A.—3

4

ful if there will be much trade in New Guinea for many years to come. It requires considerable investment of capital to develop profitable trade, and there are few, if any, white people settled there at present. 2. As to Fiji, you will observe that the Committee was not averse to helping, if that could be done without casting any very heavy burden on this colony. In this matter we must wait for further developments. I have no doubt, however, that an agreement might be come to by which New Zealand might be brought into closer relationship with Fiji than she is in at present. Whether this will be better effected by a Customs treaty or by a closer alliance we must wait for time to show. The commercial treaty between Hawaii and the United States might form a useful precedent for our adoption. 3. Samoa. —I forward you herewith a copy of a letter which I have received from the King of Samoa, and a copy of my reply. The King has also written to the Governor, and His Excellency is taking steps to communicate its purport to the Home Government. I believe that, if the Imperial Government were to make arrangements with the German Government for the purchase of German interests, we would not be disinclined to take over the responsibilities of the English Government so far as the group is concerned. The Committee that dealt with this matter would, no doubt, have come to some more definite resolution if there had been a definite proposal submitted by the Imperial Government for their consideration. It was felt, I believe, by all the Committee that the subject was not yet ripe for action. Judging from the position in Samoa, something will have to be done very soon, unless the English Government are content to allow Germany to obtain the islands. 4. As to the New Hebrides, I have already dealt with the matter. Of course they are of more importance to the Australian Continent than to New Zealand ; but I feel sure that, were anything done by the British Government to give these islands to France, there would be a great deal of feeling evoked throughout Australasia. 5. Bapa.— You will observe that the Committee is very anxious that this island should be obtained. On the completion of the Panama Canal Eapa will be one of the most important trade centres in the Pacific; and I need not press upon you to continually keep this matter before the Colonial Office, as I know from your correspondence that you are as fully alive to the importance of Eapa as any one can possibly be. 6. Cook Islands. —You have not made special reference to these islands in your correspondence. You will observe from our statistics that we have larger trade with the Cook group than with almost any other group in the Pacific ; and, as no nationality seems to claim them, you might be able to obtain their transference to New Zealand. Will you ascertain what the views of the Colonial Office are regarding them ? I have, &c, Sir F. Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., Agent-General. Bobebt Stout.

A.-1,1886,N0. 1. No. 14.

No. 10. Memorandum from Governor Sir W. F. D. Jeevois to the Peemiee. On the 23rd ultimo I sent a despatch to the Secretary of State, forwarding a copy of King Malietoa's letter to me of the 11th August, and informing him that a similar communication had been addressed to Mr. Stout. The same day I telegraphed the substance of the King's letter to the Secretary of State. I have this day received a telegram in answer, to the effect that instructions have been sent to the British Admiral, Sydney, to send a ship of war to Samoa, and report on the state of affairs without interfering with politics, returning as soon as possible. Government House, Wellington, 15th October, 1885. W. F. D. Jeevois.

A.-1,1880, No. 1

No. 17. P. H. Peichaed, Esq., to the Peemiee. Sic, — Annexation Committee, Levuka, 26th October, 1885. I have the honour, by direction of the Committee, to acknowledge receipt of yours dated 10th and 15th ultimo respectively, the former covering copy of the Pacific Islands Committee's report, dealing, inter alia, with the petition from Fiji for assistance in the effort to obtain the incorporation of this colony with New Zealand. The Committee notes with satisfaction the tone of the report and the character of the recommendations to the House ; and, in thanking you for the valuable assistance rendered up to this point, it has desired me to solicit for the matter your further attention and support, so that on the reassembling of the House the recommendations may receive due effect. I have, &c, F. H. Peichaed, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Secretary.

Nos. 11 ana 13.

No. 18. The Agent-Geneeal to the Pbemieb. Sib, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 4th November, 1885. I have had the honour to receive your letter of the 10th September, transmitting the report of the Pacific Islands Committee.

No. 10,