A.—2.

8

relations between the white and Maori inhabitants of New Zealand are of the most harmonious character, and the Maoris fully appreciate the care and anxiety displayed by the Government and Legislature of New Zealand for the protection of their interests and the conservation of their lands. 5. I have too much confidence in your discretion to think that you would willingly use language which could be regarded as an unfavourable criticism on the Administration of another part of Her Majesty's dominions, and I am sure that you will join with me in regretting that some passages in your speech were open to misconstruction. I have, &c, Governor, Sir G. T. M. O'Brien, K.C.M.G., &c. J. Chambeelain.

No. 11. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 11th January, 1901. I have the honour to acquaint you, for the information of any persons who may be interested in the matter, that an official translation (in French) of the statutes and regulations with regard to the late Dr. Alfred Bernhard Nobel's bequest, approved by His Majesty the King of Sweden and Norway, has now been published, and that the Charge d'Affaires for Sweden and Norway at this Court has asked that as much publicity as possible may be given to the contents of the publication. It is understood that the amount available under the bequest for distribution annually in prizes to meritorious inventors and others is about £40,000 ; that it is divisible into five equal parts to be assigned (1) for the most important discovery in physical science, (2) for the most important discovery or improvement in chemistry, (3) for the most important discovery in physiology or medicine, (4) for the most remarkable literary work, and (5) for the greatest service in the cause of international peace : that the first distribution of prizes will take place on the 10th of December in this year ; and that the competition is open to every one, without regard to nationality. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. [Copies of the statutes and regulations obtainable at the Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington.]

No. 12. (No. 5.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 11th January, 1901. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, a copy of a letter from the War Office, with its enclosures, showing the manner in which the Secretary of State for War proposes to deal with the sums due to the estates of members of the colonial forces dying in South Africa. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G., &c.

Enclosures. Sic,— War Office, London, S.W., 2nd January, 1901. I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th ultimo (No. 40860/1900), and to forward for your information and that of the GovernorGeneral of Canada a copy of a letter addressed from this Department to the High Commissioner for Canada on the Bth December, 1900, together with a copy of the memorandum transmitted therewith, which will show the manner in which it is proposed to deal with the gratuities due to officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Canadian forces dying in South Africa, under Army Order 150, of 1900, or the special Army Order of the Bth December, 1900. A further communication will be made to you as regards the gratuities due to officers, noncommissioned officers, and men of the Canadian forces who have been invalided to this country. I am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, S.W. H. de la Bere,