H.—27c.

1900. NEW ZEALAND.

WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA: CONGRATULATIONS OF NEW ZEALAND ON ANNEXATION OF THE TRANSVAAL.

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

Premier's Office, Wellington, 6th September, 1900. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to intimate that His Excellency's Advisers desire that he should, by cablegram, express to the Secretary of State New Zealand's satisfaction at the annexation of the Transvaal, thus confirming Lord Salisbury's declaration that when a settlement should be made it should be such a one as would prevent a shred of possibility of a recurrence of the troubles in the Transvaal. His Excellency's Advisers also desire him to be good enough to express to the Secretary of State their hearty congratulations on the annexation, and their cordial thanks for the great services rendered by Field-Marshal Lord Eoberts and his forces in South Africa, which have rendered the annexation possible, and brought about an event which will be ever a memorable one in history. E. J. Seddon.

(Cablegram.) 7th September, 1900. My Government and the people of New Zealand desire to express high appreciation at the annexation of the Transvaal Eepublic, confirming the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs' declaration that when settlement was made it would be such as to prevent the possibility of the recurrence of troubles. They wish to express congratulations on the annexation, and appreciation of services of Lord Eoberts and his forces. Eanfurly. Secretary of State for the Colonies, London.

Government House, Wellington, 11th September, 1900. Memorandum for the Eight Hon. the Premier. The Governor has received the following telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated 10th September : — " Her Majesty's Government have received with much satisfaction your telegram of 7th September, and desire to express their thanks to the Government and people of New Zealand for their congratulations on the annexation of the Transvaal Eepublic, and the success of Her Majesty's Forces.—Chamberlain .'' Eanfurly . Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation not given; printing (1,200 copies), £1.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oo, Price 3d.]