A.—l

18

A.-2, 1911, No. 129.

Mrs. Cracroft Wilson, recently of Cashmere, Christchurch, on the occasion of her departure for England in January of last year, applied for the nomination in the ye&r 1914 of her youngest son, Godfrey R. C. Wilson, and, in order that the nomination might be acceptable, desires an alteration in the regulations to enable boys temporarily residing in England to receive a New Zealand nomination and to pass their educational examination in England instead of in this Dominion. In view of the few applications which are received in New Zealand for these nominations, an amendment of the regulations, copy of which I enclose, is now in contemplation to enable boys belonging to families residing in this Dominion, but receiving their education for the time being in England, to secure New Zealand nomination. The Prime Minister would be glad if His Excellency would communicate with the Admiralty with a view to sanction being given to an alteration of the regulations as indicated. It is also desired that it be ascertained whether the Admiralty authorities would arrange for the examination of nominees of New Zealand at the same time and on the same programme as provided for ordinary applicants. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister.

No. 43. New Zealand, No. 140. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 10th November, 1910. With reference to Lord Crewe's despatch, No. 206, of the 9th September, regarding the proposed conference of Surveyors-General, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a memorandum from my Prime Minister stating that the Dominion of New Zealand will be jointly represented with the Commonwealth of Australia at the conference. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis Harcourt, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 44. New Zealand, No. 144. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd November, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a memorandum, dated the 12th instant, from my Prime Minister, suggesting an increase in the number of commissions in the Regular Army awarded annually to candidates from New Zealand. I would suggest that this proposition is one worth favourable consideration, as from my own observation there are several young officers here who would be willing to take advantage of it, and their doing so would have good effect at new juncture of present scheme, and be of undeniably great benefit to them in future years. I have, &c, ISLINGTON The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, I.2th November, 1910. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and respectfully begs to submit for His Excellency's consideration the matter of having commissions in the Regular Army awarded to colonial officers in addition to the two available in each half-year, provided the War Office has no objection. The examination-papers of two candidates recommended for nomination for October halfyear (Lieutenants Wilkos and Walker) were forwarded to His Excellency on the 26th October, for transmission to the War Office. Regulations on the subject do not permit of the nomination of more than two candidates in any half-year, even though no application for nomination may have been received during the preceding half-year. Tip to the present nine candidates have notified the Department of their intention of applying for nomination, exclusive of the two above referred to. Paragraph 16, section IV, of attached regulations provides for the selection ef the two highest candidates on results of examination. Provision is also made to allow of commissions not taken up by one colony being awarded to candidates from other colonies,