A.—No. 14

4

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO ESTABLISHMENT

No. 3. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Colonel Haultaiw to the Hon. Hesby Paekes. (No. GB.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sic,— Wellington, 31st March, 18G8. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 23, of the 28th ultimo, and to thank you for the information contained therein relating to the depot at Booby Island. I have, &c, T. M. Haultatn, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Sydney, N.S.W. (for the Colonial Secretary.)

No. 4. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. A. H. Palmee to the Hon. E. W. Staffoed. Colonial Secretary's Office, Sic,— Brisbane, 21st March, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th January last, in reference to the establishment at the Auckland Islands, of a depot of provisions, clothing, and other useful materials, as a means of subsistence to shipwrecked persons while there detained, and of ultimate escape from shores so inhospitable. Fully concurring in the views yoirli&ve expressed as to the desirability of co-operation in such a matter by the several Australian Grovernments, I must express my doubts as to the liability of Queensland to contribute an equal quota for the purpose. Young in its commerce, the number of vessels despatched from its ports eastward by the vicinity of the Auckland Islands is very small, nor is it probable that, for many years to come, its trade thereby will equal that of any of the older Colonies of the group ; and I cannot but think that it behoves those older Colonies both to take the initiative in the matter, and bear the greater portion of the cost. The Government of Queensland will readily contribute thereto at such rate as may bear an equitable proportion to its interest therein, taking into consideration the number of vessels leaving the ports of the Colony, as compared with those despatched from the neighbouring Colonies. I would bring to your notice the fact that Queensland bears the sole cost of maintaining a settlement at Cape York, its most northern point, that settlement being of the least possible use to itself, but serving as a port of refuge, in cases of distress or shipwreck, to vessels of other Governments, and that the effort to obtain a contribution from the Imperial Government towards its support has hitherto failed, while an appeal to the Governments of New South Wales and Victoria has been met by a direct refusal. Still, in the interests of humanity, it has been determined, for the present, to meet unaided every expense incident to such a settlement; and lam glad to know that both Imperial and Colonial interests have, on many occasions, been well cared for, though unrequited. Reference being made in your communication to the assistance afforded by the Colonies of New Zealand and Victoria on the occasion of the loss of the " Fiery Star," a Queensland vessel, when the steamers " Southland " and " Victoria " were despatched in search of the unfortunate passengers and crew, I think it right to observe that though the Government of Queensland were at the time unable to take any active part in that work of humanity they readily contributed the amount asked from them towards payment of the full cost of the search, and though hopeful that occasion may not again arise for contribution to such an object, they will ever be ready to meet their responsibilities. With regard to the depot maintained at Booby Island I am unable to give any clear information. That charity is in the hands of the Government of New South Wales, with, I believe some assistance from Imperial funds or vessels of war. Queensland has not been called upon to contribute thereto, and, in fact, has no special interest therein. In conclusion, I beg to assure you that in the event of your communications with the Governments of other Australian Colonies resulting in further action on the subject of your letter now under notice, this Government will be prepared to give its co-operation upon such a basis as may be taken as a fair representation of its interests in the matter. I have, &c, A. 11. Palmee, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Colonial Secretary.

No. 5. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Mooee to the Hon. E. W. Stafford. (No. G18.) Chief Secretary's Office, Sic, — Melbourne, Ist April, 18G8. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th January last, bringing under notice the necessity for a supply of stores at the Auckland Islands for the relief of shipwrecked persons, and arrangements for the visitation of the islands with the view of securing such castaways. In reply, I transmit to you the accompanying copy of a Memorandum from the Inspector-General of Customs in Victoria, and twenty-five copies of the map therein referred to. I have, &c. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand. J- Mooee, (for Chief Secretary.)