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the lines of the Natal Act, I thought it advisable to point out to the Premier that it did not by any means cover the whole ground desired in your despatch; also that the term " Asiatic seas " should be fully defined, as it appeared to be vague. I had also informed him that, should this Bill pass in the present form, I should deem it my duty to reserve the Bill for Her Majesty's assent. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., &c, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 26. (No. 86.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd December, 1897. I have the honour to inform you that on the 22nd instant I prorogued the second session of the thirteenth Parliament of New Zealand. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., &c, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 27. (No. 87.) Sic, — Government House, 23rd December, 1897. I have the honour to forward, for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure, copies of the Acts passed by the General Assembly during the session closed on the 22nd December instant. A synopsis of these Acts is being prepared by the Solicitor-General, and will be forwarded by the next mail. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., &c, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 28. (No. 1.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, January, 1898. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand, No. 68), of the 4th November, 1897, and enclosure from War Office (copy 090/1769), respecting a proposal to supply military books or papers for the use of the Volunteers in the colony, I have the honour to inform you that the military library will be located in the garrison barracks, Wellington. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1898, No. 45.

No. 29. (No. 5.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 7th February, 1898. I have the honour to forward the report of his Honour Sir James Prendergast, relative to the disputes in the Cook Islands, and also a copy of the despatch I have sent to Mr. Moss, the British Eesident. The report and papers are now in the hands of my Ministers. With a view of giving it their fullest consideration, and to enable them to form their opinions, they have requested me to delay forwarding my official despatch on the subject until next mail. This I have consented to, and with my next despatch I hope to be able to send printed copies of the various petitions, evidence, and papers referred to in the report. These papers are now in the hands of the Government Printer, but, being of a very voluminous character, may cause a slight delay. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies, &c.

A.-3, 1898, No. 14.