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Enclosure 2. The Agent-Geneeal for Victoeia to the Hon. the Peemiee, Melbourne. (Telegram.) London, 18th January, 1886. I believe need not be any fear as to Samoa. Bismarck already given very satisfactory assurances, repeated by the Prussian Ambassador. Salisbury has acted promptly, energetically. B. Mueeat Smith,

No. 42. Aethue H. Beown, Esq., Earotonga, to the Hon. Sir J. Vogel, K.C.M.G. Sic, — Earotonga, South Pacific Ocean, 20th March, 1886. I have the honour to inform you that I have this day forwarded, per mail steamer " Janet Nicoll," a petition, signed by the residents of this island, and addressed to H.M. Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, requesting that a British Consul be appointed for this island and Hervey group. In a previous memorial, signed, as this is, by the residents, H.M. Government graciously acceded to our request, and Charles E. Goodman, Esq., was appointed Consul; since which time Mr. Goodman has retired to England, and we have had an acting "Vice-Consul, appointed by him. As, Sir, you must be aware, the commerce of this group, especially with New Zealand, is rapidly increasing, and the exports to New Zealand alone now exceed £30,000 per annum, independent of a large share of the trade which goes to Tahiti and elsewhere. We consider that it is full time now that a British Consul be appointed with full powers to protect our interests, and we would now humbly request, Sir, that you would communicate with the Foreign Office on our behalf, in order that a Consul be appointed from the Crown. I have, &c, Aethue H. Beown, (on behalf of the petitioners.) The Hon. Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G., New Zealand.

No. 43. The Peemiee to Aethue H. Beown, Esq. Sib,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 17th April, 1886. I have been directed by the Hon. the Premier to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th March, addressed to the Hon. Sir Julius Vogel, relative to the appointment of a British Consul for Earotonga and the Hervey group, and to inform you that the Government of New Zealand has for some time past been in communication with the British Government on the subject. I have, &c, Arthur H. Brown, Esq., Earotonga. Alex. Willis.

[Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,400 copies), £S 103.]

Authority: George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBB,

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