A.—9

1900. NEW ZEALAND.

VISIT OF DUKE AND DUCHESS OF YORK TO AUSTRALASIA (CABLEGRAMS AND MEMORANDA RELATIVE TO PROPOSED).

Presented to the House of Bepresentatives by Command of His Excellency.

(Copy of Cablegram received by His Excellency the Governor informing him that Her Majesty the Queen assents to the Visit of the Duke and Duchess of York to the Australasian Colonies in the Spring of Next Year.) Governor, Wellington. Hee Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to assent, on the recommendation of the Marquis of Salisbury, to the visit of their Eoyal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York to the Colonies of Australasia in the spring of next year. His Eoyal Highness the Duke of York will be commissioned by Her Majesty the Queen to open the first session of the Parliament of the Australian Commonwealth in her name. Although the Queen naturally shrinks from parting with her grandson for so long a period, Her Majesty the Queen fully recognises the greatness-of the occasion which will bring her Colonies of Australia into federal union, and desires to give this special proof of her interest in all that concerns the welfare of her Australian subjects. Her Majesty the Queen at the same time wishes to signify her sense of the loyalty and devotion which has prompted the spontaneous aid so liberally offered by all the colonies in the South African War, and of the splendid gallantry of her colonial troops. Her Majesty's assent to this visit is, of course, given on the assumption that at the time fixed for the Duke of York's departure the circumstances are as generally favourable as at present, and that no national interests for His Eoyal Highness' presence in this country. 18th September. Chambeelain.

(Copy of Despatch from His Excellency the Governor in reference to the Visit of their Eoyal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York.) (No. 82.) Government House, Wellington, 24th September, 1900. Memorandum for the Eight Hon. the Pebmibe. The Governor has to acknowledge the receipt by telegraph on 20th September of an address from both Houses of the Parliament of New Zealand regarding the visit of their Eoyal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York to New Zealand. He had much pleasure in cabling the full text the same evening to the Secretary of State for the Colonies for presentation to Her Majesty. Banfuely. (No. 90.) Government House, Wellington, 30th September, 1900. Memoeandum for the Eight Hon. the Peemiee. The Governor has received the following telegr m from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated 29th September : — " Your telegram of the 20th September was laid before Her Majesty and Duke and Duchess of York, who desire me to convey their cordial thanks to you, your Government, and the people of New Zealand. " Their Eoyal Highnesses are glad to be able to pay a visit to colony and to take advantage of promised welcome. " Her Majesty the Queen'also commands me to request you will convey to Legislature her sincere thanks for address which has given her much pleasure. Her Majesty knows well she has no more loyal subjects in the Empire than the people of New Zealand." Dudley Alexandee, Private Secretary, For His Excellency the Governor.