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1877. NEW ZEALAND.

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 54.) Government House, "Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 15th November, 1876. I bave the honor to inform your Lordship that, Parliament having been prorogued on the 31st ultimo, the Abolition of Provinces Act came into force on the following day, and the transfer of the provincial establishments to the General Government has taken place without any difficulty. 2. Steps bave been taken to secure the election of the new County Boards with as little delay as possible, and I trust that by the end of the year they may be in working order. 3. Erom the hurry with which the Act had to be passed through Parliament at the close of the session, I think it is more tban probable that it Avill be found necessary to make some changes and alterations in it during the next session of Parliament. It will, however, I trust, be found to furnish a sufficient system of local self-government to meet all necessary requirements until Parliament meets again; when any defects that may be discovered in the actual working of the system can be corrected. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. tbe Marquis of Normanby to tbe Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 58.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 11th December, 1876. I am happy to inform your Lordship that everything connected with the abolition of the provinces continues to progress most satisfactorily, and nowhere has there been the slightest opposition or difficulty of any kind. 2. All the arrangements have been made for the election of tbe members of the new County Boards, and the elections will take place throughout the colony in the course of a few days. The whole will be completed by the close of the year, and I trust that the new system will be in working order by the Ist January next. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY. I—A. 1.

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No. 3. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 59.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 12th December, 1876. I have the honor to bring under your Lordship's notice a memorandum which has been handed to me by my Government, in which they express their hope tbat Her Majesty's Government may be induced to establish a depot of food and clothing at the Crozet Islands for the use of any persons who may be unfortunately wrecked there. 2. The recent loss of the " Strathmore," together with the fearful sufferings experienced by the crew and passengers who succeeded in reaching the shore, has naturally attracted much attention to these islands, which, from their position in the direct course of ships trading to New Zealand and Australia, are a constant source of danger to vessels employed in that trade; and, in view of the largely increased and still increasing trade between England and these colonies, it would seem desirable, now that attention has been so unfortunately drawn to the subject, to take some steps which would at any rate alleviate the sufferings of any persons who may in future unfortunately be wrecked upon them. Tbe cost of establishing such a dep6t as that proposed could not be large, while it may be the means of saving many valuable lives. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 3. Memorandum for His Excellency. (No. 20-1876.) The Chamber of Commerce at Christchurch recently drew attention to the privations and sufferings of the survivors from the wreck of the " Strathmore," on the Crozet Islands, and suggested that the Home authorities should be urged to place thereon a supply of food and clothing for the relief of castaways. As these dangerous islets lie in the track of vessels making the voyage from Europe to Australia and New Zealand, there can be no question as to the desirability of taking the precaution to prevent any persons, who may hereafter be unfortunately cast ashore there, from encountering sufferings such as those to which the survivors from the " Strathmore " were exposed. The Government therefore beg that His Excellency will represent this matter for the favourable consideration of the Home Government. , It appears, from correspondence between tho Lords of the Admiralty and the Committee of Lloyd's, with respect to Her Majesty's ships calling at the islands between the Cape of Good Hope and Australia for the purpose of rescuing persons who may be shipwrecked upon any of them (a copy of which correspondence was laid before the House of Commons, and printed), that my Lords decided to give orders that Her Majesty's ships proceeding from the Cape of Good Hope to Australia shall in future, when possible, pass the Crozets sufficiently near to examine them. The Government venture to express the hope that, on the representations made herein being conveyed to the Lords of the Admiralty, they will see fit to supplement the instructions they have already given, by directing that a supply of food and clothing shall be landed on the Islands as promptly as possible from one of Her Majesty's ships ; and that, whenever the group is subsequently visited, the depot shall be inspected, and tho supply renewed as far as may be necessary. Wellington, 11th November, 1876. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 4. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 61.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 14th December, 1876. I have the honor to inform your Lordship that Sir Donald McLean has resigned his office as Native Minister, and has netired from the Government. 2. I have been for some time aware that Sir Donald McLean has been anxious to be relieved from the duties and responsibilities of office as soon as his services could be dispensed with without detriment to the public service, but I regret to say that his immediate retirement has been precipitated by indisposition, though not, I trust, of a permanent character.

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3. Eortunately, however, owing chiefly, I believe, to the judicious policy adopted by Sir Donald McLean in his conduct of Native affairs, there is nothing which would lead me to think that any inconvenience will arise from his retiring at the present time, though I cannot help expressing my sincere regret that, in the consideration of Native affairs, I shall be deprived of the advice of one so thoroughly acquainted with the language, feelings, and customs of the Natives, and who has always exerted the great influence which he undoubtedly possessed with the Maoris in such a wise and judicious manner. 4. Mr. Whitaker has resigned the offices of Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs, and is now Attorney-General; while the seat in the Executive Council vacated by Sir Donald McLean has been filled by the appointment of Mr. Ormond, with the office of Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs. The administration of Native affairs will be conducted by Dr. Pollen, the Colonial Secretary. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY..

No. 5. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 1.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 6th January, 1877. It is with sincere regret that I have to announce to your Lordship the death of Sir Donald McLean, which took place at Napier. 2. When I reported to your Lordship, by last mail, the retirement of Sir Donald from tbe office of Native Minister, I had no reason for expecting that the illness from which he was then suffering would so soon prove fatal. 3. Although, from the able and judicious manner in which be has for some years conducted Native affairs in this colony, bis loss is not now likely to produce the same results that it might have done a few years ago, I still look upon his death as a serious loss to the colony, as, even when out of office, the great influence which he possessed among the Maoris would always have been available to smooth down and mitigate any little difficulty that might arise. 4. There is, in my opinion, no public man in this country to whom the colony owes a deeper debt of gratitude than to Sir Donald McLean, and he has left a name behind which will long be regarded with respect and esteem by all parties in New Zealand. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. - NORMANBY.

No. 6. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. tbe Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 2.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord,-- New Zealand, 9th January, 1877. I have the honor to report to your Lordship a further modification of the Government which bas taken place in consequence of the retirement from office of Mr. Richardson, the Minister for Public Works; and, in doing so, I cannot refrain from expressing my sense of the very able manner in which that gentleman has always conducted the affairs of his office. 2. Being himself an engineer, and thoroughly cognizant with all the details of contract work, he was eminently qualified for the office Avhich be held; and by his untiring energy and perseverance he has undoubtedly been the means of greatly promoting the successful carrying out of the Public Works policy. 3. The seat in the Executive held by Mr. Richardson has been filled by Mr. Donald Reid, member for Taieri.

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4. Mr. Reid, although by no means supporting the extreme views expressed by some of the Opposition, was during the last session a strong opponent to the abolition of the Provincial system; but, that measure having now come into operation, there remained no reason which precluded his joining the Government, and I believe that his accession to office will tend greatly to strengthen them. 5. The retirement of Mr. Richardson, and the appointment of Mr. Reid, have rendered necessary some changes in the offices held by the other members of the Government, which will now be constituted as follows :■ — The Hon. Major H. A. Atkinson, Premier and Colonial Treasurer. The Hon. Dr. D. Pollen, Colonial Secretary and Minister for Native Affairs and Defence. The Hon. E. Whitaker, Attorney-General. The Hon. C. C. Bowen, Minister of Justice and Commissioner of Stamp Duties. The Hon. J. D. Ormond, Minister for Public Works. The Hon. Donald Reid, Secretary for Crown Lands and Minister for Immigration. The Hon. G. McLean, Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs. The Hon. Hori Karaka Tawiti, without office. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 7. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 7.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 7th March, 1877. I have the honor to inform your Lordship that on the 20th ultimo I left Wellington for Hokitika in the Government steamer " Hinemoa," for the purpose of paying an official visit to that portion of the West Coast of the Middle Island. 2. I have long been anxious to visit that district, and, as the Annual Prizefiring of the Volunteers took place this year at Hokitika, I availed myself of the opportunity of attending the Prize-firing and visiting the district at the same time. 3. As your Lordship is no doubt aware, the District of Westland is very mountainous and densely wooded, and, as a rule, little suited either for agricultural or pastoral purposes. It is, however, extremely rich in minerals of various kinds —gold, silver, and coal being those which at present are attracting the most attention. 4. Unfortunately, the harbours along that portion of the coast are all bar harbours, with only a small draught of water, and difficult of access, which greatly impedes the trade of the district. 5. I arrived off Hokitika about noon on the 21st, and landed in the afternoon in a small steamer which is used for the purpose of crossing the bar; and, notwithstanding a heavy rain, I received a most cordial and hearty welcome from the inhabitants. On the following morning I visited the camp, which was situated in a very picturesque valley on the banks of the Arahura River, about nine miles from the town. I found there about 100 competitors from the whole of the Volunteers and Armed Constabulary, and I am happy to say that this year the shooting has been more than usually good, and I append a copy of the return, which, I think, your Lordship will consider very satisfactory. 6. On the following day I left Hokitika to proceed by land to Greymouth, the distance by road being forty-five miles. Nearly the whole of the country through which the road passes is auriferous, and much of it either bas been or is now being worked, and it is curious to observe the vast amount of work that has been done, and the skill and ingenuity which have been exercised to bring the water for the purpose of washing, in some instances the whole face of a hill having been washed away through artificial races.

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7. The Kumara Gold Eield, the discovery of which caused great excitement about ten months ago, is situated about half-way between Hokitika and Greymouth, and it certainly is a most remarkable instance of what can be produced in a few months by a gold rush. I found over 4,300 persons permanently established upon the ground, and a town had sprung up which presented few of the characteristics of a new gold field town, the houses being more regular and of a larger and more substantial character than I have ever before seen on a new gold field. Three or four good-sized hotels were already occupied, and numerous shops and stores of considerable pretensions might be seen in all directions, either completed or in course of construction; and after riding over a portion of the field I was entertained at a luncheon to which about 120 sat down in a large and substantial public ball. The whole of this has been the creation of less than ten months, as in June last the whole place was a dense bush. 8. What makes the rapid progress of this field the more extraordinary is that, so far, no great amount of gold has been actually raised from it. Many, if not most, of the claims have to be approached by long tunnels driven into the sides of the hills, which take months to complete; besides which, great difficulty has been experienced in obtaining a good supply of water at a proper level for washing. This latter difficulty, however, will, I hope, soon be overcome, as means have been discovered by which, I trust, an ample supply will be secured, and this, in the opinion of the old and experienced miners, is all that is required to secure the complete success of these diggings. 9. This field was originally discovered by three or four men, who managed to keep their discovery secret for about two years, during which time I understand that the average yield of the claim worked by them was about £10 a man per week. 10. Erom Kumara I proceeded to Greymouth, which, like Hokitika, is situated on the banks of a river which forms a bar harbour. 11. A short railway has lately been constructed from Greymouth to some coal mines in the neighbourhood. One mine has been in operation for some time, and it produces, I believe, the best coal which has as yet been worked in New Zealand. There are also two other mines, which will shortly commence working, the coal from which, it is hoped, will be of a still better quality, as, although from the same seam, the coal is taken at a greater depth. The seam is a very large one, being twelve to fifteen feet thick, and there can be no doubt as to the quantity which can be raised. The only difficulty I foresee is the question as to whether, taking price and quality into consideration, they will be able fairly to compete with the coal from New South Wales, as the bar at the entrance of tbe harbour is a bad one, and is frequently impassable, which will necessarily add considerably to the cost of the shipment, and consequently to the price at which the coal can be put into tbe market. 12. Erom Greymouth I went to Westport, where efforts are also being made to open out a large coal district. About fifteen miles of railway bave been constructed by the Government, with the view of facilitating the shipment of coal. These mines are not as yet opened out, but I was shown various specimens of coal, which appeared to be of a superior quality. The harbour of Westport is also a bar harbour, but it is much more sheltered than either Hokitika or Greymouth, and, except with a northerly wind, is generally accessible to vessels of not more than eleven feet draught. 13. The opening out of these coal mines both at Westport and Greymouth is exciting much interest, and great hopes are entertained as to the success of this new industry ; and there can be no doubt that the production of good and cheap coal in the colony, even if it is confined to the supply of the local market, would prove of inestimable value to New Zealand, and I trust that the attempt may prove successful. 14. The reception which was accorded to me as Her Majesty's representative was everywhere most cordial and enthusiastic, and I found the people uniformly contented, prosperous, and hopeful as to the future. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, NORMANBY.

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Enclosure in No. 7. New Zealand Colonial Prize Firing at Hokitika, February, 1877. The competitors for the Colonial Firing were selected from the several Volunteer Corps (and Armed Constabulary) at the rate of 1 for every 110 efficient Volunteers of the previous year, and apportioned according to the strength of the several districts. These numbers gaye — For Artillery, Cavalry, and Naval Volunteers, armed with the interchangeable Artillery Snider carbine ... ... ... ... 13 Representatives For Engineers aud Eifle Volunteers, armed with the Imperial interchangeable Snider medium rifle ... ... ... ... 27 „ Total ... ... ... ... ... ... 40 for whom the Government provided free passages to and from Hokitika, and a detention allowance of 10s. a day, from which was deducted the cost of rations while in camp. In addition to the above 40 representatives (who were termed " Government " men), a similar number of " extra " men (i.e., those who pay their own expenses) were allowed to compete. These all attended with one exception. The sizes of the targets were —200 and 300 yards : 6x 4; centre, 2x2; bull's-eye, 8 inches square. 400, 500, and 600 yards: 6x 6 ; centre, 4 feet; bull's-eye, 2 feet square. Any position was permitted at all ranges. The matches were— First Carbine.—Banges, 400 and 500 yards. Seven shots. Highest possible score, 56 points. Winners of prizes : Bange prizes (highest possible score, 28 points) : 400 yards, Littlewood, 28 points ; 500 yards, Littlewood, 25 points. First prize, Littlewood, 53 points; second prize, Sykes, 48 points; third prize, McLean, 46 points; 4th prize, Cummins, 43 points. Second Carbine.—Bange, 200 yards. Ten shots. Highest possible score 40 points. Winners : First prize, Hill, 34 points. Second prize, Cummins, 33 points ; ties, 33 3. Third prize, Broughton, 33 points; ties, 33 2. Fourth prize, Kettle, 32 points. Third Carbine.—Bange, 300 yards. Ten shots. Highest possible score, 40 points. Winners : First prize, Kettle, 33 points ; second prize, McLean, 31 points. Third prize, Strange, 30 points; ties, 34. Fourth prize, Kissel, 30 points ; ties, 32. Fourth Carbine.—Banges, 400 and 500 yards. Seven shots at each range. Highest possible score, 84 points. Winners: Range prizes (highest possible score, 28) : 300 yards, Bannister, 22 points; 400 yards, Eose, 27 points ; 500 yards, Bell, 24 points. First prize, Bell, 67 points ; second prize, McLean, 67 points ; third prize, Cummins, 66 points; fourth prize, Blake, 64 points. Fifth Carbine.—Banges, 500, 300, and 200 yards. Seven shots at each range. Highest possible score, 84 points. Winners : Bange prizes (highest possible score, 28 points) : 500 yards, Eoulston, 23 points ; 300 yards, Hill, 22 points ; 200 yards, Strange, 24 points. First prize, McLean, 67 points ; second prize, Hill, 66 points ; third prize, Muir, 63 points; fourth prize, Sykes, 62 points. Sixth Carbine. —Ranges, 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards. Seven shots at each range. Highest possible score, 112 points. Winners : Bange prizes (highest possible score, 28 points) : 200 yards, Strange, 24 points ; 300 yards, Hill, 23 points ; 400 yards, Wollers, 27 points ; 500 yards, McLean, 25 points. First prize, McLean, 93 points ; second prize, Hill, 89 points ; third prize, Bell, 87 points ; fourth prize, Bose, 87 points. Carbine Championship.—Decided by the scores made in the previous six matches. Total number of shots, 104. Highest possible score, 416 points. Champion: McLean, 333 points (21 points above an average of centres); second prize, Hill, 321 points; third prize, Sykes, 310 points; fourth prize, Littlewood, 310 points. Moving Targets (Carbines). —Range, 200 yards. Targets, 6x2; centre, 2 feet across. Targets were constructed of 3-in. x 4-in. boards, and fixed to a truck which was worked to and fro on a temporary tramway; speed, about ordinary walking pace. Time allowed, two minutes. First prize, Blake, 47 points, 19 shots fired; second prize, Muir, 39 points, 16 shots fired; third prize, Eose, 38 points, 18 shots fired; fourth prize, Laing, 37 points, 16 shots fired. Marksmen (Carbines).—Ranges, 400 and 500 yards. Seven shots at each range. Targets, 6x4 feet; centre, 4 x 2 feet; bull's-eye, 2x 1 foot. Winners: Range prizes (highest possible score, 28 points) ; 400 yards, McLean, 22 points; 500 yards, Muir, 21 points. First prize, Muir, 39 points ; second prize, Peak, 37 points ; third prize, Kettle, 36 points. North and South (Carbines). —Competed for only by the five highest scorers in the North and the five highest in the South in the six championship matches. Banges, 200, 400, and 500 yards. Seven shots at each range. Highest possible aggregate score, 420 points. Winners : South Island Team, 317 points ; North Island Team, 310 points. First Eifle. —Banges, 400, 500, and 600 yards. Seven shots at each range. Highest possible score, 84 points. Winners : Bange prizes (highest possible score, 28) : 400 yards, Partington, 27 points ; 500 yards, Brownlow, 26 points ; 600 yards, Eobinson, 23 points. First prize, Eichardson, 70 points ; second prize, Partington, 69 points; third prize, Paynter, 69 points ; fourth prize, King, 68 points ; fifth prize, Keefe, 67 points ; sixth prize, Clarke, 66 points ; seventh prize, Harding, 66 points; eighth prize, Willcocks, 65 points. Second Eifle. —Range, 200 yards. Ten shots. Highest possible score, 40 points. Winners : First prize, Partington, 37 points. Second prize, Stonebridge, 36 points ; ties, 444 4 4. Third prize, Parker, 36 points ; ties, 444 4 3. Fourth prize, Keefe, 36 points ; ties, 4 3344. Fifth prize, Turner, 36 points ; ties, 433 4 3. Sixth prize, Eoss, 36 points; ties, 433. Seventh prize, King, 36 points ; ties, 34 4. Eighth prize, Mcintosh, 36 points ; ties, 34 2. Third Eifle.—Bange, 300 yards. Ten shots. Highest possible score, 40 points. Winners: First prize, Parker, 32 points ; ties, 4. Second prize, Keefe, 32 points ; ties, 343 4. Third prize, Willcocks, 32 points ; ties, 343 2. Fourth prize, Armstrong, 32 points ; ties, 2. Fifth prize, Stonebridge, 31 points; ties, 34. Sixth prize, Paynter, 31 points; ties, 334 3 4. Seventh point, Sutton, 31 points ; ties, 334 3 2. Eighth prize, Acheson, 31 points ; ties, 333.

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Fourth Rifle. —Ranges, 200, 500, and 600 yards. Seven shots at each range. Highest possible score, 84 points. Winners : Range prizes (highest possible score, 28 points) : 200 yards, Ross, 27 points ; 500 yards, Hay, 25 points ; 600 yards, Richardson, 25 points. First prize, Richardson, 71 points; second prize, Acheson, 71 points; third prize, Paynter, 70 points; fourth prize, Smyth, 69 points ; fifth prize, Haslett, 69 points ; sixth prize, Anderson, 68 points ; seventh prize, Ballinger, 68 points ; eighth prize, Murray, 68 points. Fifth Rifle.—Ranges, 600, 500, and 200 yards. Seven shots at each range. Highest possible score, 84 points. Winners: Range prizes (highest possible score, 28 points) : 600 yards, Hay, 25 points; 500 yards, Ure Whare, 26 points ; 200 yards, Willcocks, 26 yards. First prize, Anderson, 69 points ; second prize, Richardson, 68 points; third prize, Harding, 68 points; fourth prize, Hay, 66 points; fifth prize, Ure Whare, 61 points; sixth prize, Mellsop, 62 points; seventh prize, MeLeod, 62 points; 7th prize, Crossman, 62 points. Sixth Rifle. —Ranges, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 yards. Seven shots at each range. Highest possible score, 140 points. Winners: Range prizes (highest possible score, 28 points) : 200 yards, Gibbons, 26 points; 300 yards, Vates, 25 points; 400 yards, Dunlop, 27 points; 500 yards, Paynter, 26 points ; 600 yards, Willcocks, 24 points. First prize, Paynter, 121 points ; second prize, Vates, 115 points; third prize, Willcocks, 113 points ; fourth prize, Smith, 112 points; fifth prize, Gibbons, 112 points ; sixth prize, Keefe, 110 points ; seventh prize, Murray, 110 points ; eighth prize, Ross, 109 points. Championship.—Decided by the scores made in the six foregoing matches. Number of shots, 118. Highest possible score, 472 points. Champion, Paynter, 373 points —19 points above an average of centres ; second prize, Richardson, 370 points ; third prize, Harding, 364 points ; fourth prize, Acheson, 361 poiuts ; fifth prize, Anderson, 361 points ; sixth prize, Willcocks, 360 points. Moving Targets (Rifles). —Range, 200 yards. Targets, 6x2; centre, 2 feet across. Targets were constructed of 3-in x 4-in. boards, and fixed on to a truck, which was worked to and fro on a temporary tramway ; speed, about ordinary walking pace. Time allowed, two minutes. Winners: First prize, Paynter, 60 points; second prize, Okey, 53 points; third prize, Dore, 52 points ; fourth prize, Foley, 46 points ; fifth prize, Tinley, 43 points ; sixth prize, Treseder, 39 points. Marksmen (Rifles). —Ranges 700 and 800 yards. Seven shots at each range. Targets Bx6, feet; centre, 6x4 feet; bull's-eye, 3x2 feet. Highest possible score, 56 points. Winners (highest possible score, 28 points) : 700 yards, Chapman, 21 points; 800 yards, Sutton, 24 points. First prize, Chapman, 38 points ; second prize, Sutton, 36 points ; third prize, Turner, 36 points ; fourth prize, Richardson, 35 points ; fifth prize, Acheson, 34 points. Noeth v. South (Rifles). —Competed for only by the ten highest in the North and the ten highest in the South in the six Championship Matches. Ranges, 200, 500, and 600 yards. Seven shots at each range. Highest possible score, 840 points. Winners : South Island Team, 653 points ; North Island Team, 607 points. All Comers.—Open to all comers. Any weapon. Ranges, 200 and 500 yards. Highest possible score, 56 points. Winners: First prize, Murray, 52 points, Snider rifle (Government) ; second prize, Anderson, 51 points, Snider rifle (Government) ; third prize, Morrow, 50 points, Martini-Henry ; fourth prize, Willcocks, 50 points, Snider ; fifth prize, Mellsop, 49 points, MartiniHenry ; sixth prize, Armstrong, 49 points, Whitvvorth ; seventh prize, Hill, 48 points, Snider ; eighth prize, Cummins, 48 points, Melford; ninth prize, Kettle, 48 points, Hunter. W. Moule, Lieut.-Colonel, Wellington, 9th March, 1877. Under Secretary Defence.

No. 8. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 11.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 9th March, 1877. Eeferring to your Lordship's Despatch No. 41, dated 20th September, 1876, I have now the honor to enclose a memorandum from Major Atkinson on the subject of the postal communication with Eiji. 2. My Government bad no wish to interfere with the original arrangement by which the San Erancisco mail was to call at Eiji; but, in consequence of the objections raised by the contractors and the Sydney Government, they have been obliged to agree to the alterations now proposed, in order to prevent the breaking down of the service. 3. My Government, however, assures me that they would be ready to assist in maintaining the mail communication with Eiji by means of a subsidized steamer from Auckland. 4. I regret the delay that has occurred in replying to your Lordship's despatch, but I could not reply sooner, as the negotiations had to be made in conjunction with the Government of New South Wales. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NOEMANBY.

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Enclosure in No. 8. (No. 3-1877.) Memorandum: for His Excellency the Goyebnoe. In reply to Lord Carnarvon's despatch of the 20th September, Ministers desire to point out that, while the late Postmaster-General requested His Excellency to convey the thanks of the Government to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, for his action with reference to the threatened imposition of extra charge on mails via California, he, at the same time, explained the objections to Fiji as a place of call for the mail steamers. The Government of New South "Wales, acting for both colonies, has lately concluded an arrangement with the contractors, which only awaits the sanction of their Parliament, whereby the mail steamers in future will cease to call at Fiji or any port in New Zealand but Auckland. Ministers desire to say they were quite satisfied with the service, and the change was not of their seeking, but was forced upon them, and, to save the service from breaking down, they reluctantly yielded to the change. The Government of New Zealand would be anxious to assist in maintaining mail communication with Fiji by means of a subsidized service to connect at Auckland with the San Francisco steamers. Ministers hope that the Imperial Government will not make it a condition of renewing the convention with the United States that Fiji should necessarily be a port of call, owing to the determination of the contractors to discontinue sending their vessels to a Fijian port. Government Buildings, 9th March, 1877. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 9. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 20.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 10th April, 1877. I have the honor to enclose the copy of a memorandum which has been addressed to me by my Government on the subject of improved telegraphic communication between the Australian Colonies and the rest of the world. 2. The interruption of telegraphic communication which took place last year in consequence of a breakage in the cable between Australia and Singapore strongly demonstrated the necessity of a duplicate line, and at the Conference of the various Australian Governments lately held in Sydney tins question received careful attention. 3. The necessity of constructing a duplicate line with as little delay as possible was universally admitted, and the respective merits of various routes were considered —among others, that of a line from the United States of America to the northern part of New Zealand, which in some respects, it is presumed, would afford advantages not offered by any other route. 4. The preliminary arrangements and inquiries as regards the line, which are necessary before any definite decision can be arrived at, are intrusted to the Hon. George McLean, who represented the New Zealand Government at the Conference. 5. The construction of this line of telegraph, although it is believed to be the best that could be adopted, would entail an expenditure which, unaided, these colonies would be unable to undertake. It is, moreover, believed that the proposal is one which would receive considerable support in the United States, and that that Government would probably not be unwilling to join with the colonies, and to afford material support in the construction of this line. 6. Under these circumstances, I would venture to hope that Her Majesty's Government would not be unwilling to bring the proposal under the consideration of the Government of the United States, and I trust that your Lordship will be able to give the question the benefit of your support. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NOEMANBY.

Enclosure in No. 9. A Cable via the United States. Memorandum for His Excellency. His Excellency is aware that, in January last, a Conference of representatives of the Australasian Governments was held at Sydney, to consider the Telegraph Cable question, especially as to obtaining a duplicate system of communication with Europe and the rest of the world; and that the Commissioner of Telegraphs, Mr. George McLean, was the representative of New Zealand.

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2. The Conference decided that this Government should communicate with the Government of the United States of America, to ascertain whether the latter would be prepared to aid the laying of a cable from the western coast of the United States (probably from San Francisco) to the north of New Zealand. Such a cable would certainly be preferred to partial duplications of any existing system by the eastern route; but the work cannot be undertaken unless the United States will contribute liberally towards its very great cost. 3. Ministers desire to comply with the wish of the Conference. They accordingly forward to his Excellency the accompanying memorandum by Mr. McLean; and they respectfully ask that His Excellency will transmit a copy thereof, so that, through Her Majesty's Government, it may reach the Government of the United States, and be recommended for favourable consideration. Daniel Pollen, Wellington, 9th April, 1877. (In the absence of the Premier). Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in -No. 9. Memorandum by the Commissioner of Telegraphs respecting Duplication of Cables. The question of improved telegraphic communication between the Australasian Colonies and the rest of the world, is one of great interest and importance, and has received much attention from the several Colonial Governments. 2. The Government of South Australia, at its own cost and risk, undertook the construction of a line, about 2,000 miles in length, across the Australian Continent. This work was one of enormous magnitude compared with the number of the population out of whose revenue it was effected, and the great stretches of uninhabited country through which it passes render its maintenance very costly. To connect with this trans-continental line, the Eastern Extension Australasia aud China Telegraph Company (Limited) laid a cable from Singapore to Port Darwin, and thus joined Australia with Europe and America. The Governments of New Zealand and New South Wales guaranteed a subsidy for connecting those colonies ; a cable, over 1,200 miles long, was laid by the Eastern Extension Company ; and it has been uninterruptedly worked for more than twelve months. New Zealand has thus been brought into the general telegraph system. 3. Occasional failures of the cables joining the Indian system with the Australian line at Port Darwin, or of the latter at points far in the interior, have caused the urgent need for a second line of communication to be forcibly felt, especially by merchants and traders. 4. A Conference, at which each of the Governments was represented, was held during January last in Sydney, New South Wales, for the consideration of the whole question. 5. A copy of the report, minutes of proceedings, &c, is appended hereto. 6. The resolutions adopted by the Conference included one recommending that negotiations or inquiries should be commenced, with a view to the construction of a cable to be laid between the United States and New Zealand ; and it was further resolved that the Government of this colony should " enter into communication with the Government of the United States, for the purpose of procuring their assent to contribute to the payment of any subsidy that may be payable in respect " of such a cable. 7. Complying with the direction of the Conference, the Commissioner of Telegraphs suggests that this memorandum be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor, for transmission, through the Secretary of State, to the Government of the United States ; and the Commissioner trusts that His Excellency will feel justified in promoting as far as possible the object of the Conference. 8. There is in these colonies, and amongst mercantile men in London, a feeling that if the route through Europe and India be chosen for the second line of telegraph, it should be secured by an essentially independent system, and not by duplications of portions of any line in operation. Dangers which affect the stability of one cable may almost equally, and at the same time, affect a second laid in the same stretch of sea, although not in proximity. Monopoly should be guarded against as far as possible. All reasons why a second line should be a separate one tell even more strongly in favour of the adoption of a totally distinct route ; and by the choice of the Pacific Ocean course, from the United States southwards, not only would this advantage be most effectually gained, but a line would be secured which might reasonably be expected not to fail at the same time as one from England eastward. At present, much inconvenience results from the mutilation of messages by operators unacquainted with the English language. Freedom from such mutilation could be secured at any repeating station iv the Pacific. But for its cost, this route would be preferred by all the Australasian Colonies. 9. It is understood that a cable from California to Japan, via the Hawaiian group, will very probably be laid. If this be done, San Francisco will be connected with Honolulu, and thus one-third of the work desired by the Conference will be completed for a separate purpose, in itself of great importance to the United States. On the other hand, English companies interested in the Eastern route are striving to obtain from the colonies a subsidy for duplicating certain lines. If those companies succeed, the question of an Australasian telegraph via the United States will be indefinitely postponed, although a large portion of the necessary work will (as has been said) be done by the Japan cable. 10. The Conference assumed that the Government of the United States would be disposed to concede substantial assistance towards a Pacific cable, because (putting aside all other considerations) telegraphic communication with Australasia by that route would be a great aid to commerce. The Australasian Colonies have now a population of about 2,500,000, apart from aboriginal natives. That population consumes very largely per head of many articles of food which are now, and may continue to be, imported from the United States; and it desires to use much more largely than at present many tools and labour-saving machines which the United States supplies better aud cheaper than any other country. 11. The declared value of imports from the United States into the Australasian Colonies during 1875 (as will be seen from a return appended), exceeded £820,000 sterling. 2—A. 1.

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12. The trade of the United States in the various Polynesian groups is understood to be large ; and commerce with those islands is certainly capable of vast extension. 13. It is almost certain that were a Pacific cable completed to the north of New Zealand, tho French Government would contribute liberally towards the connection of New Caledonia with the system ; and it is probable that the Tahitian group would also soon be united. 14. The project of such a Pacific telegraph has been brought under the notice of citizens of the United States who were amongst the earliest promoters of the telegraph system, and who are earnest advocates of its extension. Intelligence received from the Agent General for New Zealand— who recently passed through America on his way to London —warrants the assertion that by many gentlemen of the class mentioned, as well as by merchants of New York and San Francisco, such aid as the Conference directed New Zealand to ask, would be regarded as a help to science and to trade, and as generally a wise concession on the part of the United States Government. 15. For these reasons, it is submitted that the application on behalf of the Conference deserves to be very favourably considered by the Government of tho United States. The Commissioner suggests that at present only two questions should be dealt with, namely—Whether, supposing fair arrangements for the great work contemplated be found possible, the United States will contribute liberally towards its cost, by which course alone its accomplishment will be made practicable ; and whether the Government will authorize the landing of the cable upon that point of its territory which may be considered best suited for the purpose. "Wellington, 9th April, 1877. George McLean. Declared Value of Imports during 1875, from the United States to Australasia. New South Wales ... ... ... ... ... ... £203,539 New Zealand ... ... ... ... ... ... 213,492 Queensland ... ... ... ... ... ... 15,263 South Australia ... ... ... ... ... ... 28,502 Tasmania ... ... ... ... ... ... 5,583 Victoria ... ... ... ... ... 353,141 Western Australia (no return). Total ... ... ... ... ... £819,520

No. 10. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. tbe Marquis of Normanby to tbe Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 26.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 31st May, 1877. In reply to your Lordship's Despatch No. 14, of tbe 22nd April last, on the subject of postal communication with Eiji, I bave tbe honor to inform your Lordship that my Government assure me that, beyond the question of the extra expense, no objection whatever bas been raised by them to the mail steamers plying between San Erancisco and Australia calling at Eiji, and that they consented to the alterations in the original route at the urgent request of the Company holding the contract, who objected to calling at Kandavau, on account of the risk entailed from tbe want of proper lights. 2. Your Lordship is aware that the San Erancisco Service is a joint one between New South Wales and New Zealand, and that consequently the arrangements do not depend entirely on this colony. 3. My Government bave always been most anxious to maintain communication with Eiji, and a subsidy was voted by Parliament for tbat purpose, and, should it he found impossible for tbe San Erancisco Mails to call there, they would be quite prepared to ask Parliament to renew tbeir subsidy. I bave, &c, Tbe Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY.

No. 11. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 30.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 18th June, 1877. Referring to your Lordship's circulars of the lGth February and the Ist of March, 1877, on the subject of tbe Paris Exhibition to be held in 1878, I have

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now the honor to inform your Lordship that it is the intention of my Government, as soon as Parliament meets, to apply for a vote for the purpose of defraying the expenses which will be incurred by the representation of New Zealand at that Exhibition. 2. Parliament will meet for the despatch of business on the 19th of next month, and as soon as possible after the passing of the vote I will inform your Lordship what arrangements it is proposed to make, and also to whom the superintendence of the representation of this colony will be intrusted. I have, &c., The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY. By Authority : G-eoboe Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.-- L