A.—l.

I have now the honour to inform you that my Premier may not be able, owing to the New Zealand Parliament being then in session, to remain the full term of three weeks. He will, however, remain as long as there is important business. He will arrive in London a few days prior to the Coronation, and is anxious to leave as early as possible. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 74. (No. 7.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th February, 1902. I have the honour to enclose you a roll of the men of the Eighth New Zealand Contingent, who sailed in s.s. " Surrey " and s.s. " Cornwall" for South Africa. These rolls also contain the names of those sent to fill up the ranks of the Seventh Contingent, now serving there. A duplicate copy has been sent to General Lord Kitchener. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. . Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 75. (No. 8.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th February, 1902. In conformity with your despatch of the Bth December, 1898, regarding gold and silver production, and in continuation of my despatch (No. 28) of the 13th April, 1901, I have the honour to inform you that the quantity of gold entered for export for the year ending the 31st December, 1901, was 455,561 oz., or equal to 14,169-88 kilogrammes, valued at £1,753,783; and that of silver 562,588 oz., equal to 17,499-16 kilogrammes, valued at £64,488. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 76. (No. 9.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th February, 1902. In reply to your circular despatch of the 28th September, 1901, I have the honour to forward you a facsimile impression of the public seal of this colony in electrotype, together with impressions of the paper wafer seal used. The present seal is made of steel, and is used with a screw-press, and was made by the Chief Engraver to Her late Majesty in 1881. My Government do not desire any alteration in the design except as regards His Majesty's titles. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 77. (No. 11.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 18th February, 1902. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand, No. 100), dated the 19th September, 1901, regarding Suwarrow Island, I have the honour to inform you that the lessees have not been, nor will they be interfered with, so long as they conform to the conditions of the lease. My Government approve of the suggestions contained in paragraph 3 of your despatch, and will indorse the lease when sent to them.

A.-2, 1902, No. 85.

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