A.—6b

1887. NEW ZEALAND.

NAVAL DEFENCE OF THE COLONY, ETC. (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO). [In continuation of A.-6a. 1887.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command, of His Excellency.

The Agent-Geneeal to the Peemiee. Confeeence. Admiralty want made quite clear that New Zealand waters includes Fiji, but steel ships cannot be sent where coral. Secondly, contributions only date from time new ships commissioned. Thirdly, supposing ships lost, Admiralty replaces. 26th April, 1887. F. D. Bell.

The Peemiee to the Agent-General. Conference. Waters must mean New Zealand waters. No objection vessels stationed doing island business, including Fiji 2nd May, 1887. Eobeet Stout.

The Agent-Genebal to the Pbemiee. . . Am making expression " New Zealand waters " quite clear with Admiralty. 2nd May, 1887. F. D. Bell.

The Aqent-Geneeal to the Premier. Conference. Last meeting, Friday. Admiralty preparing minute defining naval scheme; please instruct immediately whether you wish any change your September memoranda, because have proceeded upon these throughout; indeed, principal reason advising not insist Fiji contribute, lest insistance cause Admiralty propose regularly stationing vessel there 4th May, 1887. F. D. Bell.

The Agent-General to the Peemiee. Conference. Naval agreement, twelve articles, finally settled ; particulars were sent by last mail (yesterday) 7th May, 1887. F. D. Bell. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (13,75 copies), 15s. Gd.J

Authority: Geoege Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington. —1887.