A.-l

8

I desire to draw your attention to these words m Mr. Moss's despatch : " The natives are adepts at passive resistance, with not a little readiness for " violence if they are excited and deem it likely to succeed," and, as the total white population is so small, I considered it best to take every precaution. I may add that Mr. Moss has been British Resident for about seven years, and that his conduct of affairs has always given complete satisfaction. A copy of my despatch to the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, Sir George O'Brien, K.C.M.G., is enclosed. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies, &c.

No. 13. (No. 60.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd October, 1897. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand, No. 51), dated the 20th August, 1897, relative to an application made to the Colonial Government by Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company, I have the honour to inform you that, in accordance with section 201 of " The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," New Zealand certificates of exemption from survey are granted to cargo-steamers trading between the United Kingdom and New Zealand, provided passengers are not carried. I would like to point out a misapprehension in the letter from the Board of Trade. It is therein stated that, if exemption is not obtained, "these vessels " would have to be surveyed in New Zealand twice at least in each year." The law in New Zealand requires an annual survey in the case of vessels not exempted. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies, &c.

A.-2, 1898, No. 29.

No. 14. (No. 61.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd October, 1897. With reference to my despatch (New Zealand, No. 55), dated the 30th September, 1897, relative to the opening of the second session of the thirteenth Parliament, I have now the honour to enclose you copies of the Address in reply to the Speech, presented to me by the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives. I have, &c, The Right. Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies, &c.

No. 9.

No. 15. (No. 64.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 28th October, 1897. I have the honour to inform you that I have consulted my Ministers, and have had several communications from them regarding your despatch No. 55, of the sth November, 1896. They desire me to point out that the despatch No. 23, of the 7th July, 1896, to which it is a reply, did not accurately express their views. They would be glad if you could see your way to reconsider your despatch No. 17, of the 6th July, 1h95, and that Her Majesty will grant the title of " Royal "to a humane society to be formed in New Zealand. They very reasonably point out that if such a society were established without the title of " Royal " any awards they might make would not be so much appreciated as those given by the Eoyal Humane Society of Australia, and that, without having the privilege conferred upon such a society here, its chance of success would be prejudiced.

A.-2, Sess. 11., 1897, No. 24.