A.—2

12

In these circumstances I shall be glad if your Government will take the matter into consideration, and cause me to be informed whether they would object to a portion of- the appointments referred to being offered to non-commis-sioned officers of the Royal Marines. If they should see no objection, I propose, in dealing with the applications from colonial Governments for the services of such non-commissioned officers (in the absence of a specific request for the appointment of men from the army) to apply indifferently to the War Office or the Admiralty, as circumstances may make most desirable. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 12. (Circular.) Sir,— Downing Street, 9th May, 1898. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Government and for publication in the colony, an extract from the London Gazette, containing a note from the United States Ambassador at this Court announcing the rules which his Government intend to observe during hostilities between the United States and Spain, together with a translation of a Royal Decree issued by the Spanish Government as to the principles which that Government will observe during the war, and a translation of the instructions drawn up by the Spapish Minister of Marine for exercising the right of visit in accordance with Article 5 of the Royal Decree. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. [For enclosure, see New Zealand Gazette, 7th July, 1898, page 1109.]

No. 13. (Circular.) Sib,— Downing Street, 30th May, 1898. With reference to my circular despatch of the Ist March last, enclosing copies of a provisional order of the Queen in Council applying section 238 of " The Merchant Shipping Act, J 894," respecting the arrest of seamen deserters, in the case of Japan, I have the honour to transmit to you, for publication in the colony under your government, copies of a further Order in Council dated the 19th May, issued after compliance with section 1 of " The Rules Publication Act, 1893." • I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. [For enclosure, see New Zealand Gazette, 4th August, 1898, page 1260.]

No. 14. (Circular.) Sib,— Downing Street, 10th June, 1898. With reference to my circular despatch of the 15th March last, enclosing copies of an order of Her Majesty in Council dated the 7th March, 1898, for giving effect to the additional Act of Paris modifying the International Copyright Convention of the 9th September, 1886, I have the honour to transmit to you, for information and publication in the colony under your government, copies of an order of Her Majesty in Council, dated the 19th May, 1898, extending the operation of the Order in Council of the 7th March, 1898, to the Republic of Hayti. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. [For enclosure, see New Zealand Gazette, 4th August, 1898, page 1258.]