11

A.—2

security to the inventor, and be useful commercially. It would, further, prevent any necessity for having recourse to the German and American Patent Offices, which purport to make universal search. Opposition in the central office would also have to be allowed on the part of any prior patentees, &c. This probably is a more feasible proposal than 1, inasmuch as local rights are not disturbed. Small fees only are payable for an unexamined patent, and a really effective universal search is made for those who desire it on payment of a larger fee. There is no substantial difference between the procedure and practice in the dominions and that of the United Kingdom in patent matters, although there are a few minor divergencies. The establishment of a central office would not in any way affect any special local regulations, such as those regarding working, &c, as it would solely be concerned with the examination and search for anticipations, with oppositions and with the grant of a patent, which would have in consequence a strong presumption of validity throughout the Empire. The real complaints of inventors in the British Empire are —(1) The expenses and difficulty of obtaining patent protection throughout the Empire ; (2) the uncertainty as to the position and validity of his patent in the various parts of the Empire. The establishment of a central office would go some way to meeting these complaints if the local fees were generally'reduced. The central office might, indeed, finally become the means of transmitting the necessary documents and receiving the necessary fees for the purpose of obtaining patent rights in the various portions of the Empire. It seems highly desirable, in view of the demands for a more simple and effective protection of inventions throughout the Umpire, that some such scheme, of which but a bare outline is suggested above, should receive the consideration of the technical experts of the various Patent Offices throughout His Majesty's dominions. 23rd December, 1919. W. Temple Franks.

No. 14. New Zealand, No. 21. My Lord, — Downing Street, 27th January, 1920. With reference to Your Excellency's despatch, No. 267, of the 17th October, 1917, regarding the Trade Commissioner service, I have the honour to request you to inform your Ministers that a Trade Commissioner (Major A. F. G. Anderson) has now been appointed in the Straits Settlements, with headquarters at Singapore. 2. I should be glad to learn whether, in view of the second paragraph of the despatch under reference, your Ministers desire that Major Anderson should communicate with the Dominion Department of Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce, Wellington. I have, &c, L. S. AMERY, For the Secretary of State. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Earl of Liverpool, P.C., G.C.M.G., G.8.E., M.V.0., &c.

No. 15. New Zealand, No. 27. My Lord, — Downing Street, 31st January, 1920. I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that His Majesty's Government have in the Armouries at the Tower of London certain arms and armour which are available for issue on permanent loan. A list of these articles, which it is thought might be acceptable for exhibition in New Zealand, is enclosed. 2. I should be glad to learn your Ministers' wishes in the matter. Should they wish to avail themselves of the offer, the detailed arrangements with regard to the packing and despatch of the arms and armour could most conveniently be settled between the High Commissioner and His Majesty's Office of Works. I have, &c, L. S. AMERY, For the Secretary of State. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Earl of Liverpool, P.C., G.C.M.G., G.8.E., M.V.0., &c.