A.—2

26

lowering the freightage as well as probably paying for her own keep, fuel, &c. A vessel of this size could lie at Waitangi in most weathers, but on the approach of really bad weather could seek shelter at Port Hutt, nine miles distant. With some enterprise, I think that both horses and cattle-breeding might be made to pay as well as sheep-farming, but this seems the quality that is absolutely lacking. I have, &c, P. Addington, Commander. Eear-Admiral Sir Lewis A. T. Beaumont, K.0.M.G., Commander-in-Chief, Australia.

No. 27. (No. 61.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 27th June, 1902. With reference to my despatch (No. 71), of the 3rd November, 1899, I have the honour to inform you that the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty desire further information as to the saluting-batteries at Wellington and Auckland, and I have to request you to be good enough to inform me what is the name and position of the battery at each of those ports. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, GkC.M.G., &c.

A.-2, 1900, No. 24.

No. 28. (No. 62.) My Lord, — • Downing Street, Bth July, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 27) of the 12th April, forwarding a copy of a memorandum from your Prime Minister on the subject of army meat contracts. 2. From the War Office letter of the 26th February, to the Agent-General for New South Wales (a copy of which was forwarded to you in my despatch No. 24, of the 6th March), your Ministers will be aware of the general arrangements proposed in the case of any future contract, which I trust have approved themselves to your Government. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, G.C.M.G., &c.

A.-l, 1903 No. 1.

No. 29. (Circular.) Sir, — . Downing Street, 10th July, ] 902. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the consideration of your Government, a copy of a letter which the Russian Ambassador has addressed to the Marquess of Lansdowne asking for information respecting colonial legislation in regard to accidents caused by agricultural machinery, and precautions for their prevention. I shall be glad if you will cause me to be furnished with particulars of any legislation or regulations on this subject that may be in force in the colony under your administration, in order that I may be in a position to comply with this request. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Monsieue le Marquis,— Londres, le 31 Mai, 1902. Le Departement d'Agriculture etant charge de I'elaboration de mesures en vue d'eviter les accidents survenant a la suite dcs travaux avec dcs machines agricoles, me demande de lvi fournir les renseignements sur les dispositions et ordannances ad hoc gui sont en vigueur en Angleterre et dans ses colonies, ainsi que tousles mat&iaux gui ont trait a cc sujet (tels que comptes-rendus, investigations, lois, &c). En portant cc gui precede a la connaissance de Votre Seigneurie, je me permets de recourir a son amabilite en La priant de bien vouloir faire les demarches necessaires, afin de me mettre a meme de satisfaire a la demande de mon Gouvernement. J'ai l'honneur, &c, Son Excellence, Monsieur le Marquis de Lansdowne, K.G., &c. Staal.