DESPATCHES: CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR AND THE PREMIER RELATIVE TO THE PERUSAL OF DRAFTS OF DESPATCHES TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES BEFORE TRANSMISSION.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1897 Session II, A-01d

A.-Id.

Sess. 11.—1897. NEW ZEALAND.

DESPATCHES: CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR AND THE PREMIER RELATIVE TO THE PERUSAL OF DRAFTS OF DESPATCHES TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES BEFORE TRANSMISSION.

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

No. 1. Memobandum for His Excellency. (No. 76.) Premier's Office, Wellington, 23rd September, 1897. On looking at the printed despatches from the Governor to the Secretary of State about to be presented to Parliament, the attention of the Premier has been drawn to what he considers to be a serious omission on the part of the late Governor in one of them. In despatch No. 7, of the sth February, 1897, Lord Glasgow encloses a copy of a memorandum which he addressed to the Premier on the subject of appointments to the Legislative Council, but he has neglected to forward at the same time the reply addressed to him by the Premier (No. 56, of the sth February); and the Premier is of opinion that, although His Excellency was not asked to do so, it should have also been forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, as the correspondence is incomplete without it. The Premier would respectfully suggest that in future he should be allowed to peruse the drafts of all despatches addressed by the Governor to the Secretary of State before they are posted, and so prevent a recurrence of what he has now to complain of. E. J. Seddon.

Minute by His Excellency the Goveenob. The Eight Hon. the Premier. 1. The Governor has noted the Premier's remarks in his memorandum (No. 76) on the despatches (No. 7, sth February, 1897) to the Secretary of State for the Colonies during the late Governor's term of office. 2. He will bear in mind the Premier's suggestion that in future he should peruse the drafts of all despatches by the Governor to the Secretary of State. Should the Governor be in any doubt as to the Premier's views being properly set forth, or should he think such a course desirable in the public interest, he will communicate with the Premier on the subject of such despatch. 24th September, 1897. Eanpuely.

Minute by the Premieb. His Excellency the Governor. This will be sufficient. 27th September, 1897. E. J. Seddon.

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No. 2. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governok. (No. 83a.) Premier's Office, Wellington, 15th October, 1897. The Premier presents his compliments, and begs to acknowledge with pleasure the receipt of His Excellency's reply to memorandum No. 76, and is satisfied to know that effect will, as far as practicable, be given to the suggestion therein contained. The despatches to which the Premier with great reluctance refers are those relating to the resignation of the late Governor, Lord Glasgow, his application for two months' leave of absence, and the reply from the Secretary of State that leave of absence would be granted if there was no objection on the part of Ministers, and as to payment of his half-salary if allowed by law. Had these despatches been placed before Ministers shortly after being received a difficulty which eventuated would have been avoided ; but, unfortunately, the correspondence in question was not placed before them until some five months had elapsed from the receipt thereof. Again, as showing the advisability of the Advisers of His Excellency the Governor being consulted prior to despatches being sent, especially where their views would be of service, the Premier directs attention to despatch No. 27, of the Bth July, 1896, in which reference is made to matter unnecessarily imported. The Premier wishes your Excellency to clearly understand that since your arrival everything in relation to despatches has been most satisfactory to your Advisers. E. J. Seddon.

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