A.—No. la.

TO THE GOVERNOR OE NEW ZEALAND.

5

remain in the Colony for some unspecified period with reference to the state of the Northern Island. Tho Legislature then allege a fact, namely, that they have hitherto virtually performed, and are performing, the condition imposed by Lord Carnarvon. They, however, omit any pledge to perform the same condition, either virtually or literally, for the future; and I observe, by the way, that there is a difference between a virtual and a literal performance. Lastly, the Legislature prefers a request that the regiment may " therefore " be detained in the Colony, not for any definite period, not on any specified terms, but simply " until the subject shall be referred to the Imperial Government." The subject so to be referred to the Imperial Government, so far as it can be collected from the terms of the resolution, is the question on what terms Her Majesty's Government will consent to retain a regiment in New Zealand until the present condition of the Northern Island is improved. And the fact that the New Zealand Government has hitherto virtually performed the terms required by Lord Carnarvon, is alleged, not as indicative of what the New Zealand Government is prepared to do, but as a reason why the removal of the regiment should be delayed, (as I may observe it has, in point of fact, been delayed,) while the subject is under consideration in England. You will see, therefore, that the statements made by the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos and myself arc correct, and that the New Zealand Legislature have not proposed that the 18th Begiment should be retained in the Colony on the conditions offered by Lord Carnarvon. I have thought it more respectful to your Advisers to state the grounds on which I came to a conclusion, the accuracy of which has been questioned by them. I should otherwise have preferred dropping a controversy which has no longer any practical significance, particularly at a time when I learn from you the energy and prudence with which the Colony is dealing with the present emergency. The determination of Her Majesty's Government to adhere to the policy adopted by them does not in any degree lessen the warm interest and sympathy with which they observe the course of affairs at this critical period of the history of New Zealand. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. GBANVILLE.

No. 8. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Bight Hon. Earl Granville, E.G., to Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, Sth September, 1869. I have received a copy of a letter purporting to be addressed, on behalf of: a Committee appointed by a meeting of influential colonists, to the Colonial ■ Secretaries or Governments of the Colonies named in the margin. ' This letter appears to be prompted by a dissatisfaction with the policy of the ] Home Government, and with the present mode of administering Colonial affairs ; < and as a means of effecting such changes as may appear desirable, it suggests a ] conference in London of Colonial Representatives, duly authorized by their respective Governments. It is not necessary for me to point out to you in what respects the description given in this letter, of the present policy of Her Majesty's Government, is inaccurate. With regard to the practical suggestion which it conveys, Her Majesty's" Government, while reserving its own right to consider, from an Imperial point of view, matters affecting Imperial interests, will always be most anxious to ascertain and ready to consider the wishes and interests of the Colonies of the British Empire. They have no jealousy of the collective action of any of the Colonies in furtherance of their wishes and interests. On the contrary, they have every desire to encourage such combined action. Nor should I have thought it necessary to 2

New South Walet, South Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, Canada, Capo of (rood Hope, Natal, Mauritius.