A.—7b

1900. NEW ZEALAND.

DEATH OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AND OF SAXE-COBURG AND GOTHA (JOINT LETTER FROM HIGH COMMISSIONER OF CANADA AND AGENTS-GENERAL OF THE SELFGOVERNING COLONIES ADDRESSED TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, EXPRESSING REGRET AND RESPECTFUL CONDOLENCES ON THE).

Laid upon the Table of both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Sic, — Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W. I beg to enclose copy of the joint letter containing expressions of deep regret and respectful condolences which the High Commissioner of Canada and the Agents-General of the selfgoverning colonies addressed to Her Majesty the Queen on the death of His Eoyal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh and of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. A copy of the letter which Her Majesty graciously caused to be sent in reply is also enclosed. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. P. Beeves.

17, Victoria Street, S.W., 31st July, 1900. To Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen. We, the undersigned representatives in the United Kingdom of the self-governing colonies, desire to express to your Majesty our deep regret at the death of your beloved son, His Boyal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh and Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and to offer your Majesty, the Duchess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and the members of the Boyal Family our respectful condolences and heartfelt sympathy in your bereavement. The great affliction which your Majesty has sustained has caused profound sorrow in the colonies, as well as in the United Kingdom, and your Majesty's grief will be shared by your faithful subjects in every part of your Empire. Steathcona and Mountroyal, High Commissioner for Canada. Henet Copeland, Agent-General for New South Wales. Andrew Clarke, Agent for Victoria. W. P. Beeves, Agent-General for New Zealand. D. Tennant, Agent-General for the Cape of Good Hope. Walter Peace, Agent-General for Natal. Horace Tozee, Agent-General for Queensland. John A. Cockbuen, Agent-General for South Australia. E. H. Wittenoom, Agent-General for Western Australia. P. 0. Ftsh, - Agent-General for Tasmania.

Deak Lord Strathcona, — Osborne, 2nd August, 1900. The kindly and sympathetic words of the joint letter from the representatives in the United Kingdom of the self-governing colonies expressing regret al the death of the Duke of