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A.-2

Similarly, it is forbidden to furnish vessels for the above-mentioned industry or for purposes of conveyance. (4.) It is forbidden to import within the limits of the Russian Empire, in whole or in parts, whether undressed or dressed, skins of seals (Article 3) and sea-otters if they are not furnished with special seals, brands, or other certificates from the competent Russian or foreign authorities declaring that the skins imported have, been obtained in a lawful manner. (5.) It is forbidden to export beyond the limits of the Russian Empire, in whole or in parts, whether undressed or dressed, skins of seals (Article 3) and sea-otters if they are not furnished with special seals, brands, or other certificates from the competent Russian or foreign authorities declaring that the skins exported have been obtained in a lawful manner. These certificates, if so desired by the owner, may be issued for a whole consignment of skins exported together or for each skin separately. (6.) It is forbidden to trade in the skins of seals (Article 3) and sea-otters, whether undressed or dressed, in whole or in parts, if the skins in question are not furnished with special seals, brands, or other certificates from the competent Russian or foreign authorities declaring that the skins have been obtained in a lawful manner. (7.) Upon the discovery of the conveyance across the frontier of skins of seals (Article 3) and sea-otters without due observance of the regulations laid down in Articles 4 and 5. such skins will be confiscated. (8.) Departments and officials intrusted with the duty of affixing special seals and brands on the skins of seals (Article 3) and sea-otters, and with the issue of the certificates specified in Articles 3-6, shall be guided by regulations issued by the Chief of the Department for Land Organization and Agriculture in agreement where necessary with the Chiefs of other Ministries. These regulations will also determine the patterns of the special seals, brands, and certificates, as also the method of affixing such seals and brands on the skins. The regulations specified in this article will be published for general information by the Ruling Senate. 11. Establishments and persons who at the time of promulgation of the present law shall be in the possession of skins of seals and sea-otters (Section I, Article 3 of this law), in whole or in parts, undressed or dressed, must present these skins, with the exception of those which have already been furnished with Customs brand upon their import into Russia, within one year to the Customs or other competent authorities (Section I, Article 8 of this law) for the affixing of the special seals or brands necessary. 111. Article 921 3 (Supp. 1912) of the Criminal and Correctional Penal Code (Code of Laws, Volume xv) to read as follows : — "921 2 . Persons convicted of illicit trading in the sea-otter and sealing industries shall be liable to imprisonment for a period of two - sixteen months. Weapons for hunting, vessels engaged in the industry, with their catch, equipment, and general cargo, will be confiscated." IV. To supplement the Criminal and Correctional Penal Code (Code of Laws, Volume xv, edition 1885) by the following article, No. 921" : — "921 6 . Persons convicted of illicit trading in the sea-otter and sealing industries, or in the prohibited conveyance of seal-skins, who shall make use of Russian ports, harbours, or any portion of Russian territory; persons illegally supplying vessels for the above-mentioned industry or conveyance; and persons convicted of the prohibited import into Russia, or export beyond the limits of the Russian Empire, of seal and sea-otter skins, or of trading in such skins, will be liable to imprisonment for a period of two-sixteen months. Weapons for hunting, vessels employed in the industry, with their catch, equipment, and general cargo, as also all skins not furnished with the requisite marks or certificates, will be confiscated."

No. 31. New Zealand, No. 196. My Lord,— Downing Street, Bth May, 1914. With reference to Your Excellency's despatch, No. 171, of the 21st November last, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, the accompanying copy of a despatch from the GovernorGeneral of the Dominion of Canada on the subject of the Pacific cable terminal charges. I have, &c, L. HARCOURT. Governor His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, K.C.M.G., M.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. Sir,— Canada, Montreal, 23rd April, 1914. . With reference to your despatch, No. 232. of the Ist April, on the subject of terminal rates on cable messages charged by the Government of Australia, I am informed by my Responsible Advisers that Canada approves of the prinoiple that the gross revenue from the Pacific Cable ter-