A.—l

11

In the meantime, whatever may be your Lordship's opinion as to the desirability of the continuance of the connection at present subsisting between the islands and this colony, I submit that it would be very satisfactory that the Governor of New Zealand should pay a visit to the group. Should your Lordship consider the present position should be maintained, the visit would still be a proper attention to the island's government; but if it be your opinion that the islands should be placed in direct communication with the Colonial Office, or under the authority of the High Commissioner, it would be all the more necessary that a visit from the Governor of this colony should testify to the exact will of New Zealand to the islands before the transfer of jurisdiction takes place. I therefore have the honour to request your assent to my proposed visit to these islands, and also that under the peculiar circumstances (in accordance with clause 10 of Her Majesty's instructions) you will not consider the expedition a departure from the colony " within the meaning of the said letters patent." I have, &c, GLASGOW. The Eight Hon. the Marquis of Eipon, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 15. (No. 44.) My Loed, — Government House, Wellington, 10th October, 1893. With reference to your Lordship's despatch (New Zealand, No. 17) of the 10th of April last, respecting the alteration of the limits of the Australian naval station, I have the honour to inform you that my Government have now obtained the concurrence of the colonies on the Continent of Australia and of Tasmania to the proposed new boundaries, and their assent to this variation of the agreement of 1887. I beg to enclose for your Lordship's information copies of the letters and telegram from the respective Premiers on the subject. I have, &c, GLASGOW. The Eight Hon. the Marquis of Eipon, G.C.M.G, &c.

A.-2,1894, No. 7.

Enclosures. (No. 28.) Premier's Office, Wellington, 11th October, 1893. Memoeandum for His Excellency the Goveenoe. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to inform him that all the Australasian Colonies have now agreed to the alteration in the limits of the Australian naval station, as proposed by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. E. J. Seddon.

Sic, — Premier's Department, --Melbourne, 2nd July, 1893. I have the honour to inform you that consideration has been given to your letter of the 6th instant, relative to an alteration of the limits of the Australian station in the Pacific, proposed by the Imperial Government in a despatch dated the 10th April last. I now beg to state that this Government concurs in the proposed alteration. In the copy of the Admiralty letter which contained the definition of the proposed boundaries of the station, sent with the despatch above referred to, there appears to be a clerical error in the phrase " then north to 2° north latitude, and along that parallel to 130° east longitude." I have assumed that the meridian intended is 136° east longitude, that being the meridian sanctioned in the limits of the Australian station as defined in Schedule I. of " The Imperial Defence Act, 1888," and no alteration being proposed in that part of the boundary of the station. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. J. B. Patteeson, Premier.

Sic,— Premier's Office, Hobart, 12th July, 1893. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th ultimo, respecting the proposed alteration of the limits of the Australian naval station in the Pacific so as to embrace the Cook Islands, and, in reply, to inform you that this Government concurs in the proposed extension of the boundary of the station. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier of New Zealand. Henby Dobson.