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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1907 Session I, A-01

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1907. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

INDEX.

I—A. 1.

No of Series. Date. Subject. Date. Pag Page. 1 o :t 4 5 6 7 8 !l 10 11 12 13 14 15lli 17 18 lit 20 21 22 7 Mar., 1906.. Flags of Cook Islands 30 April, ,, .. Member of the Royal Family to visit the colony during the Exhibition .. 9 May, ,, .. Japanese famine 17 May, ,, .. Representation of United Kingdom at Exhibition 17 May, „ .. Employment of colonials in Royal Navy 30 May, ,, .. Tables of freeboard 19 June, „ .. Death of Premier, Right Hon. R. J. Seddon 9 July. „ .. Opening of Parliament !> .July. ,, .. Limitation of coastwise trade 11 Aug.. ,. .. Messrs. T. Y. Duncan and C H. Mills to be " Honourable " 1 Sept., ,, .. Opening of Parliament, Second Session 3 Sept., ,, .. Fires in wool-carrying ships .. 21 Sept., „ .. Services of Major-General J. M. Babington 22 Sept., ,, .. Invitation to their Majesties the King and Queen, &c, to visit Exhibition 23 Oct., „ .. Mr. William Montgomery to be " Honourable " 29 Oct., „ .. Resolutions to be submitted by Premier at Colonial Conference 17 Nov., „ .. " New Zealand and South Africa Customs Duties Reciprocity Act, 1906 " 24 Nov., „ .. New Zealand Acts of 1900 .. 21 Jan., 1907.. Letter-postage to United States of America reduced to one penny 25 Jan., ,, .. Appointments (fourteen) to Legislative Council 16 Feb., ,, .. Weight of letters admissible raised to one ounce, |>cnny postage 12 April, ,, .. Treaty of commerce, &c, Nicaragua 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 a 6 6 7 8 .. 12 ..' 12 .. 12 .. 12

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No. 1. (No. 14.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 7th March, 1906. Referring to your despatch (Miscellaneous) of the 19th December last, relative to the flags of the Cook Islands and Rarotonga, I have the honour to inform you that the matter has been submitted to the Resident Commissioner of Rarotonga. 2. Colonel Gudgeon states that the flags are correctly depicted on the Admiralty plates, and that they are the only local flags known to the islands within the boundaries of New Zealand's territory in the Eastern Pacific. 3. He suggests that the Rarotonga flag be retained for the present. It is the flag of Makea, was in existence before the establishment of the Protectorate, and a certain amount of sentimental interest attaches to it in consequence. 4. As to the others, there appears to be no reason why they should be retained any longer. The Resident Commissioner states that he flies the Blue Ensign over the Government offices at Rarotonga. T have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies PLUNKET.

No. 2. (No. 21.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 30th April, 1906. In confirmation of my telegram of the 25th April, T have the honour to state that T have received a memorandum from my Responsible Advisers in which they desire me to communicat" with His Majesty the King, through your Lordship, and to.issue, on behalf of the Government and people of this colony, a respectful request that a member of the Royal Family may visit New Zealand during the time the International Exhibition is being held at Christchurch. 2. My Premier specially mentions the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, since His Royal Highness, as Inspector-General, might be ready to take the opportunity of inspecting the Colonial Forces; but T am to state that the invitation is a general one, and that if any member of the Royal Family could see his way to accept, such acceptance would be received with universal pleasure throughout New Zealand. 3. I have the honour to add that T heartily concur that if this visit could be paid it would be highly appreciated. T have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 3. (No. 22.) My Lord, Wellington, 9th May, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge your despatch (No. 21) of the 14th March, on the subject of the Japanese famine. 2. As the Government of Japan have decided to accept donations, the New Zealand Government have forwarded £1,000 towards the relief fund. I have, &c., The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

A.-2, 1907, No. 1.

No. 4 (No. 26.) My Lord, Wellington, 17th May, 1906. I have the honour, to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch (No. 11) of the 22nd February last, with reference to the forthcoming International Exhibition at Christchurch and the assistance that His Majesty's Government propose to render.

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2. I am desired by my Ministers to convey to the Imperial authorities the grateful appreciation of the New Zealand Government for the liberal manner in which they are providing expenses for the due representation of the United Kingdom at the Exhibition. 3. My Government also tender their thanks for the help promised in arranging for the collection of exhibits to be sent to the colony on behalf of His Majesty's Government. I have, &c, The Secretary of Stale tor the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 5. (No. 27.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 17th May, 1906. I have the honour to inform you that I have been requested by my (iovei nment to bring to the notice of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty certain facts and recommendations with reference to the employment of colonials in the Royal Navy. 2. So far as this colony is concerned, it is believed to be in the best interests of the men and of the naval service that the extra payments to the men on the drill-ships should be made as follows : one-third whilst serving; two-thirds on completion of the term of service. 3. My Ministers gather that the results up to the present time have not been satisfactory, and a return that has been made shows that the men are spending the larger portion of their pay as soon as received, and it is feared that the objects for which the money is expended are injurious to the health of the men. 4. It is also considered most desirable that the men should be transferred from the drill-ships to one or other of the ships of the home squadron. They would then get a full and efficient training, which my Government learn on reliable authority is not the case at present. Under these circumstances they desire to urge and recommend a change in the conditions of service. 5. My Ministers state that the chief point to be considered is whether or not men would offer for service under the proposed altered conditions. They are inclined to think that on the whole it would not make much difference in this respect, but that the fact of knowing that at the end of the term there would be a fairly large sum of money to their credit would prove attractive to the men. I have, &c., The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 6. (No. 32.) My. Lord,— Government House, Wellington, 30th May, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge Your Lordship's circular of 20th March, and to inform you that the tables of freeboard therein contained ll will be used in New Zealand in accordance with the provisions of subsection (3) of section 207 of " The New Zealand Shipping and Seamen Act, 1903." I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

1.-2, 1907, $o. 2.

No. 7. (No. 34.) Dear Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 19th June, 1906. In my telegram of 11th June I had the honour to inform you of the sudden death of mv Premier, the Right lion. R. J. Seddon. Although it was general knowledge that for the past two or three years Mr. Seddon's health had from time to time given his friends grave cause for anxiety, he had on the whole been considerably better lately, and the news of his death came as a great shock, and was hardly credited at "first.

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Your Lordship's- telegram of the 11th June, conveying sympathy to the bereaved and appreciation of Mr. Seddon's work, covers all I could say upon this melancholy subject, and I have only to add that I and my Government have received messages of profound sorrow from nearly every part of the Empire. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 8. (No. 40.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 9th July, 1906. I have the honour to inform you that I opened the first session of the sixteenth Parliament of this colony on the 28th June, and to enclose copies of the Speech that I made on that occasion. 2. I also enclose for Your Lordship's information copies of the Addresses in Reply from the Legislative Assembly and the House of Representatives. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 9. (No. 42.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 9th July, 1906. I have the honour to bring to Your Lordship's notice the enclosed minute from my Premier, in which information is desired concerning limitation of coastwise trade referred to in the resolution respecting the navigation laws of the Empire, which was passed by the Colonial Conference of 1902. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency th<; Governor. Wellington, 'Jtli July, 190 G. Tiik Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency, and respectfully advises that the attention of the Secretary of State for the Colonies be invited to the resolution respecting the navigation laws of the Empire, which was passed by tlie Colonial Conference of 1902. The terms of that resolution appear on page 139 of the report of the proceedings of the Conference, and are as follows: —" That it is desirable that the attention of the Governments of the colonies and the United Kingdom should be called to the present state of the navigation laws in the Empire, and in other countries, and to the advisability of refusing the privileges of coastwise trade, including trade between the Mother-country and its colonies and possessions, and between one colony or possession and another, to countries in which the corresponding trade is confined to shipsof their own nationality, and also the laws affecting shipping, with a view of seeing whether any other steps should be taken to promote Imperial trade in British vessels." This Government will be glad to learn whether consideration has been given by His Majesty's Ministers to that part of the resolution whicli refers to the limitation of the coastwise trade as therein defined to British vessels, and, if so, whether an\ action in that direction is contemplated. WM. HA1.1.-JONKf.

No. 10. (No. 52.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 11th August, 1906. With reference to Lord Ripon's Colonial Office despatch (General) of the 15th June, 1893, and the last paragraph of his general despatch of the 2nd August, 1894, I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that Mr. Thomas Young Duncan and Mr. Charles Houghton Mills have ceased to be members of the Executive Council, and to recommend that His Majesty's permission may be granted for these gentlemen to retain the title of " Honourable." I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

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No. 11 (No. 81.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, Ist September, 1906. 1 have the honour to inform you that I opened the second session of the sixteenth Parliament of this colony on the 21st August, and to enclose copies of the Speech that 1 made on that occasion. 2. I also enclose for Your Lordship's information copies of the Addresses in Reply from the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 12. (No. 62.) My Lord. Government House, Wellington, 3rd September, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge your despatch (No. 64) of the 12th July last, with reference to a lefter from Lloyd's to the Board of Trade, dated 29th June, on the subject of fires in wool cargoes. 2. Your Lordship's communication, with enclosures, has been sent to the Commission which is now inquiring into the matter of fires on ships loaded or partly loaded with wool, flax, tow, or other combustible material, and the request made by Lloyd's will be considered when the report of the Commission is received and is being dealt with. 3. A copy of the report of the Commission as soon as it is published will be forwarded to you. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

A.-2, 1907, No. 6.

No. 13. (No. 74.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 21st September, 1906. 1 have the honour to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a minute which I have received from my Premier with reference to the services rendered by Major-General -I. M. Babington whilst holding the position of Commandant of the New Zealand Forces. 2. I am desired by my Government to request Your Lordship to bring this matter to the notice of the War Office. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

Enclosure. Wellington, 21 si September, 1906. Memorandum for His Exoellenoy the Governor. The Prime Minister has the honour to present his compliments to His Excellency, and respeotfulh requests His Excellency to convey to the War Office the appreciation of the New Zealand Gorernment of the service rendered by Major-General J. M. Babington (Colonel lI.M. Staff) whilst holding the position of Commandant of the New Zealand Defence Forces. The great improvement which has taken place in the Defence Forces of the colony is in a very Large measure due to the very efficient services rendered in his official capacity by Major-General Babington, and to the professional ability and attention which lie has brought to bear and given to defence matters in New Zealand during his term of office. The New Zealand Government would have been glad if Major-General Babington oould have seen his way to accede to their request to extend the period of his service in connection with the Defence forces of the colony. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister.

No. 14. (No. 75.) My Lord,-- Government House, Wellington, 22nd September, 1906. I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that I have been requested by my Government to send formal invitations to their Majesties the King and

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Queen, their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Duke of Connaught to be present at the New Zealand International Exhibition, which will be open in Christchurch for six months from the Ist November next. 2. I am also desired to forward the enclosed blank invitation cards, as it is thought possible thai their Majesties and Royal Highnesses may like to have souvenirs of the undertaking. 3. As my Ministers have already been advised, through your telegram of the 20th August, that it is impossible for a member of the Royal Family to attend the Exhibition, no reply to these invitations is expected by my Government. I am, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 15. My Lord, Government House. Wellington, 23rd October, 1906. I have the honour to transmit for Your Lordship's consideration the enclosed copy of a minute which I have received from my Government, in which it is recommended that the Hon. W. Montgomery, who is retiring very shortly from the Legislative Council, may be allowed to retain the title of "Honour able " for life. 2. I do not know whether exceptions are made under circumstances such as those here detailed, but, if they are, I concur in my Premier's recommendation, as I am personally aware of the high public and private character borne by Mr. Montgomery and the estimation in which he is held. I am, &c, ' The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET. Enclosure. Wellington, 23rd October, 1906. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments, and begs to acquaint His Excellency thai after forty-two years of active public life the Hon. W. Montgomery, member of the Legislative Council, owing to impaired health, is about to retire. The honourable gentleman is an ex-Minister of the Crown, a highly respected citizen, and held in the greatest esteem by all colonists. Under these exceptional circumstances, the Premier very respectfully recommends that the Imperial Government - be asked to allow him to retain the title of " Honourable " for life, a graceful act which would be much appreciated by the honourable gentleman himself and the Government and people of this colony. J. G. Ward.

No. 16. (No. 95.) My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 29th October, 1906. With reference to my telegrams of the 23rd instant and to-day, I have the honour to transmit to Your Lordship the resolutions which my Premier wishes to bring forward at the Colonial Conference. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

Enclosure. Motions. —Imperial Council. A. Thai it would be to the advantage of the Empire, and facilitate the dealing with questions that affect the oversea dominions, if an Imperial Council were established to which each of the selfgoverning colonies should send a representative. B. That it in essential to the well-being of both the United Kingdom and His Majesty's dominions beyond the leas that in the oversea dominions preferential tariffs in favour of British-manufactured goods carried in British-owned ships should l>e granted, and that in the United Kingdom preferential rates of duty on colonial products now taxable should be conceded.

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C. That provision should be made throughout the Empire for the reciprocal admission of barristers to practice, and in particular that the mere fact that in any dependency the two branches of the profession are amalgamated should not be a bar to the admission of barristei i of that dependency to practise in England or elsewhere. D. That the law as to naturalisation should be uniform, throughout the Empire, and that naturalisation, wherever granted, should be Imperial and not local, subject however to the right of any self governing dependency to impose special conditions if it thinks fit. E. That the question of an increased contribution by the Australasian Colonies to the Australasian-New Zealand Squadron should be considered, together with other matters respecting colonial defence. F. That in the interests of the dominion in the Pacific the Government of these dominions should be consulted before any convention or agreement respecting the Pacific islands is entered into between the Imperial Government and any foreign country. G. That a uniform practice should be adopted in connection with the reservation of Bills for the Royal assent, and that in the case of the self-governing dependencies the Royal Instructions on the subject are too restrictive, and should be modified. H. That reciprocity should be established between the respective Governments and examining authorities throughout the Empire with regard to the examination and authorisation of land surveyors, so that any surveyor who has properly complied with the tests and conditions prescribed by the Imperial Government or the Government of any self-governing dependency, and has fully received the requisite authority to enable him to act as a surveyor, should be enabled to practise his profession in any other part of the Empire, subject only to his satisfying the Government or examining authority of the country in which he desires to practise of his knowledge of the necessary local Acts or regulations which may be in force therein relating to the survey of land therein. I. That all doubts should be removed as to the right of the self-governing dependencies to make reciprocal and preferential fiscal agreements with each other and with the United Kingdom, and further that such right should not be fettered by Imperial treaties or conventions without their concurrence. J. That in view of the enormous social and political advantages, ami the very material commercial advantages to accrue from a of international penny postage, and of the further fact that any depression in postal revenue resulting from the adoption of such a system has now been proved to be only temporary in duration ami inconsiderable in amount, this Conference recommends to His Majesty's Government the advisability of approaching the (Governments of those States, members of the Universal Postal Union, which have hitherto declined to agree either to an interchange of letters at one-penny rate for the minimum weight or to the receipt of letters from abroad at the same rate, with a view to a more general, and, if possible, a universal adoption of that rate.

No. 17. (No. 97.) My Lord- Government House, Wellington, 7th November, 1906. I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that the New Zealand parliamentary session came to an end on the 29th October. 2. A Bill to make provision for Customs reciprocity between this colony and South Africa was amongst those to which I was asked to assent in His Majesty's name. 3. In accordance with the Royal Instructions, VI, (4), I informed my Government that I proposed to reserve this Bill for His Majesty's assent. My Prime Minister then wrote me a memorandum (copy of which is enclosed) requesting me to assent to the Bill, since an urgent necessity existed that it should be brought into immediate operation. 4. As I was satisfied that the Bill was urgent, and that similar Bills had been agreed to elsewhere, I signed it, but I take the earliest opportunity of bringing the matter before you, in case, upon consideration, Your Lordship should disagree with my action. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 29th October, 1906. Memorandum for His Excellency. TttK Premier presents his compliments, and respectfully begs to advise His Exeellencv that an urgent necessity exists requiring that " The New Zealand and South African Customs Duties Reciprocity Act, 1906," be brought into immediate operation, and will be glad if the Governor will signify his assent thereto at once. J. G. Ward.

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No. 18. (No. 102.) My Lord,— Wellington, 24tlf November, 1906. I have the honour to forward herewith a synopsis, prepared by the Law Officers, of the Acts passed during the second session of the sixteenth Parliament of New Zealand, together with the Acts duly authenticated with the seal of this colony. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 24th November, 1907. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. Tim: Prime Minister has the honour to forward, for transmission to the Right Hon. the Secretary of Siate for the Colonies, a synopsis, prepared by the Law Officers, ol the Acts passed during the second session of the sixteenth Parliament of New /(.aland, together with the Acts duly authenticated with the seal of this colony J. (i. WaHK.

Spbcial Retort. FOB the information ot 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 29th day of October, 1906, and also includes, to show the sequence. Act No. I of the tils! session of 1908, which Act has already been assented to. •J. In my opinion Done of these Acts are repugnant to the law of England, nor was it neoes nary that they should have been reserved for the signification of Hi Majesty's pleasure thereon, in accordance with the Royal Instructions of the 2(itli day of March, 1892. .'i. Act No. 66 has been so reserved, because the original Act of which it is an amendment was reserved. Dated at Wellington, this loth day of November. Fred. Fitchett, Solicitor-General.

Synopsis of Acts by the General Assembly of New Zealand in the Year 1906. Session I.—Ending on the 3rd Day of July. 1906. Public Act. 1. "Public Revenues Acts Amendment Act, 1906." —Making temporary provision to enable the public Services of New Zealand to be carried on until the next ensuing session of Parliament, and making other temporary financial arrangements. Session 11.- Ending on the 29th day of October, 1906. Public General Act*. 2. " Imprest Supply Act. 1906."— Granting to His Majesty for the service of the year the sum of £561,000 and £65,500. •'!. "Opium Prohibition Act Amendment Act. L9o6."—Amending "The Opium Prohibition Act. 1901," by requiring purchasers of opium to keep records of their transactions. 4. " Registration of Births Extension Act. 1906."- -Extending the time within which certain births may !*• lawfully registered. 5. "Payment of Jurors Ad. 1906."-— Making better provision for the payment of jurors in civil cases. 6. "Imprest Supply Act. 1906 (No. 2)." —Granting to His Majesty for the service of the year the sums of £561,0*00 and £10,500. 7. " Fire Brigades Act, 1906."—Making better provision for the protection of life and property from fire by constituting Fire Boards with full powers of rating, and for providing stations and plant for the use of brigades. 8. " Habitual Criminals and Offenders Act, 1906."—Providing for the detention and control of habitual criminals and offenders under the order of a Judge of the Supreme Court. 9. "Government Valuation of Land Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Amending "The Government Valuation of hand Act Amendment Act, 1900," by providing for the appointment of two Assessors, one by the Governor in Council and one by the local authority. 10. "Training Ships Act. 1906" —Authorising the establishment of a training-ship, and making provision for its working. 11. "Sale of Explosives Act, 1906."—Requiring particulars of the sale of certain explosives to be recorded, and otherwise amending "The Explosives Act, 1882." 12. " Bank-shares Transfer Act, 1906."—Authorising delegation to attorneys of power to approve of transfers of bank-shares on branch registers.

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13. " Fisheries Conservation Acts Amendment Act, 1906."—Extending the powers of the Governor in Council to make regulations under " The Fisheries Conservation Act, 1884," aud otherwise amending that Act. 14. "Jubilee Institute for the Blind Act, 1906." —Providing for the appointment of a Board for the management of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind, Auckland. 15. "Workers' Dwellings Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Extending the application of "The Workers' Dwellings Act, 1905." 16. " Savings-banks Profits Act, 1906." —Extending the provisions of " The Savings-bank* Profits Act, 1878," to the whole of New Zealand. 17. "South Island Landless Natives Act, 1906."—.Making provision for landless Natives in the South Island. 18. " Private Hospitals Act, 1906."—Providing for the licensing, regulation, and inspection of private hospitals. 19. "Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1906."—Consolidating and amending the law relating to the Government Advances to Settlers Office. 20. " Firearms Act, 1906." —Prohibiting the sale of firearms to and the use thereof by persons under the age of sixteen years. 21. "Agricultural Implement Manufacture, Importation, and Sale Act Extension Act, 1906." —Extending the operation of " The Agricultural Implement Manufacture, Importation, and Sale Act, 1905," to the 31st day of December, 1907. 22. "Public Revenue's Act, 1906 (No. 2)," —Amending "The Public Revenues Act, 1891," by providing for the payment of statutory increments of salaries, rescinding departmental audits, and authorising temporary transfers from one account to another. 23. "Unclassified Societies Registration Act Amendment Act, 1906.''—Extending the provisions of ''The Unclassified Societies Registration Act, 1895," to combinations of societies, and providing for the registration of rules and other matters in connection with unclassified societies. 24. "New Zealand Loans Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Providing for the creation of a sinking fund in connection with loans raised for war and defence purposes, or raised under "The Land for Settlements Consolidation Act, 1900." 25. "New Zealand International Exhibition Act, 1906."—Making further provision for the holding of tin International Exhibition at Christchurch. 26. "Customs Duties Adjustment Act, 1906."—Providing for the adjustment of certain Customs duties collected pursuant to a resolution of the House of Representatives, pending consideration of a reciprocal and preferential agreement between the Governments of New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Australia. 27. "Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1906."—Authorising the raising of a loan of £1,000,000 in aid of certain public works and other purposes. 28. "Juvenile Offenders Act, 1906." —Making better provision for the hearing of charges against persons under the age of sixteen years. 29. "Local Bodies' Loans Act Amendment Act. 1906."—Providing an appeal by persons included in any special area liable to a special rate, making better provision for the raising of a bridge loan, and otherwise amending " The Local Bodies' Ixtans Act, 1901." 30. " Public Works Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Amending the law relating to the width of roads and streets, and enlarging the powers of tin- Governor with respect to the utilisation of water-power. 31. " Post Office Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Increasing the limit of interest-bearing deposits in the Post-Office Savings-Bank ; making better provision for dealing with the Post Office Account; extending the powers of the Postmaster-General with respect to postal packets addressed to certain classes of persons ; and amending the classification of the Department. 32. "Motor Regulation Act, 1906."—Consolidating and amending the law relating to the regulation and registration of motors. 33. "Arbitration Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Extending the application of "The Arbitration Act, 1890," to certain cases. 34. "Queen's Scholarships Act, 1906."—Imposing the payment of Queen's Scholarships on the Consolidated Fund in lieu of the funds of the Victoria College. 35. "Offensive Publications Act, 1906."—Making better provision to prevent the sale, distribution, or exhibition of obscene pictures, or printed or written matter. 36. " Police Offences Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Making better provision for the prevention of Sunday trading. 37. " Adoption of Children Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Prohibiting the receipt by a person adopting a child of any premium or other consideration except with the consent of a Magistrate. 38. "High Schools Reserves Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Amending the powers of trustees as to borrowing money. 39. "Government Advances to Workers Act, 1906." —Extending the provisions of "The Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1906," to workers in towns. 40. "Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Providing for the appointment, of a Judge and a Registrar for the Arbitration Court. 41. "Defence Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Providing for the appointment of a Council of Defence and an Inspector-General for the Defence Forces, and for other matters relating to the defence of the colony. 42. " Sea-fisheries Act, 1906."—Authorising the having in possession of seals under certain conditions, and otherwise amending "The Sea-fisheries Act, 1894." 43. "Stamp Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Providing for the appointment of a Minister of Stamp Duties and a Commissioner of Stamps, and otherwise amending " The Stamp Act, 1892."

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+4. "-Teachers' Superannuation Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Redefining the benefits of contributors to the fund, and their widows, and otherwise amending "' The Teachers' Superannuation Act, 1905." 45. "Habitual Drunkards Act, 1906."—Providing for the care and detention of certain persons defined as habitual drunkards 46. " Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1906." —Constituting a Scenery Preservation Board, and otherwise amending "The Scenery Preservation Act, 1903." 47. " Mining Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Modifying the provision of a certain mining lease, and otherwise amending " The Mining Act, 1905." 48. "Scaffolding Inspection Act, 1906."—Providing lor the appointment of Inspectors, and for the inspection of scaffolding in certain districts. 49. " Stati Coal-mines Account Act, 1906."—Making better provision for the keeping of tho State Coal-mines Account for operation thereon and publication thereof. 50. "Apiaries Act. 1906." — Providing for the appointment of Inspectors, and regulating the keeping of bees in order to prevent disease. 51. "Maori Land Claims Adjustment and Laws Amendment Act, 1906."—Adjusting and protecting certain claims and interests in, and amending the laws relating to, Maori lands. 52. "Land-tax and [noame-tax Act, 1906."—Imposing a land-tax and income-tax for the year. 63. "Town Districts Act, 1906."—Extending the powers of Town Boards, and otherwisr amending " The Town Districts Act, 1881." 54. " Legislative Officers' Salaries Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Increasing the salaries of certain legislative officers. 56. " Tourist and Health Resorts Control Act, 1906."—Establishing a Department of Tourist and Health Hesorts, providing for the appointment of a General Manager, and defining the powers of the Minister with respect to certain reserves. 56. " Municipal Corporations Amendment Act, 1906."—Simplifying the law relating to the overcrowding of buildings and of the inmates of lodginghouses in boroughs, and otherwise amending "The Municipal Corporations Act, 1900." 57. " Factories Act Amendment Act, 1906." —Making special provision in factories where noxious or dangerous gases are used. 58. " Statute Law Amendment Act, 1906." —Giving effect to the recommendations of the Commissioners appointed under "The Reprint of Statutes Act, 1895," in view of their final report. 59. "Testator's family Maintenance Act, 1906."—Consolidating and amending the law enabling the Supreme Court to make provision for the families of testators. 60. " Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1906."—Providing for the exchange, sale, reservation, and other disposal of certain Crown and other lands. ami conferring certain powers on certain public bodies. 61. "Maori Land Settlement Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Making further provision for dealing with the settlement of Maori lands by Maori Land Boards. 62. "Public Health Act Amendment Act. 1906."—Enabling Boards to combine in providing a sanatorium for consumptives. 63. " New Zealand and South African Customs Duties Reciprocity Act, 1906."—Making provision in the event of a reciprocal Customs treaty being arranged between New Zealand and South Africa before the commencement of the next session of Parliament. 64. "Appropriation Act, 1906."—Being the annual grant to His Majesty of the sums mentioned in the Act for the service of the year. Reserved Act. 65. " Immigration Restriction Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Prohibiting the landing in New Zealand of certain convicted persons. Local and Personal Acts. 1. " Horowhenua Block Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Making provision for the vesting and dealing with certain land in the Horowhenua Block. 2. " New Plymouth Borough and the Taranaki School Commissioners Exchange Act, 1906." — Authorising the exchange of certain lands. 3. " Havelock Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute Incorporation Act 1877 Amendment Act, l!H)o."- -Changing the purpose of a certain reserve, and vesting the same in the Education Board of the District of Otago. 4. " Waimumu Stream Drainage Act, 1906."—Making special provision for the administration of a flood-channel in the Waimumu Stream, and for the formation of a drainage district. .">. " Waimakariri Harbour Board Loan Act, 1906."—Authorising the raising of a loan not exceeding £3,000. 6. "Otago Dock Validation Act, 1906."—Validating certain contracts and other proceedings of the Otago Dock Trust. 7. "Vincent and Maniototo Hospital Districts Act, 1906."—Constituting two hospital districts under "The Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act, 1885." 8. " Greymouth Harbour Board Loan Act, 1906."—Conferring certain borrowing-powers on the Greymouth Harbour Board. 9. "Otago Boys' and Girls' High Schools Board Empowering Act, 1906."—Authorising the Board to raise money on the security of the rents of the lands vested in it.

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10. "Otago Dock Acts Amendment Act, 1906."—Authorising the Otago Dock Trust to contruct an abattoir at. Port Chalmers. 11. "Auckland Savings-bank Educational Special Donation Act, 1906." —Authorising the trustees to make out of the accumulated profits of the savings-bank a donation to the Auckland Education Board of £10,000. 12. " Masterton Trust Lands Trust Empowering Act 1905 Amendment Act, 1906." —Authorising the trustees to borrow £. 10,000 for certain purposes, and increasing the number of trustees. 13. " Wellington Harbour Board Reclamation and Empowering Act 1903 Amendment Act, 1906."—Conferring certain powers of reclamation on the Harbour Board, and vesting the land reclaimed in the Board. 14. " Dunedin District Drainage and Sewerage Act 1900 Amendment Act, 1906."—Conferring certain powers on the Board 15. " Eketahuna Borough Act, 1906."—Constituting the Borough of Eketahuna. 16. "Kensington Park Rate Exemption Act, 1906."—Empowering the Whangarei Borough Council to remit certain rates. 17. "Thames Deep Levels Enabling Act, 1906."—Authorising the Warden of the Hauraki Mining District to dispose of certain improvements on land. 18. "Auckland Girls' Grammar School Act, 1906." —Vesting the control of the Auckland Girls' High School in the Auckland Grammar School Board. 19. " Tiiuaru Public Library Act, 1906."—Enabling the Timaru Borough Council to provide a public library. 20. "(Hailstone Streets Vesting and Empowering Act, 1906." — Vesting certain streets in the Corporation of the Borough of Gladstone, and validating certain proceedings of the Council. 21. Sandy Point and Grasmere Domains Vesting Act. 1906."—Vesting certain lands in the Corporation of the Borough of Invercargill, and other purposes. 22. " City of Christchurch Municipal Offices Act, 1906."—Authorising the borrowing of money to pay off an existing loan. 23. "Timaru Harbour Districts Act, 1906."—Authorising the setting-up of a Commission of inquiry as to the enlargement of the area of the Timaru Harbour District. 24. "Borough of Port Chalmers and Otago Dock Trust Exchange of Land Act, 1906."— Authorising the exchange of certain lands. 25. " Napier Hospital Site Extension Act, 1906."—Vesting certain land in the Borough of Napier in trust for hospital purposes. 26. " Napier Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute Empowering Act, 1906." —Authorising the trustees of the Athenaeum to convey certain lands to the Borough of Napier for certain purposes. 27. " Napier Harbour Board Exchange of Lands Empowering Act, 1906."—Authorising the exchange of certain lands. 28. " Wellington City Reclamation and Empowering Act, 1906." —Conferring certain powers of reclamation and other powers on the Wellington City Council. 29. " Hokitika Harbour Act Amendment Act, 1906."—Altering the constitution of the Hokitika Harbour Board, constituting a harbour district, and conferring certain powers on the Board. 30. "Christchurch Tramway District Act, 1906."-7—Consolidating certain Acts relating to tramways in the Christchurch District, constituting a Tramway Board, and conferring certain powers on the Board. ' 31. "Timaru Harbour Board Amendment Act, 1906."—Altering the constitution of the Board. 32. " Palmerston North Dairying School Act, 1906."—Vesting a certain piece of land in His Majesty for the purpose of a dairying school or station. 33. " Petone Borough Streets Act, 1906."—Declaring certain rights of way to be publio streets. 34. " Greytown Trustees Empowering Act, 1906."—Empowering the Greytown trustees to convey certain land to the Wairarapa District Hospital Board and to the Corporation of the Borough of Greytown in trust for certain purposes. 35. "City of Dunedin Lands Vesting Act, 1906."—Vesting certain lands in the Corporation of the City of Dunedin in trust for certain public purposes. 36. "Onslow Borough Drainage Empowering Act, 1906."—Conferring certain powers on the Onslow Borough Council with respect to drainage. 37. "Napier Harbour Board Loan Act, 1906."—Altering the constitution of the Board, authorising the construction of certain works, and the borrowing of money therefor. 38. " Waimate Agricultural Reserve Dairy School Act, 1906."—Authorising the reserve of certain land for the purposes of a dairy school for the North Island. 39. " Eltham County Act. 1906."—Constituting a new county. Private Act*. 1. "Church Property Trust (Canterbury) Act 1879 Amendment Act, 1906."—Extending the powers of the trust in dealing with local endowments. 2. "Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland Empowering Act, 1906."—Authorising the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland to sell oertain land and expend the purchase-money in the erection of buildings. 3. "Otago Presbyterian Church Board Property Act. 1906."—Consolidating certain enactments relating to the Board.

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No. 19 (No. 4.) My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 21st January, 190 r I have the honour to acknowledge your despatch (General) of the sth November last, and, in reply, to inform Your Lordship that the letterpostage to the United States of America from this colony was reduced to Id. per half-ounce on the Ist November, 1906. 2. There is no change in the other direction as regards letters sent from the United States to New Zealand. 3. My Ministers inform me that the High Commissioner for New Zealand stated on the 23rd November that he had informed the Imperial Post Office of the reduction. I have, & r c r - The Secretary of Stale for the Colonies. PLI.NK.EI.

A.-8, 1907. .Vo. 10.

No. 20. (No. 9.) My Lord,— Government House, Wellington, 25th January, 190*. I have the honour to inform you that, acting on the advice of my Ministers, I have appointed the following gentlemen to be members of the Legislative Council : — W. W. McCardle, of Kawhia. W. H. Tucker, of Gisborne. Wi Pere, of Gisborne. O. Samuel, of New Plymouth. Dr. W. V. Collins, of Wellington. C M. Luke, of Wellington. H. Gilmer, of Wellington. R. Loughnan, of Wellington. G. J. Smith, of Christchurch. J. Barr, of Christchurch. J. Anstey, of South Canterbury. J. R. Sinclair, of Dunedin. J. T. Paul, of Dunedin. J. B. Callan, of Dunedin. 2. Before these appointments were made the Council was nineteen short of its former membership. T have &£•> The Secretary of State for the Colonies. FLlUNrvfcl

No. 21. (No 14) My Lord— Government House, Wellington, 16th February, 1907 With reference to the second paragraph of your circular despatch of the 23rd November last, I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that New Zealand will be prepared to raise the unit of weight of letters admissible at the minimum rate to 1 oz. as from the Ist October next. 2 My Government also agree to the penny rate of postage being applied to all letters not exceeding 1 oz. in weight posted to or from places within the Empire and they have already raised the weight to 4 oz. within the colony. r I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

A. -I. I9MT, So 12.

No. 22. My I ord — Government House, Wellington, 12th April, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge Your Lordship's circular despatch of the 23rd October last on the subject of the treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation between the United Kingdom and Nicaragua. 2. I am requested by my Government to express the desire of this colony to adhere to the treaty. T haY %j?;^ KVT The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLIN KEI. Approximate Cost of l-ape,- -Preparation, not Riven; printing 1 1.450 copies). £7 7«

A.-2, HHI7, Ko. 8.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer. Wellington—l9o7.

Price 6d.]