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No. 25a. Telegeam from the Govebnob to the Secbetaey of State.—(23rd December, 1887.) Naval Defence Bill has been passed by Parliament.

No. 25b. Telegbam from the Govebnob to the Secbetaey of State. —(29th December, 1887.) Naval Defence Bill having been passed by all Australasian Colonies with the exception of one, Government here urge that the Admiralty should be requested to commence construction of vessels at once.

No. 26. (No. 119.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 31st December, 1887. I have the honour to forward herewith a memorandum from Major Atkinson, Premier of New Zealand, with reference to the desirability of connecting Canada with Australia by direct submarine telegraph across the Pacific, and urging that a survey should be made of the route without delay, in accordance with the recommendation contained in the proceedings of the Colonial Conference held in London on the 6th May last. I have, &c, W. F. DEUMMOND JERVOIS. The Eight Hon. Sir Henry Holland, Bart., M.P., G.C.M.G.

Enclosure. Memoeandum for His Excellency. It has been suggested by the Premier of Victoria that the practicability of laying a telegraph cable to connect Canada with Australia should be set at rest by a survey as proposed at the Colonial Conference on the 6th May last; and, this Government approving of the suggestion, the Premier has the honour respectfully to request His Excellency to urge upon the Secretary of State for the Colonies the desirability of giving effect to the resolutions of the Conference adopted on the date referred to. H. A. Atkinson. Premier's Office, Wellington, 24th December, 1887.

No. 27. (No. 121.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 31st December, 1887. I have the honour to inform you that on the 23rd instant I prorogued, by Proclamation, the First Session of the Tenth Parliament of New Zealand. I have, &c, W. F. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. Sir Henry Holland, Bart., M.P., G.C.M.G.

No. 28. (No. I—Telegram.)1—Telegram.) Government House, Wellington, 10th January, 1888. Befebbing to your despatch 27th November, 1886, nominated emigration stopped for the present. GOVEBNOB, New Zealand.

[ A.-2, 1887, Sess. 11., No. 7.

No. 29. (No. 2.) Sib,— Government House, Wellington, 11th January, 1888. With reference to your circular despatch of the 28th September last, I have the honour to inform you that my Government agree to the suggestion