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2. I shall be glad to learn from you what the Government of Victoria may consider called for as an adequate basis of any new measure, with an earnest desire on the part of this colony to co-operate with the other colonies in the most effectual remedial legislation. I have, &c, The Hon. Duncan Gillies, M.P., Melbourne, Victoria. Heney Parkes.

No. 2. Sir H. Parkes to the Hon. the Colonial Sbceetaey, New Zealand. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. (Eeceived 28th November, 1887.) Can you give me any reply to my letter of the Bth instant, respecting new legislation for protecting these colonies from the influx of Chinese. I was anxious that we should act in concert on this question; but, in view of information we have received of the probable arrival of a shipload of Chinese, I feel that I cannot delay proceeding in the matter. Henry Parkes, Sydney.

No. 3. The Hon. the Premier, New Zealand, to the Hon. the Premier, Sydney. Hon. the Premier, Sydney, New South Wales. 29th November, 1887. Not yet had time to consider question Chinese immigration, but should be willing to join legislation to prevent any undue influx of Chinese. H. A. Atkinson, Premier.

No. 4. Sir H. Paekes to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetary, New Zealand. Sir,-—- • • Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, New South Wales, 3rd April, 1888. In reference to the Chinese difficulty, and the circular letter of the 23rd ultimo * on the subject from the Government of Victoria, I have the honour to enclose for your information a copy of my reply to Mr. Gillies, and also copy of the cable-message of this Government transmitted to the Secretary of State on the 31st, urging that the contention of these colonies against the continued influx of Chinese may be taken up as a national question by the Imperial Government. I hope your Government will concur in the views of Victoria and this colony and make a similar representation to Her Majesty's Imperial Government. I have, &c. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, New Zealand. Henry Parkes.

Enclosures. Sir H. Parkes to the Hon. D. Gillies, M.P., Victoria. Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 30th March, 1888. In reply to your letter of the 22nd instant, on the subject of Chinese immigration, I desire to say that the receipt of the despatch from the Secretary of State, covering copy of the note of the Chinese Minister in London, addressed to Lord Salisbury, and at the same time the knowledge received through the public Press of the reported treaty made between the Government of the United States and the Government of China, suggested to me the precise course which you now submit for my consideration. There can be no doubt whatever that we have a just ground for appealing to the Imperial Government to take up the great contention of these Australian Colonies against the continued influx of Chinese labourers. If we are part of the Empire, as self-governed colonies excluded from all participation in the making of treaties, we have an indisputable right to expect the Imperial Government to consult and protect our separate and peculiar interests in this matter (which does not reach Her Majesty's subjects in Great Britain) by the exercise of the powers of treaty on our behalf. As you point out, all the inconvenient and possibly exasperating consequences of legislation by different Australian Parliaments would be avoided by the Empire, in its highest capacity, dealing with the subject. Entertaining this view of the question at this stage of its development, with which I am very glad to learn that your Government are in accord, I incline to the opinion that it would be best for each Australian Government to act separately in communicating its views to Her Majesty's Imperial Advisers, though it would, of course, be advisable that their action should be as nearly simultaneous as practicable. I have, &c, The Hon. Duncan Gillies, M.P., Victoria. Henry Paekes.

Telegram sent by His Excellency the Governoe to the Sbceetaky of State. In reference to Chinese immigration, and the inquiry made by the Marquis of Salisbury, your Excellency's Advisers beg briefly to explain that the law of this colony for some years past has imposed the restriction of a poll-tax of £10 on each immigrant and a limitation of one immigrant to every 100 tons of the ship's burden ; but, owing to recent occurrences, severer measurers are now demanded throughout all the colonies. This state of things has given rise to new reflections in

* Not received by Colonial Secretary, New Zealand.