A.—2

10

however, made for services actually rendered, particularly in the case of the usual fee to a pilot), yet when such ships are being used under charter to private persons or companies for work which might otherwise be done by the mercantile marine it is not desired that they should, even though they may be under Admiralty orders, enjoy exemption. In such cases the normal payments will be made by the charterers. 5. I may further observe that this same rule as to the payment ,of normal charges would apply in the case of other ships under the orders of the Admiralty when being used under charter in the manner described in the last paragraph. I have, &c, A. BONAR LAW. Governor His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, G.C.M.G., M.V.0., &c.

No. 16. New Zealand, No. 41. My Lord,— Downing Street, 18th January, 1916. With reference to my despatch, No. 655, of the 25th November last, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, copies of two reports on the Bill to authorize the importation of frozen meat into France, one by M. Henri Cosnier, and the other by the Budget Commission of the Chamber of Deputies. Copies of these reports have been forwarded to the High Commissioner for New Zealand. I have, &c, A. BONAR LAW. Governor His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, G.C.M.G., M.V.0., &c.

No. 17. New Zealand, No. 42. My Lord, — Downing Street, 18th January, 1916. With reference to my predecessor's despatch, No. 57, of 9th February, 1915, I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the accession of New Caledonia to the International Radio-telegraph Convention signed at London on the sth July, 1912, has been notified on the 19th February, 1915; of Tonga, on the 29th May; Bolivia, on the 13th October; and Peru, on the 12th July. I have, &c, _ A. BONAR LAW. Governor Flis Excellency the Right Hon. the Ear" of Liverpool, G.C.M.G., M.V.0., &c.

No. 18. New Zealand, No. 51. My Lord, — Downing Street, 26th January, 1916 With reference to my predecessor's despatch, No. 303, of the 14th July, 1914, T have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that Mr. E. J. Darling, Secretary to the Dominions Royal Commission, departed on military service on the 20th November last. During his absence Mr. W. J. Glenny will act as Secretary and Sub-Accountant, with allowance at the rate of £75 per annum. Up to the 31st December last Mr. Glenny was assisted in his work by Mr. Bridgman, who received an allowance of 17s. 6d. a week. I have, &c, A. BONAR LAW Governor His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, G.CM.G, M.V.0., &c,