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No. 7. The Agent-Genebal to the Peemiee. Sik, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 24th February, 1885. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a letter received from the Eoyal Colonial Institute, enclosing resolutions adopted at a meeting of the Council respecting the offers of military assistance by the colonies to the British Government. You will perceive that I have been asked to forward the same to New Zealand for the information of the Government. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell. Enclosure in No. 7. Sik,— Eoyal Colonial Institute, 15, Strand, W.C., 17th February, 1885. I have the honour to append a copy of resolutions concerning the recent offers of military assistance received from the colonies, which were adopted by the Council of the Eoyal Colonial Institute at a meeting held this day; and request that you will be so good as to transmit the same to your Government for their information. I have, &c, Sir Francis Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., Feedekick Young, ■ Agent-General for New Zealand. Honorary Secretary. Sub-Enclosure in No. 7. Besolutions adopted by Council of Boyal Colonial Institute, 17th February, 1885. 1. That the Council of the Boyal Colonial Institute have received with great satisfaction the announcement of the spirited and patriotic offers from Canada, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland to equip and send military contingents, at their own cost, to the Soudan, to assist the British Government in the military operations now being carried on in that country. The Council view this action on the part of the various colonies as an earnest proof of their generous sympathy with the Mother-country and of their strong desire to maintain the permanent unity of the Empire. They trust that the Home Government will heartily respond to these noble offers. 2. That copies of the foregoing resolution be forwarded to the Bight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and to each of the Agents-General for the colonies. No. 8. The Peemieb, New Zealand, to the Pkemiee, Melbourne. We have carefully considered the question of despatching a force to the Soudan, and we have come to the conclusion we cannot take action without the sanction of Parliament. 3rd March, 1885. Bobeet Stout. No. 9. The Peemieb to the Acting Chief Seceetaey, Adelaide. [Same as No. B.] No. 10. The Agent-Geneeal to the Peemieb. Sik,— 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 24th March, 1885. I transmit to you herewith a Times report of what took place in the House of Lords on the 16th instant, when the Earl of Wemyss and March moved an address to the Queen relating to the offers of troops made by the Australian Colonies. Her Majesty's answer was brought up last night in the following terms : " I have received your loyal and dutiful address. The generous offers of military service made to me by my colonies and by India have given me the liveliest satisfaction. I have cordially accepted the assistance thus loyally tendered, and I trust that it will be found practicable to despatch contingents from several colonies for service with my army during the present year. The patriotic sympathy and spirit which have been displayed on this occasion in different parts of my united Empire have given me the highest gratification." Although New Zealand is not one of the colonies offering troops, you will appreciate, I am sure, the good feeling shown by Lord Wemyss towards them all, and Her Majesty's gracious message in reply. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell. No. 11. The Secbetaby of State to Governor Sir W. F. D. Jeevois. Sic,— Downing Street, 18th May, 1885. I have the honour to transmit to you for communication to your Government a copy of a letter which has been received from the Boyal Colonial Institute respecting a memorial which has been largely and influentially signed in this country, thanking Her Majesty's subjects in the colonies for the generous offers made to send troops for service in the field, together with a copy of the reply which I caused to be returned to this letter. I have, &c, Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c. Deeby. 3—H. 17.