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No. 24. (No. 59.) My Loed, — Government House, Wellington, 30th June, 1886. I have the honour to forward herewith, at the request of my Ministers, an address from the Mayor and Councillors of the Borough of Gore, conveying their most respectful congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen on her entering upon the fifitieth year of her reign. I have, &c, W. F. DEUMMOND JEKVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl Granville, K.G.

No. 25. (No. 60.) My Loed,— Government House, Wellington, Ist July, 1886. I have the honour to inform your Lordship, with reference to my Despatch No. 55, of the 19th ultimo, that the debate on the New Hebrides question was resumed last night in the House of Eepresentatives, with the result that, after much discussion upon various amendments, the following resolutions were passed by a considerable majority :— " That the Government be requested to represent to the Eight Hon. the " Secretary of State for the Colonies that this House — " 1. Eecognizes the difficulties with which Her Majesty's Government have " to contend in dealing with questions relative to the Pacific Islands, and " especially the New Hebrides Group, and hopes that the expression of its " opinion on the subject will not be without use; " 2. Strongly urges Her Majesty's Government not to consent to the New " Hebrides being temporarily occupied by any foreign nation, on any pretext " whatever; " 3. Considers that the many interests concerned would be best served by " continuing the terms of the present understanding, under which England and " France have mutually agreed that neither country shall annex the group; "4. Is of opinion that, if, for reasons known to Her Majesty's Government, "it is considered highly expedient to arrange for the annexation of the New " Hebrides by France, efficient guarantee by treaty should be taken— " (a.) That no more convicts of any class be sent by France to any of her " possessions in the Western Pacific; " (b.) That protection, religious freedom, and peaceable possession of their " rights and properties be guaranteed to all British subjects residing " in or resorting to the New Hebrides, and especially to the missions " established there ; " (c.) That freedom of trade and commerce be guaranteed to British subjects " equally with those of France ; " (d.) That the Island of Eapa be ceded by France to Great Britain, and all " objections be waived to Great Britain annexing Earotonga and " adjacent islands; "5. Is of opinion that the labour traffic of the islands, if continued, should " be so controlled as to prohibit employing labourers without their consent, to " prevent their ill-treatment, and to provide for their return to their homes after " their contracts of service have expired." I this day telegraphed to your Lordship a precis of these resolutions. I have, &c, W. F. DEUMMOND JEKVOIS The Eight Hon. the Earl Granville, K.G.

No. 22.

No. 26. (No. 62.) My Loed, — Government House, Wellington, Ist July, 1886. I have the honour to forward herewith a copy of a memorandum, dated the 30th June, from the Premier of New Zealand, Sir Kobert Stout, together with

. A.-3, 1887, No. 11.