A.—2.
No. 26. (No. 25.) My Lord,— Downing Street, 14th March, 1901. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, with reference to my despatch (No. 16) of the Bth ultimo, the papers noted in the subjoined schedule. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.
No. 22.
Enclosure. Sib,— War Office, London, S.W., Ist March, 1901. With reference to my letter of the 11th February, in reply to yours of the 3rd idem (No. 3509/1901), I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit for the information of Mr. Secretary Chamberlain the attached copies of Voyage Beports, signed by officers of the colonial contingents, in regard to the voyage of the " Harlech Castle " from Capetown to Australian ports, and I am to observe that these reports do not bear out the allegations which have been made respecting the accommodation and furnishing provided on board. In regard to the delay in Australia, which is also complained of, it has been ascertained that this was entirely due to causes beyond the control of the Imperial authorities, and could neither have been foreseen nor avoided. I am to add that a report has been called for from South Africa in regard to the alleged overcrowding, and a further communication will be made on its receipt ; but I am to point out that the number of troops embarked was considerably short of the number for which the vessel is fitted, and that there could have been no question of overcrowding between Australian and New Zealand ports. lam, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, S.W. B. H. Knox.
No. 27. (No. 30.) My Lord,— Downing Street, 14th March, 1901. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 94) of the 17th December last, regarding the present position of steamship communication between New Zealand and San Francisco, with special reference to Honolulu. From my despatch (No. 75) of the Ist December, 1898, you will be aware that the British Ambassador at Washington was instructed at that time to make a representation on the subject of the United States navigation laws to the Government of that country; a note was accordingly addressed to the United States Government, but no reply was received. Lord Pauncefote has now been instructed to take any further action in the matter which he may think possible, and I shall not fail to inform you of any result which may follow. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G., &c.
A.-l, 1901, No. 57.
A.-2, 1899, No. 35.
No. 28. (General.) My Lord,— Downing Street, 15th March, 1901. I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship for information a copy of letters patent which have been passed under the great seal, empowering His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York, K.G., K.T., K.P., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., to summon and hold a meeting of the Privy Council in the Common-
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Date. From To Subject. 1st March, 1901 ... War Office ... Colonial Office ... Transport of New Zealand troops to the colony from South Africa in the " Harlech Castle," with enclosure in original.