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sentatives each colony not material. Suggested include, in addition to Agent-General or other specially-deputed representative, any leading public man with special qualifications who may be here. Secretary of State for Colonies to preside. Probably April or May. Despatch sent 25th November explaining fully.

No. 3. The Premier to the Agent-General. Conference : You have been appointed represent us. Date prevents Minister attending. ,v, 13th January, 1887. Bobert Stout.

No. 4. The Agent-General to the Premier. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 28th January, 1887. I have just received a note from Sir Eobert Herbert, of which a copy is annexed, stating that, for reasons therein mentioned, the Secretary of State has now altered the date again for the meeting of the Conference to the sth of April. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure. My dear Sir Feancis, — Colonial Office, Downing Street, 28th January, 1887. I am desired by Sir Henry Holland to acquaint you that, as he has been informed by telegraph that the gentlemen appointed to represent New South Wales at the Colonial Conference cannot possibly arrive in England before the Ist April, and as the representatives of Victoria will also be unable to reach England until some days after the 22nd March, he feels that there is no alternative but to postpone the opening of the Conference ; and, as at present advised, he thinks that Monday, the 4th, or Tuesday, the sth April, will be the day on which it can most conveniently assemble. Yours very truly, Eobt. G. W. Herbert.

No. 5. The Premier to the Agent-General. Conference : Sir W. Fitzherbert has been appointed act with you. Commission, 'Frisco. 21st February, 1887. Eobeet Stout.

No. G. . The Agent-Geneeal to the Premier. Conference : Pleasure co-operate Fitzherbert. 21st February, 1887. _ F. D. Bell.

No. 7. The Agent-Genekal to the Premier. Sic, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 22nd Eebruary, 1887. I had the honour to receive yesterday your telegram informing me that Sir William Fitzherbert had been appointed to act with me at the approaching Conference, and I replied that I should co-operate with him with great pleasure. It is no slight relief to me to know that I shall not be alone in the endeavour to represent the interests of New Zealand at the Conference, and I am sure that Sir William and I shall be able to work together in perfect concert. In contemplation of the difficult task I should have had if alone, I had been preparing a letter to you with my own view on the present position of several subjects sure to come before the Conference, with the object of receiving instructions in time for my guidance. I now think it will be more fair to Sir William that I should wait until we can consult together before expressing ideas which he may perhaps not share, especially as he will bring the latest results of his own communications with you, and throw a new light upon many things which have been occupying the thoughts of us all for so long. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

No. 8. The Agent-Genekal to the Premier. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 11th March, 1887. A question was asked in the House of Commons last night on the subject of the Conference to meet next month, and I beg to enclose the Times report of Sir Henry Holland's reply. Although you will see that Sir Henry only mentions as matters to be discussed those indicated by Mr. Stanhope, it is not thought that they will be the only subjects brought before the Conference, and the question as to what should be the procedure in such cases has for some time been under careful consideration by the Secretary of State, being one of some difficulty and complication. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. P. D. Bell.