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book has been produced, and an indorsement should be made on the pages reserved for certificates, stating whether or not the book produced were handed to the master. 3. When men desert, or are left behind from sickness or any other cause, the continuous discharge certificates belonging to them should be obtained, properly entered up, from the master of the vessel. An indorsement should be made on the agreement, showing whether, in each case, the continuous discharge certificate has been delivered by the master. Francis J. S. Hopwood, Secretary. Walter J. Howell, Assistant Secretary.

No. 20. (Circular.) Sib, - Downing Street, 22nd May, 1902. I have the honour to transmit to you, for your information, a copy of a circular letter which has been addressed by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to Naval Commanders-in-Chief abroad, in regard to the procedure to be adopted by His Majesty's ships on Foreign Stations on the day of His Maje-iW s Coronation. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Sib,— Admiralty, 14th May, 1902. My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have received the King's commands that the celebration of His Majesty's coronation on the 26th June is to be observed on board His Majesty's ships in accordance with the following procedure : — So far as service requirements will admit, the bulk of the ships of your squadron are to assemble at one of the principal British ports on the station, or are to be divided between the principal British ports, should local conditions and the number of ships available render such division expedient. The ships are to be dressed as for the King's Birthday, between 8 a.m. and sunset, and so far as possible are to be illuminated after dark. All ships are to fire a Royal salute at the hour (by local time) when the Crown is placed on His Majesty's head —the time will be communicated later —and you are to arrange with the military authorities so that the salute may be fired in conjunction with that fired from the batteries. A joint review of all available naval and military forces will be held, and as many seamen and marines as possible are to be landed for the purpose, and here again you will act in communicatien with the military and local authorities. It is understood that, after the festivities which are customary in the navy on a King's Birthday, the highest authority representing His Majesty will hold a full-dress reception in the evening, which the principal members of the naval forces and naval departments should attend. The morning of the 26th June is to be kept as a Sunday, Divine service being held, and special prayer being offered up to Almighty God for the King's Majesty. Extra grog, or the authorised equivalent, is to be served out to each ship's company, and the question of pardoning such offenders as may be undergoing punishment on board is to be considered, with due regard to the necessity for the maintenance of discipline in His Majesty's navy. The afternoon of the 27th June is to be kept as an extra holiday on board His Majesty's ships. I am, &c, The Commander-in-Chief, His Majesty's Ships and Vessels.

No. 21. (Circular.) My Lokd, — Downing Street, 23rd May, 1902. I have the honour to transmit to you, for your information, a copy of a circular letter which has been addressed by the War Office to the General Officers Commanding Stations at Home and abroad, respecting the observance of Coronation Day. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, G.C.M.G., &c.

Enclosure. Sir,— War Office, London, S.W., 14th May, 1902. I am directed by the Commander-in-Chief to inform you that on the day of the coronation of His Majesty the King (26th June), you should arrange to fire a Royal salute from the usual saluting-batteries, and where there are sufficient troops there should be a parade and a feu de joie fired.