A.—2

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Netherlands.—26th September, 1898; Article 17. If, in any criminal matter pending in any Court or tribunal of one of the two countries, it is thought desirable to take the evidence of any witness in the other, such evidence may be taken by the judicial authorities in accordance with the laws in force on this subject in the country where the witness may be, and any expenses incurred in taking such evidence shall be defrayed by the country in which it is taken. Bussia. — 24th November, 1886; Article 17. When, for the purposes of a criminal matter, not being of a political character, pending in any of its Courts or tribunals, either Government shall desire to obtain the evidence of witnesses residing in the other State, a " Commission Eogatoire " to that end shall be sent through the diplomatic channel, and which shall be executed in conformity with the law of the State where the evidence is to be taken. The Government which sends the " Commission Eogatoire " will, however, take all necessary steps and pay all expenses for finding and procuring the attendance before the Magistrate of the witnesses named for examination in such Commission. Saw Marino.—l6th October, 1899; Article 18. When, in a criminal case of a non-political character, either of the high contracting parties should think it necessary to take the evidence of witnesses residing in the dominions of the other, or to obtain any other legal evidence, a " Commission Eogatoire " to that effect shall be sent through the channel indicated in Article VIII., and effect shall be given thereto conformably to the laws in force where the evidence is to be taken.

No. 35. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 21st August, 1902. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of an address by the Society of Comparative Legislation to the representatives of the various colonies in England, submitting proposals for the establishment in all parts of the Umpire of branch societies or committees, with a view to a closer relationship for the interchange of ideas and information as to matters of legal importance, and the promotion of unity of law and procedure so far as may be practicable. 2. I have to refer you to my circular despatches of the 20th July, 1895, and 3rd October, 1895, which were accompanied by papers showing the constitution of this society, the objects for which it was formed, and the several points on which it desired information with regard to the laws and methods of legislation in the colonies. You will observe that I have always heartily approved of the objects which the society has in view, and that I am desirous of affording it every facility in my power. I enclose a copy of a memorandum which the society has prepared, containing suggestions as to the composition and duties of the branches or committees which they are anxious should be established in the colonies ; and I should be glad if you would again bring the matter to the notice of your Ministers with a view to securing the co-operation of the Law Officers of the colony in the manner suggested therein. 3. The following are the addresses of the Secretary of the society and the editor of its publications : John Macdonell, Esq., 0.8., LL.D., Master of the Supreme Court of Judicature, lloyal Courts of Justice, London, W.C. (Editor); Edward Manson, Esq., 8, Old Square, Lincoln's Inn, London, W.C. (Secretary). 4. I shall be glad to learn in due course what measures your Ministers would be prepared to adopt in order to meet the views of the Society of Comparative Legislation. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Society of Comparative Legislation.—Suggestions for Extending the Society in the Colonies. The aim of the society is to promote a systematic interchange of ideas and information between all parts of the Empire on subjects interesting to lawyers, jurists, and statesmen. We think this object could best be secured— 1. By forming branches of the society in the different parts of the Empire, and we would suggest that the most effective way of doing this would be for the Colonial Office to invite the Attorneys-General of the various colonies to form local committees on the model of the executive committee of the Home society.