the Peemiee. Sib — Bth April, 1886. I have the honour, by direction of the Presbytery of Dunedin, to forward the following extract minute, dated the 17th April, 1886: "On the motion of Dr. Stuart, the following resolution was unanimously adopted : ' The Presbytery, having had its attention called to the threatened annexation by France of the New Hebrides, resolve to urge the New Zealand Government to use its utmost influence to secure what the British Government has led the Australasian Colonies to expect —namely, that the independence of these islands would be preserved, and the interests of the missions so successfully carried on by the Presbyterian Churches be fully maintained ; and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of New Zealand.' " I have, &c, Alex. M. Finlayson, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Clerk of the Presbytery of Dunedin.

No. 32. The Chambee of Commeece, Dunedin, to the Peemiee. Sir, — Chamber of Commerce, Dunedin, 14th April, 1886. I have the honour, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, to forward copy of resolutions passed last evening at a general meeting of members of the Chamber and other citizens interested in the New Hebrides question. I beg specially to bring under your notice these resolutions, and, in so doing, beg that you would take such steps as you may deem most likely to give effect to the wishes of the meeting, so emphatically expressed by the speakers moving the resolutions, when bringing them before Her Majesty's Secretary for the Colonies in London. I have, &c, Tab. Mackeeeas, The Hon. the Premier, "Wellington. Chairman.

Enclosure. Copy op Eesolutions. It was moved by the Eight Eev. Bishop Nevill, and seconded by W. D. Stewart, Esq., M.H.E., " That it is essential for the welfare of the British Colonies in the South Pacific that the New Hebrides Islands should not be ceded to any foreign Power." Moved by Admiral Scott, and seconded by the Eev. Mr. Gibb, " That, considering the large sums that have been expended by British subjects in civilizing and christianizing the natives, and otherwise, in the New Hebrides Islands, and the deep interest the Australasian Colonies have manifested in the welfare of such natives, this meeting emphatically protests against any right being acquired by which, a foreign Power would be entitled to send to the New Hebrides Islands criminals or political offenders, or by which the existing missionary arrangements would be interfered with." Moved by his Worship the Mayor, and seconded by the Eev. Dr. Stuart, " That a copy of the resolutions passed be forwarded to the Government, with a request that the same be sent to Her Majesty's Secretary for the Colonies."

No. 33. The Peemiee to the Chambee of Commeece, Dunedin. Sib,— 15th April, 1886. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date, forwarding No. 39. resolutions passed at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce relative to the New Hebrides. In reply, I have to inform you, for the information of the Chamber, that the proposal of France to annex these islands has already received the earnest consideration of the Government, and the 3—A. 5.