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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1906 Session I, A-01

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1906. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

INDEX.

I—A. 1.

No. nf lerii-8. D»te. Subject. Page. I • > :t 4 5 ii' s :tl May, 1905.. Person" refused admission into New Zealand .. 14 June '• New Zealand Shipping and Seamen Act, 1903 " 20 June Money-order system between Tonga and New Zealand .. •21 j|| I1( . Supplementary charter tor University of New Zealand .. 3. July Badge of colony on flag used by the Governor .. ;{ jui Vl „ .. Exchange of money-orders between Orange River Colony and New Zealand 10 Jnl'v, .. .. Opening of New Zealand Parliament .. H July , Copies of Address in Reply from both Houses .. 14 July I Marriages by foreign consular officers ., 2 Aug Registration of emigrants 2D Aug j Conference concerning shipping legislation 13 Sept., „ ■.. I Payment of death duties, estate 01 late J. W. Smith (I (),c Visit of Lieut-Colonel Kirkpatrick 11 o-l Anglo-Belgian extradition treaty, 1901 : additional declaration .. 20 Oct., .. .. Acts and Regulations for safety of ships for the Netherlands Government .. Hi Nov- Acts of New Zealand, 1906 .. :dl Dec " New Zealand Shipping and Seamen Act, 1903 " "1 Feb., Ilinti.. Gold and silver exported during 1905 13 Feb International Congress on Insurance, 1906: New Zealand will not participate 13 Feb Registration of medical practitioners .. 27 Feb Destruction of penguins 7 M- ir Wireless telegraphy between Australia and New Zealand 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 0 tl 6 6 6 10 II II II 12 12 in 11 12 13 14 15 hi IT IH 111 ■-'II ■_>l

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No. 1. (No. 29.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 31st May, 1905. With reference to your despatch (No. 28) of the 25th March, concerning the information desired hy Mr. 11. H. Marks, M.P., I have the honour to forward you herewith a relurn showing the number of persons refused admission into New Zealand during the last three years on the ground of their being prohibited immigrants. The return, you will notice, states the nations to which these immigrants belonged, the places whence they came, and the grounds upon which admission was refused. I have, &c. The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

Enclosure. Return of Number of Persons refused Admission into the Colony on the Ground of being Prohibited Immigrants since 1st January, 1902, to 31st December, 1904.

Summary. Admission refused on account oi inability to pass education test 10 consumption .. ... :i ~ insanity ...4 Total ... ... 47

No. 2. (No. 30.) Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 14th June, 1905. I have the honour to inform you that I duly submitted to my Ministers for their consideration and observations your despatch (No. 22) of the 15th March last, on the subject of the New Zealand reserved Bill entitled " The Shipping and Seamen Act, 1903," together with M. Cambon's note. 2. I have received from my Premier a minute on this subject, which has been prepared by the Hon. the Minister of Marine, and which I have the honour to forward for your consideration. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. Enclosure. Ripht Hon. the Premier. The declaration signed by Great Britain and France relative to the disposal of the proceeds of wrecks on the coasts of the two countries, which is referred to by the French Ambassador was made applicable to this colony. Notice of this having been done appears on page 132S of the New Zealand Gazette of the 13th November, 1890. " The Shipping and Seamen Act" 1903" section 261, subsection (3), which is similar to section 28. r > of "The Shipping and Seamen's Act 1877," does not interfere with the declaration, which is still in force, and the Marine Department

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Number. Nationality. Whence. tlmunds Admission refused. 1 6 20 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 3 Bulgarian .. New South Wales Russian Finns Austrians ., Assyrian .. .. Viotoria United States. America Fr'isco Spanish . . Philadelphia . . TeneriSe Kaffir .. .. Natal Greek .. .. New South Wales Italians .. Victoria „ . . . . New South Wales English London New South Wales Inability to pass education test i .. j Consumptive. . . ] Insane.

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recognises that the Consul and consular agents of France have the right, as established by the before-mentioned declaration, to direct operations relative to the salvage of French ships wrecked in New Zealand. A reply to (his effect lias already been given by His Excellency the Governor to the French Consul at Auckland, who communicated with him on the subject in January last. As regards (he other sections of the Act referred to by the Ambassador, I may make the following remarks: — Section J/. The onlj way in which this affects foreign ships is to require them, when plying in the New Zealand coastal trade, to have masters and otticers who hold British certificates, which is a reasonable provision. Section 152 of " The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," provided that foreign ships carrying passengers between places in the colony should be subject to the same provisions of that Act with respect lo masters and officers as British ships, and therefore the requirements of section 21 of the Act of 1903 is only an extension to vessels not carrying passengers of a provision which has been in force for many years. Section ISo. — This provides that foreign certificates of ships may be recognised in the colony, and is similar to section 200 of " The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877." It is really in favour of foreign ships. Section 213. —This provides that when the Minister certifies that the laws of a foreign State eegar ling overloading Ac, are equally effective with the provisions- of the Act, vessels of that State need not be detained for non-compliance with the Act. The section is similar to section 30 of " The Shipping and Seamen's Act Amendment Act, 1894," and section 445 of " The Imperial Merchant Shipping Act, 1891." It is in favour of foreign ships, and it is submitted that it is a reasonable provision. Section 229. —This refers to the detention of foreign ships for overloading, Ac, and is similar to section 162 of "The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," and section 462 of "The Imperial Merchant Shipping Act, 1894," and, in (he opinion of the Department, it does not contain anything unreasonable. Section 245. —This section provides that when an investigation into a shipping casualty, Ac, has been held in any other part of the British dominions, the matter shall not be the subject of an inquiry in New Zealand. As such inquiries can only be held in the case of British ships, foreign ships are not affected by it, and, therefore, the French Government must be under a misapprehension regarding its effect. Section 246. —As regards foreign ships, this is only complementary to section 229, which is dealt with above. Section 253. —This is the section regarding receivers of wreck taking charge in cases of shipwreck, and refers to the matter dealt with in the first paragraph of this memorandum.—lt is similar to section 250 of " The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," and section 511 of " The Imperial Merchant Shipping Act, 1894." On the subject generally, the attention of the Ambassador might be directed to subsection (2) of section 2 of the Act, which expressly provides that the provisions of the Act shall be so construed as not to exceed the legislative powers conferred on the General Assembly by the Constitution Act. sth June, 1905. Wii. Hall-Jones.

No. 3. (No. 33.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 20th June, 1905. I have the honour to forward herewith a copy of a minute I have received from my Premier, relating to the establishment of a money-order system between Tonga and New Zealand. I also enclose a copy of the letter from the Premier of Tonga to Mr. Seddon, to which the latter refers in his minute. 2. I am sending a copy of this correspondence to the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. Enclosures. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 17th June, 1905. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments, and l>egs to inform His Excellency that he has received the inclosed communication from the Premier of Tonga in answer to Mr. Seddon's letter of the 29th April last, with reference to the establishment of a money-order system between Tonga and New Zealand. From the circumstances disclosed in the letter received, the Premier lesires respectfully that His Excellency will communicate with the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific, and inform him that the New Zealand Government is prepared to establish a money-order system as between New Zealand ami Tonga. This would be a great convenience to people trading between Ihe two countries, as well as to the Government and residents of Tonga. R. J. Seddon.

Enclosures. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 17th June, 1905. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments, and begs to inform His Excellency that he has received the inclosed communication from the Premier of Tonga in answer to Mr. Seddon's letter of the 29th April last, with reference to the establishment of a money-order system between Tonga and New Zealand. From the circumstances disclosed in the letter received, the Premier lesires respectfully that His Excellency will communicate with the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific, and inform him that the New Zealand Government is prepared to establish a money-order system as between New Zealand and Tonga. This would be a great convenience to people trading lietwoen the two countries, us well as to the Government and residents of Tonga. R. J. Seddon.

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Sir, — Treasury, Nukualofa, 12th May, 1905. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th April, covering a copy of a letter addressed by you to His Majesty the King of Tonga, with regard to the establishment of a money-order system between Tonga and New Zealand. The question of Tonga joining the Postal Union, and also establishing a money order system with Great Britain and the British colonies, has already been discussed, and as the finances ol' Tonga are practically under the control and supervision of the British Government, we are asking them to assist us in obtaining what we want. 1 am authorised by the Cabinet to thank you for your offer of assistance, but under the circumstances indicated above we are unable to entertain it. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Premier of New Zealand. J. T. Mateaii.ona, Premier.

No. 4. (No. 34.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 21st June, 1905. I have the honour to forward you herewith a petition from the Chancellor and Senate of the University of New Zealand to His Majesty the King, dated the 19th June, 1905. 2. This petition prays that His Majesty may be pleased to grant a supplementary charter to the New Zealand University to give effect to the provisions of " The University Degrees Act, 1904." 3. In this prayer my Government join, and 1 also trust that this petition may meet with favourable consideration. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 5. (No. 36.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd July, 1905. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (miscellaneous) of the 13th April, desiring that a copy of the badge of the colony may be transmitted to you as it appears on the flag used by the Governor in accordance with Chapter xx, Article 432.3 of the Colonial Regulations. 2. Enclosed I forwarded a copy of such badge, used in accordance with those regulations when the Governor of the colony is embarked in boats or other vessels l n<ive &c The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 6. (No. 39.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd July, 1905. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 32) of the 22nd April, transmitting the Convention providing for the exchange of money-orders between the Orange River Colony and the Colony of New Zealand. 2. The Convention has been duly signed, the duplicate copy retained, and the original is returned herewith. T have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. . PLUNKET. No. 7. (No. 41.) Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 10th July, 1905. I have the honour to inform you that I opened the third session of (he fifteenth Parliament on the 27th June, and to enclose copies of the Speech that I made on that occasion. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 7. (No. 41.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 10th July, 1905. I have the honour to inform you that I opened Ihe third session of (he fifteenth Parliament on the 27th June, and to enclose copies of the Speech that I made on that occasion. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

A.-2, 1906, No. 4.

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No. 8. (No. 45.) Sm, - Government House, Wellington, 11th July, 1905. Willi reference to my despatch to you (No. 41) of the 10th -Inly, with which I forwarded copies ot tin Speech tiiat 1 made at the opening of Parliament on the 27th .June, I have the honour to enclose herewith copies of the Address in Reply presented to me by the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives on the 29th June, as well as copies of the Address in Reply from the Speaker and honourable members of the Legislative Council presented to me this day. 1 have, &c., The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 9. (No. 46.) Sir,- Government House, Wellington, 14th July, 1905. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your circular despatch a.-2, woe, of the 25th April on the subject of marriages by foreign consular officers. No 5 - 2. In reply, I beg to state that marriages solemnised by foreign consular officers in this colony are not valid in the contemplation of the laws of NewZealand. 3. The existing provisions as to the solemnisation of marriages in this colony are contained in " The Marriage Act, 1904," a copy of which is enclosed. I have, &c., The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. No. 10. (No. 51.) Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 2nd August, 1905. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your circular despatch a.-2, i 906, of the 18th March last on the subject of registration ol emigrants. No - L 2. With reference to the second paragraph of your circular, the despatch and enclosure were published in the "Sew Zealand (lazt'tte of the 15th June, 1905. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. No. 11. (No. 55.) Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 20th August, 1905. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 21) a.-v., ioos of the Bth March, 1905. 2. I now have received a memorandum from my Premier, dated the 16th August, in which he states that the New Zealand Government is in communication with the Government of the Commonwealth on the subject of the proposed Conference concerning shipping legislation, to which you refer, and is nowawaiting a reply. 3. My Premier adds that, if there is to be a Conference of Premiers, this matter might be considered by it. 4. I regret that I was unable to obtain an earlier reply from my Government upon this matter. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. No. 12. (No. 65.) Sir,- - Government House, Wellington, 13th September, 1905. I have the honour to acknowledge your despatch (No. 50) of the Bth July, concerning the payment of death duties in England on the estate of the late J. W Smitb, and in which you ask to be informed what steps, if any, my

No. 10. (No. 51.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 2nd August, 1905. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your circular despatch a.-2, i 906, of the 18th March last on the suhject of registration ol emigrants. No - L 2. With reference to the second paragraph of your circular, the despatch and enclosure were published in the New Zealand (lazettt' of the 15th June, 1905. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 11. (No. 55.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 20th August, 1905. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 21) a.-v., 19os. of the Bth March, 1905. 2. I now have received a memorandum from my Premier, dated the 16th August, in which he states that the New Zealand Government is in communication with the Government of the Commonwealth on the subject of the proposed Conference concerning shipping legislation, to which you refer, and is now awaiting a reply. ;5. My Premier adds that, if there is to be a Conference of Premiers, this matter might be considered by it. 4. I regret that I was unable to obtain an earlier reply from my Government upon this matter. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 12. (No. 65.) Sir,- - Government House, Wellington, 13th September, 1905. I have the honour to acknowledge your despatch (No. 50) of the Bth July, concerning the payment of death duties in England on the estate of the late J. W Smith, and in which you ask to be informed what steps, if any, my

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Ministers propose to take in order to obviate the necessity for the payment of both British and colonial death duties on such estates. 2. In my despatch to you (No. 82) of the 11th October I enclosed a copy of a memorandum which my Government was sending to their Agent-General in London, and I stated that it would be seen from that memorandum that this colony has declined to adopt the legislation suggested by the Hoard of Trade. 3. I have submitted your despatch (No. 50 of Bth -Inly) to my Ministers, and they inform me that they regret that they do not see their way to alter the decision they previously made when they declined to take any action in the matter. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. No 13. (No. 69.) Sir,- Government House, Wellington, 9th October, 1905. 1 have the honour to acknowledge your despatch (No. 50) of the Kith August, enclosing a copy of a letter from the War Office with reference to the visit of Lieut.-Colonel Kirkpatrick to the Antipodes in order to study strategic conditions and local military systems. My Government assure me that full facilities will be given in New Zealand to the officer mentioned, in accordance with the request of the Army Council. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. No. 14. (No. 70.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 11th October, 1905. I have the honour to acknowledge your despatch (General) of the Ist August concerning the additional declaration proposed to complete the AngloBelgian Treaty of the 29th October, 1901. I submitted your despatch and enclosure to my Government, and I am informed by my Ministers that they have no objection to offer to the proposal. My Government also gives a general assent to similar alterations which may be required in any other extradition treaties. I have, &c., The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. No. 15. (No. 71.) Sir,-- Government House, Wellington, 20th October, 1905. I have the honour to acknowledge your circular despatch of the 11th August, requesting copies of colonial Acts and regulations providing for the safety of ships. In accordance with your wishes, I herewith enclose two copies of the following documents : " Shipping and Seamen Act, 1903," Life-saving Appliances, Rules, and Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The Board of Trade regulations as to the survey of steamships are adopted in this colony. These regulations and enclosures will, I trust, supply the information that is desired by Baron Gericke. I have, &c., The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. No. 16. (No. 75.) Sir,-- Government House, Wellington, 16th November, 1905. I have the honour to forward you a reporl prepared by the AttorneyGeneral of the Acts passed during the third session of the fifteenth Parliament of this colony, which ended on the 31st day of Oetoher, 1905, together with the Acts duly authenticated with the seal of New Zealand.

A.-l, I'JOS, No. 18.

A.-2, 1906, No. 14.

a._ 2, 1906, No. 12.

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It will be observed that, two statutes have been reserved by me, for the reasons detailed in the Attorney-General's report. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 13th November, 1905. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier has the honour to forward, for transmission to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a synopsis, prepared by the Law Officers, of the Acts passed during the third session of the fifteenth Parliament of New Zealand, together with the Acts duly authenticated with the seal of the colony. Albert Pitt, for the Premier. Special Report. For the information of His Excellency the Governor I beg to report as follows: — 1. The synopsis attached hereto contains a list of all the Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand during the session which ended on the 31st day of October, 1905. 2. In my opinion, except as regards Acts Nos. 63 and 64, none of those Acts are repugnant to the law of England, nor was it necessary that they should have been reserved for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure thereon in accordance with the Royal Instructions of the 28th day of March, 1892. " 3. Act No. 63 has been so reserved in accordance with the provisions of " The Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 " (57 and 58 Vict. c. 60), and Act No. 64 because it is repugnant to the laws of England (5 and 6 Will. 14, cap. 54), relating to marriages within the prohibited degrees of consanguinity or affinity. Dated at Wellington this 7th day of November, 1905. Albert Pitt, Attorney-General. Synopsis of Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand in the Session ended the 31st Day of October, 1905. Public Acts. 1. " Imprest Supply Act, 1905."—Granting to His Majesty for the service of the year the sums of £536,000 and £10,500. 2. " Old-age Pensions Act, 1905." —Increasing the amount of pension payable under " The Old-age Pensions Act, 1898," and otherwise amending that Act. 3. " Road Boards Acts Amendment Act, 1905."—Amending the law relating to the making of special orders by Road Boards and the signing of cheques by such Boards. 4. " Imprest Supply Act, 1905 (No. 2)." —Granting to His Majesty for the service of the year the sums of £536,000 and £10,500. 5. "Statutes Compilation Act Amendment Act, 1905."—Amending "The Statutes Compilation Act, 1902," as to the manner of enactment of compilations. 6. "Criminal Code Amendment Act, 1905."—Amending "The Criminal Code Act, 1893"; extending the time during which proceedings may be taken for certain offences, and empowering Courts to exclude the public from the hearing of certain cases, and to forbid publication of the proceedings in such cases. 7. "Mutual Fire Insurance Act Amendment Act, 1905."—Amending "The Mutual Fire Insurance Act, 1903," in minor matters. 8. " Motor Registration Act, 1905."—Providing for the registration of motors. 9. "Imprest Supply Act, 1905 (No. 3)." —Granting to His Majesty for the service of the year the sums of £536,000 and £55,350. 10. " Public Works Amendment Act, 1905." —Amending the law relating to the width of roads and streets, and as to unformed roads and streets. 11. "Stamp Act Amendment Act, 1905."—Exempting from duty documents relating to oldage pensions. 12. " Imprest Supply Act, 1905 (No. 4)." —Granting to His Majesty for the service of the year the sums of £536,000 and £10,500. 13. "Commissioners Act Amendment Act, 1905."—Amending "The Commissioners Act, 1903," by extending the powers of commissions appointed b}' the Governor in cases where a Judge of the Supreme Court is a member of the commission, and extending the Act to commissions appointed by the Governor under his Letters Patent. 14. " Offensive Publications Act, 1905." —Amending the law relating to offensive publications. 15. " Coal-mines Acts Compilation Act, 1905." —Compiling the existing Acts relating to coalmines. 16. " Evidence Act, 1905." —Consolidating and amending certain enactments relating to the law of evidence. 17. "Convicts' Forfeitures Act Amendment Act, 1905."—Making better provision for the administration oi the property of convicts.

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18. "Destitute Persons Act Amendment Act, 1905."—Extending the time within which certain proceedings may be taken under " The Destitute Persons Act, 1894," and otherwise amending that Act. 19. " Kaiapoi Native Reserve Act, 1905."—Vesting certain land in the Church Property Trustees. 20. " Land-tax and Income-tax Act, 1905."—Imposing a land-tax and income-tax for the year. 21. "Education Reserves Act, 1905."—Authorising the construction of roads on education reserves. 22. " Gerhard John Mueller Enabling Act, 1905."—Removing certain doubts as to Gerhard John Mueller's status and service as a Civil servant. 23. "Waikaka Branch Railway Act, 1905." —Providing for the construction of a branch railway. 24. " Taumutu Native Commonage Act, 1905."—Making better provision for the management of a certain commonage. 25. "Timber and Flax Royalties Act, 1905."—Providing for the payment to local authorities of a portion of the revenue received from the sale of timber and flax on Crown lands. 26. " Government Advances to Settlers Act Amendment Act, 1905."—Making provision for the reinvestment of sinking funds belonging to the Government Advances to Settlers Office, and otherwise amending " The Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1894." 27. "Canterbury Agricultural College Reserves Act, 1905."—Authorising the exchange of certain lands. 28. " Native Townships Local Government Act, 1905."—Providing a system of local government for Native townships. 29. " Electoral Act, 1905."—Consolidating and amending the law relating to the representation of the people in the House of Representatives. 30. " Public Trust Office Amendment Act, 1905." —Enabling trustees to appoint the Public Trustee in their place, and otherwise amending " The Public Trust Office Consolidation Act, 1894." 31. "Medical Practitioners Registration Act, 1905."—Prescribing the qualifications for registration as a. medical practitioner. 32. " Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Acts Compilation Act, 1905."—Compiling the existing Acts relating to industrial conciliation and arbitration. 33. " Criminal Code Amendment Act, 1905 (No. 2)." —Constituting the offence of criminal defamation. 34. " Hutt Railway and Road Improvement Act, 1903."—Authorising the raising of an additional sum of £100,000 for the improvement of the Hutt Railway and Hutt Road. 35. "Victoria College Act, 1905."—Consolidating certain enactments relating to Victoria College. 36. "Property Law Act, 1905." —Consolidating and amending the law relating to real and other property. 37. " Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1905."—Authorising the raising of a loan of £1,000,000 in aid of certain public works and other purposes. 38. " Taranaki Scholarships Act, 1905."—Encouraging higher education within the Provincial District of Taranaki by establishing scholarships. 39. "Mining Acts Compilation Act, 1905." —Compiling the existing Acts relating to mining. 40. " Bills of Exchange Act Amendment Act, 1905." —Amending " The Bills of Exchange Act, 1883," as to branch banks and to crossed cheques. 41. "Australian and New Zealand Naval Defence Act, 1905."—Enabling original agreement set forth in " The Australian and New Zealand Naval Defence Act, 1903," to be varied. 42. "Workers' Dwellings Act, 1905."—Providing for the erection by the State of dwellings for workers. 43. "Shops and Offices Act Amendment Act, 1905."—Amending "The Shops and Offices Act, 1904," by limiting the hours during which shop-assistants may be employed, and in other particulars. 44. "Maori Land Settlement Act, 1905."—Making better provision for the settlement of Maori land. 45. "Education Act Amendment Act, 1905." —Amending "The Education Act, 1904," as to the election and powers of Education Boards, the scale of teachers and their salaries, and in other particulars. 46. " Horowhenua Lake Act, 1905."—Vesting the control of Horowhenua Lake in a Board for recreation purposes. 47. "Sentry Hill - New Plymouth Railway Deviation Act, 1905."—Authorising the construction of a deviation on a certain railway. 48. "Queenstown Reserves Act, 1905." —Revesting certain reserves in His Majesty. 49. "New Zealand International Exhibition Empowering Act, 1905."—Providing for the holding of an International Exhibition at Christchurch. 50. "Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act, 1905." —Amending "The Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act, 1900," by fixing a minimum compensation in certain cases, and by providing for the payment of compensation in a lump sum. 51. " Epuni Leases Surrender Act, 1905."—Enabling the Epuni Hamlet to be resumed and new leases issued. 52. " Government Railways Act Amendment Act, 1905."--Authorising the payment of interest in certain cases.

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53. " Public Works Acts Compilation Act, 1905."—Compiling certain Acts relating to public works. 54. " Teachers' Superannuation Act, 1905." —Establishing a superannuation fund for schoolteachers and others. 55. "Mining Act Amendment Act, 1905." —Amending "The Mining Act, 1905," by providing for the encouragement of prospecting the registration of gold-buyers, and in other particulars. 56. " Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Act, 1905."—Making better provision for the prevention of strikes and lock-outs, for extending the operation of awards, and otherwise amending " The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1905." 57. "Workers' Dwellings Act Amendment Act, 1905."—Extending the provisions of "The Workers' Dwellings Act, 1905," as to the lands that may be set apart under that Act, and as to cost of construction of workers' dwellings. 58. " Agricultural Implement Manufacture, Importation, and Sale Act, 1905."—Makingtemporary provision for the regulation and control of the manufacture, importation, and sale of certain agricultural implements. 59. " Ellesmere Lands Drainage Act, 1905."—Making better provision for the drainage of certain lands. 60. " Factories Act Amendment Act, 1905."—Amending " The Factories Act, 1901," by fixing a minimum wage, and in other particulars. 61. " Civil Service Classification Act, 1905."—Providing for the classification of certain departments of the Civil Service. 62. "Appropriation Act, 1905."—Being the annual grant to His Majesty of the sums mentioned in the Act for the service of the year. Reserved Acts. 63. "Shipping and Seamen Act Amendemnt Act, 1905."—Amending "The Shipping and Seamen Act, 1903," by extending the time for application for service certificates, and in other particulars. 64. " Marriages Validation Act, 1905."—Validating certain marriages with deceased wife's niece or deceased husband's nephew. Local and Personal Acts. 1. "Otago Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1905."—Authorising the Otago Harbour Board to contribute towards the construction of a dock at Port Chalmers. 2. "Palmerston North High School Reserve Act, 1905."—Vesting certain land in the Board of Governors of the Palmerston North High School. 3. "Wanganui Harbour Act, 1905."—Authorising the Wanganui Harbour Board to borrow £60,000. 4. " Eltham Borough Drainage and Water-supply Empowering Act, 1905." —Authorising the Eltham Borough Council to borrow £5,000, and conferring on the said Council certain powers in relation to drainage, sanitation, and water-supply. 5. " Timaru Borough Drainage, Sewerage, and Loans Act, 1905."—Making provision for the drainage and sewerage of the Borough of Timaru. 6. "Oamaru Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute Act, 1905." —Consolidating certain Acts relating to the Oamaru Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute. 7. "Havelock Commonage Act, 1905." —Consolidating certain Acts relating to the Havelock Commonage. 8. " Auckland Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1905." —Authorising the exchange of certain lands in the City of Auckland; 9. Auckland Waterworks Loans, Sinking Funds, and Borrowing Act Amendment Act, 1905." —Authorising the Auckland City Council to make certain financial arrangements in respect of certain loans. 10. " Petone Borough Empowering Ast, 1905." —Empowering the Petone Borough Council to purchase a lease of certain land for waterworks conservation purposes. 11. " Eltham Public Hall Act, 1905." —Authorising the Eltham Borough Council to purchase and deal with certain land. 12. "Wallace Hospital District Act, 1905."—Constituting a hospital district under "The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, 1885." 13. " Petone Corporation Waterworks Act, 1905."—Validating the settlement by the Petone Borough Council of a certain claim for compensation in connection with the waterworks of the borough. 14. " Dannevirke Education Reserve Transfer Act, 1905." —Authorising the transfer of certain lands to the Governors of the Dannevirke High School for education purposes. 15. " Gisborne Harbour Act, 1905." —Consolidating certain Acts relating to Gisborne Harbour. 16. " Oamaru Volunteer Drill-shed Site Act, 1905."—Authorising the exchange of certain lands in the Borough of Oamaru. 17. "Wellington Hospital Contributors and Society for Relief of the Aged Needy Exchange Act 1905." Authorising the exchange of certain lands in the City of Wellington. ' 18. " Auckland Harbour Board and Devonport Borough Council Empowering Act, 1905." — Authorising the transfer of certain land to the Devonport Borough Council for public recreation purposes.

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19. " Dilworth Trustees Act 1902 Amendment Act, 1905." —Making better provision for the establishment of the Dilworth Ulster Institute in accordance with the will of the late James Dilworth. 20l " Masterton Trust Lands Trust Empowering Act, 1905."—Authorising the Masterton Trust Lands Trustees to borrow £10,000. 21. " Eastbourne Borough Act, 1905."—Constituting the Borough of Eastbourne. 22. "Lyttelton Borough Council Foreshore Vesting Act, 1905."—Vesting in the Lyttelton Borough Council certain lands on the foreshore of the Lyttelton Harbour. 23. " Borough of Birkenhead Enabling Act, 1905."—Authorising the Birkenhead Borough Council to co-operate with the Auckland Harbour Board in the construction of certain reclamationworks. 24. "Auckland Harbour Board Loan and Empowering Act 1904 Amendment Act, 1905."— Making better provision for the application of certain loan moneys. 25. " Dunedin City and Suburban Tramways and Water-power Act 1903 Amendment Act, 1905."—Amending " The Dunedin City and Suburban Tramways and Water-power Act, 1903," with respect to certain mining privileges. 26. " Paeroa Domain Loan Validation Act, 1905."—Validating certain proceedings of the Ohinemuri County Council with respect to the raising of a certain loan. 27. " Oamaru Borough Council Loan Act, 1905." —Authorising the Oamaru Borough Council to borrow £4,000. 28. "Masterton Public Park Extension Act, 1905."—Vesting certain land in the Masterton Borough Council for recreation purposes. 29. "Dunedin District Drainage and Sewerage Act 1900 Amendment Act, 1905."—Authorising the borrowing of a further sum of £100,000 for drainage purposes. 30. "Havelock Harbour Board Act, 1905." —Constituting a Harbour Board for the Harbour of Havelock. 31. "Christchurch District Drainage Act 1875 Amendment Act, 1905."—Authorising the Christchurch District Drainage Board to borrow £100,000 for drainage purposes. 32. "Auckland Cemetery Bridge and City Borrowing Act, 1905."—Authorising the Auckland City Council to construct a bridge on a portion of a cemetery, and to borrow £8,000 for completing the construction of a refuse destructor. 33. "Canterbury College Empowering Act, 1905."—Empowering the Board of Governors of the Canterbury College to expend certain moneys in the purchase of land or otherwise for the purposes of the Christchurch Girls' High School. 34. " Invercargill Cemetery Vesting Act, 1905." —Vesting certain land in the Invercargill Borough Council for cemetery purposes. 35. "Lyttelton Harbour Board Land Act, 1905."—Vesting certain land in the Lyttelton Harbour Board. 36. " Nelson Harbour Act, 1905."—Consolidating certain Acts relating to Nelson Harbour. 37. " Oxford Road District Act, 1905."—Consolidating certain Acts relating to Oxford Road District. 38. "Motueka Harbour Board Act, 1905."—Constituting a Harbour Board and rating district for Motueka Harbour. 39. "Hokitika Harbour Act, 1905."—Consolidating certain Acts relating to Hokitika Harbour. 40. "Auckland Hospitals Acts Amendment Act, 1905."—Conferring certain powers on the Public Trustee in relation to certain lands. 41. "Tapanui Commonage Reserve Act, 1905."—Making further provision for the regulation of a racecourse at Tapanui. 42. " Wellington City Streets Act, 1905."—Declaring certain private streets and private ways in the City of Wellington to be public streets. 43. " Education Board of the District of Otago Empowering Act, 1905."—Enabling the Otago Education Board to lease certain lands and to dispose of the proceeds thereof. 44. "Petone and Hutt Corporations Empowering Act, 1905."— Conferring certain powers on the Petone and Lower Hutt Borough Councils in relation to acquiring a site for a wharf at Petone, the purchase of certain private rights in Petone Beach, and the purchase and sale of certain lighting privileges and plant. No. 17. (No. 82.) My Lord, — Government House, Auckland, 30th December, 1905. With further reference to your predecessor's despatch (No. 21) of the Bth March, 1905, on the subject of " The New Zealand Shipping and Seamen Act, 1903," to which I replied on the 20th August last, in despatch No. 55, I have™ the honour to forward herewith for your consideration a copy of the memorandum on this subject which I have received from my Premier. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

A.-la, 1905.

No. 11.

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Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 21st December, 1905. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. With reference to the despatch from the Secretary of State (No. 21), of the Bth March last, on the subject of " The New Zealand Shipping and Seamen Act, 1903," and colonial shipping legislation, the legal position is no doubt unsatisfactory owing to the Imperial Parliament attempting to legislate on the matter for the whole of the British dominions, and at the same time, in effect, recognising the attempt as unworkable by giving colonial Legislatures various vaguely defined powers to adapt and repeal, &c. In exercising these powers, nice and difficult questions are bound to arise as to whether the powers have been exceeded. It would appear that the simplest and most satisfactory solution of the difficulty would be for the Imperial Parliament, by Act, to validate the colonial enactments now in existence, and to provide that the Imperial Shipping Acts shall apply throughout the British dominions in so far as in any British possession local legislation inconsistent therewith does not exist, or is not enacted. Uniformity of legislation is properly a matter for a Conference, such as is suggested by the Secretary of State, and the Government is in correspondence with the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia on the subject of the advisability of being represented at such a Conference. R. J. Seddon. No. 18. (No. 2.) My Lord, — Government House, Auckland, sth February, 1906. In continuation of my despatch (No. 7) of the 2nd March, 1905, and in 1905] conformity with the Colonial Office despatch of the Bth December, 1898, I have No - 22 - -the honour to state that the quantities of gold and silver entered for, export for the year ended 31st December, 1905, were 520,486 oz., equal to 16,18930 kilograms, valued at £2,093,936; and 1,179,903 oz., equal to 36,699-93 kilograms, valued at £120,549 respectively. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. No. 19. (No. 4.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 13th February, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge your predecessor's despatch (General) of the sth September, with reference to the Fifth International Congress on Insurance, which is to be held in Berlin in September this year. My Government desire me to state that they do not propose to participate in the Congress. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. No. 20. (No. 5.) My Lord,—- Government House, Wellington, 13th February, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge your predecessor's despatch (General) a.-2, 1906, of the 3rd August last, with which was enclosed a copy of a letter from the No - 18 - British Medical Association communicating a resolution concerning the registration of medical qualifications, and asking for the views of my Government on the subject. 2. In reply, my Ministers beg to state that the New Zealand " Medical Practitioners Begistration Act, 1905 " (of which two copies are enclosed) shows how far the Legislature of this colony has considered it judicious to proceed on the lines of the resolution of the British Medical Association. 3. It will be observed from the schedule of qualifications for registration (see last paragraph of schedule to Act) that the Colony of New Zealand is not absolutely tied down to follow the rate of procedure which obtains in the United Kingdom as to admitting foreign diplomas in medicine and surgery to registration. It is considered that perfect compliance would not suit the circumstances of this colony. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

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No. 21. (No. 9.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 27th February, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge your predecessor's despatches No. 35 of sth May, and No. 71 of the 13th October, 1905, upon the subject of the destruction of penguins and other birds in the Antipodes, Auckland, Bounty, and Campbell Islands. This matter was duly placed before my Government, who have made inquiries, and have now furnished me with the statement herein enclosed. The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 20th February, 1906. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency, and in returning the annexed despatches from the Secretary of State (G.H. 318/05 and 695/05), desires to state that from inquiries made respecting the alleged destruction and possible extermination of penguins and other sea-birds, it is clear that there is no foundation for such reports as regards any outlying islands belonging to the Colony of New Zealand. There has been no such destruction of the birds on those islands, and there is no reason to suppose that there has been any diminution of recent years in the large numbers which resort to some of those islands at certain times of the year. As regards the Macquarie Islands, which belong to the State of Tasmania, there is reason to believe that penguins have been killed on those islands and boiled down for oil. The attention of the Government of that State has been called to this matter, and they will nodoubt take such action as may be found necessary. I have to add that the representations made in these despatches have been noted, that any action necessary for the protection of sea-birds in the islands belonging to New Zealand will be taken by this Government. R. J. Seddon. No. 22. (No. 10.) My Lord, — Government House, Auckland, 7th March, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge your predecessor's general despatch of the 21st September last concerning certain statements which had appeared in the Press as to the contemplated establishment of wireless communication between Australia and New Zealand. I duly submitted the matter to my Ministers, and have now received a minute on the subject. My Government inform me that the contents of the Postmaster-General's letter of the 21st September, 1905, have been noted, but there is no intention on the part of the Government of this colony to arrange for wireless telegraphy to compete for commercial work. If communication were set up between Australia and New Zealand, it w T ould be more in the way of experiment than anything else. The most that the New Zealand Postmaster-General had in mind for present utilisation of the system was communication with outlying islands and steamers. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,450 copies), £7 9s. By Authority: John Mackat, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o6. Price 6d.]

A.-2, 1906, Nos. 6 and 19,

A.-2, 1906, No. 18.

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