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Sub-Enclosures. Sib, — Eoslyn, Dunedin, 7th November, 1887. I have the honour to forward to you, for presentation to His Excellency the Governor, with a view to its transmission to the Home Government, the enclosed document, being a copy of resolutions adopted by the Diocesan Synod of the Anglican Church, and by the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland, on the recommendation of joint committees appointed by these Synods. I have, &c, Wm. Bannbeman, Clerk of Synod of Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland. The Hon. the Premier of New Zealand.

The Eight Hon. Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies. A joint meeting of committees appointed by the Diocesan Synod of the Anglican Church and the Presbyterian Synod, both in session at date, to confer on the New Hebrides, having been held, it was unanimously resolved to express satisfaction at the report received by cablegram of the agreement made between the British and French Governments as to the early withdrawal of the French from their occupation of the New Hebrides, and the hope that full provision has been made for the protection of the missions so long carried on on those islands, and of the natives, fro^i any inroad of recidivistes from the French penal settlements in the Pacific. And, further, that a copy of this resolution be laid before the respective Synods for adoption, with the recommendation that, when adopted, it may be transmitted to the Premier for presentation to His Excellency the Governor, with the view to its transmission to the Home Government. The above resolutions were laid before our respective Synods and unanimously adopted. S. T. Dunedin. J. M. Davidson, Moderator, Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland. Dunedin, New Zealand, 4th November, 1887.

No. 20a. Telegram from the Govebnob to the Secbetaey of State. —(18th November, 1887.) With reference to your telegram of 14th November, Government here accepts agreement increase of naval force. Bill will be submitted accordingly to Parliament without delay. Parliament is now in session.

No. 21. (No. 104.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 29th November, 1887. With reference to your circular despatch of the 30th of August last, stating that it has been suggested by the Secretary of State for War that the practice regulated by article 120 of the Eoyal Warrant of the 31st December, 1886, relating to the relative precedence in a colony of Imperial and colonial military officers of equal rank but different seniority, should be extended to the colonies generally, I have the honour to report that there is no objection on the part of my Ministers to the extension of the practice in question to the colony under my Government. I have, &c, W. F. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. Sir Henry Holland, Bart., M.P., G.C.M.G.

No. 22. (No. 105.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 29th November, 1887. With reference to your circular despatch of the 2nd of September last, relating to your predecessor's circular despatch of the 14th of August, 1886, on the subject of the registration and preservation of publications, I have the honour to report that no steps in the matter have as yet been taken in this colony. My Government, however, approve of the principle contained in the Ceylon ordinance referred to in the circular despatch of the 14th of August, 1886, and propose, if possible, to deal with the matter during the next session of Parliament. I have, &c, W. F. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. Sir Henry Holland, Bart., M.P., G.C.M.G.

A.-2, 1887, Sess. 1., No. 78.