17

A.—2

In conclusion, I wish ydu to clearly understand that it is the desire of the New Zealand Government to work harmoniously with those controlling trades and commerce,- and, so far as we can reasonably do so, encourage close relationship, and I may say that I am astonished that any objection should be taken to the legislation which is the subject-matter of your communication. I am sending a copy of this letter to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I have, &c, W. H. Cooke, Esq., Secretary, B. J. Sbddon. Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom, 5, Whittington Avenue, Leadenhall Street, E.C. P.S.— A propos of the law of contract, and your contention that all contracts made should have effect within the Empire : In New Zealand marriage with deceased wife's sister is a legal and binding contract; in England the children of such a marriage would be illegitimate, the contract would be null and void, and the parties by law held to be living in adultery.—B. J. S.

No. 24. (No. 44.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 13th August, 1897. In my despatch of the 28th January last, conveying to the Premiers of the self-governing colonies the invitation to be present at and take part in the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of Her Majesty's accession, I intimated to you the hope of Her Majesty's Government that their presence here might afford a valuable opportunity for the informal discussion of many subjects of great interest to the Empire. I have now the honour to enclose, for your information, a memorandum showing how that hope was fully realised, and giving an account of the business transacted. Her Majesty's Government desire to put on record their strong sense of the loyal and patriotic spirit which was shown by all the representatives of the colonies in the course of their discussions. They are well aware that many of them came here at considerable sacrifice of personal convenience, but they hope that their colonial colleagues are satisfied that their visit has been productive of great advantage to the Empire, and that the conferences which have been held have resulted in such a free interchange of"views as will have a lasting and beneficial effect in securing a complete mutual understanding between the colonies and the Mother-country. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., &c. [For enclosure see A.-4, Session 11., 1897.]

A.-2, Sess, 11., 1897, No. 29.

No. 25. (No. 45.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 13th August, 1897. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of the 10th instant, reporting your arrival and assumption of the Government of New Zealand on that date. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEBLAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., &o.

No. 26. (No. 47.) My Loed,— Downing Street, 17th August, 1897. I have the honour to acquaint you that Her Majesty's Government have had under their consideration the Bill, No. 64, passed by the Parliament of New Zealand, entitled " An Act to prevent the Influx into New Zealand of Persons of Alien Eace who are likely to be hurtful to the Public Welfare," copy of which accompanied Lord Glasgow's despatch No. 47, of the 21st December last.

A.-1, Sess. IX., 1897, No. 12.

3—A. 2.