A.—l

6

the procedure to be adopted in verifying statements made by ex-soldiers residing in New Zealand as to their service in the Army in connection with their claims to old-age pensions. 2. In replying to the despatch my Prime Minister informs me that it will afford the Government of New Zealand the greatest possible pleasure to adopt, so far as lies in their power, the suggestion made by the Army Council to the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in regard to the verification of statements by ex-soldiers in New Zealand as to their service in the Army. 3. The Prime Minister has asked me to mention, however, that there can be no effective control over the actions of those ex-soldiers who should communicate direct with the War Office before coming in touch with the Pensions Department, but the Government will take every possible means of endeavouring to have all inquiries made through the channel suggested. 4. At the request of my Prime Minister, I take this opportunity of expressing the appreciation of the Government of this Dominion at the ready manner in which assistance has been rendered by the War Office in the past to the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London on behalf of applicants for both old-age and military pensions in New Zealand. I Rave, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 11. New Zealand, No. 97. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd July, 1913. I have the honour to inform you that on the 26th June, 1913, I summoned the following gentlemen to the Legislative Council of this Dominion, namely : — Captain the Honourable Sir William Russell Russell, of Hastings; John Duthie, Esquire, of Wellington; Charles Albert Creery Hardy, Esquire, of Canterbury; William Earnshaw, Esquire, of Wellington; and Wiremu Kerei Nikora, of Paeroa. Sir William Russel is an ex Minister of the Crown, and was for many years Leader of His Majesty's Opposition. Mr. Duthie is a merchant of high character and integrity, and for many years represented the City of Wellington in Parliament. Mr. Hardy is a highly respected settler in Canterbury, and represented the District of Selwyn for many years. Mr. Earnshaw is a well-known and highly respected colonist, and was for many years a representative for the City of Dunedin. Mr. Nikora is Chairman of the Ohinemuri County Council, and a respected settler of high character. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 12. New Zealand, No. 107. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 22nd July, 1913. My Prime Minister has desired me to ask that the following suggestion may be laid before the Army Council—namely, that the Army Council should accept attendance at the annual camp in the ranks as eligibility under paragraph 3 (d), " Regulations for Commission in the British Regular Army for Officers of the Military Forces of the Self-governing Dominions and Crown Colonies."