A.—l.

No. 67. (No. 124.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 25th November, 1901. In reply to your despatch (New Zealand, General) of the 4th September, 1901, relative to the Postal Union Convention concluded at Washington on the 15th June, 1897, I have the honour to forward you herewith the formal Act of ratification by my Government of the Convention, and final protocol for transmission to the United States Government. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1902, No. 77.

No. 68. (No. 125.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 16th December, 1901. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand, General) dated the 27th April, 1901, relative to the regulations governing the issue of medals for long service and good conduct to the Colonial Permanent Forces, I have the honour to forward you a copy of the amended regulations with regard to the extension of the grant of the Imperial distinguished conduct, meritorious service, and long service and good conduct medals to the New Zealand Permanent Forces. As these regulations, which have been drawn up to suit the circumstances of this colony, do not correspond in all respects with the model regulations enclosed with your despatch, my Government have asked me to forward a copy of their regulations for your favourable consideration. I Mr) VP* (V O The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1902, No. 39.

No. 69. (No. 126.) Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 18th December, 1901. I have the honour to forward you herewith a synopsis prepared by the Law Officers of the Acts passed during the second session of the Fourteenth Parliament of New Zealand, together with the Acts duly authenticated with the seal of the colony. 2. No. 73 (" The Royal Visit Expenses Act, 1901,") I have already notified you, as by my despatch (New Zealand, No. Ill) dated the 17th October, 1901. 3.- I have further the honour to inform you that I have reserved my assent to No. 74 (" The New Zealand Ensign Act, 1901 "). I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUEY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 57.

Enclosure. Special Report. Fob the information of His Excellency the Governor I beg to report as follows: — 1. The synopsis attached hereto contains a list of all the Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand during the session which ended on the Bth day of November, 1901. 2. In my opinion none of those Acts are repugnant to the law of England ; nor was it necessary they or any of them should have been reserved for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure thereon, in accordance with the Royal Instructions of the 26th day of March, 1892. Nos. 73 and 74, however, have been so reserved : No. 73 of His Excellency's own motion, because it provides for the payment of money to himself, although merely in reimbursement of money expended by him on the public account on behalf and at the request of the Government; and No. 74 on my advice that it affected the provisions of " The Merchant Shipping Act, 1894," relating to the national colours, and therefore should be reserved in terms of that Act. Dated at Wellington this 19th day of November, 1901. Feed. Fitchbtt, Solicitor-General.

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