A.—]

10

" Nor in the case of the following articles when they are artificially coloured with caramel only : — Vinegar. Sauces. Non-excisable fermented drinks. Flavoured non-alcoholic beverages. Cordials and syrups. Compound cordials and syrups. " (c.) The following substances shall be deemed to be harmless colouring-matters within the meaning and for the purposes of these regulations : — Caramel; Cochineal; Chlorophyll; Saffron ; and Any vegetable colour extractive or coal-tar dye in regard, to which the manufacturer or his agent produces evidence to the satisfaction of the Director-General of Health that such extractive or dye is harmless." 4. Ministers state that it will be seen that a much wider license will be permitted manufacturers in the choice of colours, although the existing schedule is practically the same as that insisted upon in most of the Australian. States and in the United States of America. Owing to representations made to the Department of Health that manufacturers of foodstuffs requiring the use of colours had found the existing schedule insufficient for their purposes, my Government has been in touch with the High Commissioner and with the British Trade Commissioner with a view to obtaining a lead from the manufacturers in England as to what would be a sufficiently comprehensive schedule with which to work. Unfortunately, it was impossible to bring all the manufacturers together for this common purpose, which had for its object the setting of a basis which would make the use of colours, at least as far as New Zealand is concerned, exclusive to those of British manufacture. 1 have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., E.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 27. New Zealand, No. 286. My Lord Duke, — Government House, Wellington, 15th October, 1923. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of and to thank Your Grace for your despatch, Dominions No. 315, of the 17th August, conveying an invitation from the Executive Committee of the Imperial Botanical Conference for an official delegation of botanists in the service of the New Zealand Government to be present at the Conference in London in July, 1924. 2. My Ministers have asked me to inform you that, whilst they recognize it would be a great advantage for New Zealand to be represented at the Conference, they regret that they cannot see their way to arrange for the sending of a delegation. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor- General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, E.G., 8.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 28. ''"■'•■ :•■. ■■ ' New Zealand, No. 306. Government House, Wellington, 13th November, 1923. My Lord Duke, — In accordance with the request contained in despatch, Library, of the 12th September, I have the honour to transmit to Your Grace the accompanying