5

A.—l

11. That by "The Colonial Solicitors Act, 1900," provision is made for the admission, as English solicitors, of colonial solicitors of three years' standing. 12. That by the Consolidated Eegulations of the Four Inns of Court five years' practice as a colonial solicitor entitles an English solicitor to be called to the bar without keeping terms. ' 13. That the absence of all reciprocal provision for the call of New Zealand barristers in England operates with hardship on members of the New Zealand bar who may desire to practise at.the English bar, especially in view of the fact that five years' experience as a colonial solicitor is recognised by the Consolidated Eegulations as sufficient to exempt an English solicitor from the necessity for keeping terms. 14. That five years' active practice as an advocate in New Zealand ought, on proof of personal fitness, to qualify for call to the English bar without keeping terms or passing a further examination. 15. That five years' practice as a solicitor in New Zealand ought, on proof of personal fitness, to qualify for call to the English bar on passing the same examination as is required of an English solicitor applying to be called. Mabtin Chapman, Vice-President, New Zealand Law Society.

No. 7. (No. 42.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 9th May, 1902. I have been informed by His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, Australian Station, that a list has been made out of all the islands in the Pacific with the nationality of country claiming them. I have the honour to request that a copy of this list should be given to my Premier in London, also that I may be furnished with a copy. I understand that this list is now in the possession of the Admiralty. My Government ask that you would favourably consider the advisability of all islands, either British or under British protection, lying near New Zealand, being annexed to, this colony. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 8. (No. 43.) Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 10th May, 1902. With reference to your telegram of the 29th ultimo, I have the honour no! Bi. to inform you that I have forwarded to the Governor-General, Australia, for the information of his Ministers, copies of the resolutions which my Premier desires to be proposed and discussed at the Conference of Premiers in London. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 9. (No. 58.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd July, 1902. With reference to your despatch, No. 48, dated 16th May, 1902, A.-2,1903. respecting the sinking fund for the redemption of the Xow Zealand 4-per-cent. No, 18, Imperial-guaranteed debentures, I have the honour to inform you that my Government agree to the proposal made by the trustees of the sinking fund: (a.) In any of the securities named in "The Trustee Act, 1893." (b.) In the debentures or inscribed stocks of any colonial Government for which an official quotation has been granted by the Stock Exchange. I should be glad if you would signify such approval to the Lords of the Treasury. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.