A.—2

8

effect to an agreement, in respect of any article imported into it from any other Colony to which the Act applies. It has been thought expedient that, subject to the proviso against differential duties, the powers given to the Colonial Legislatures should be extended to articles not the growth, produce, and manufacture of Australia or New Zealand, in order to remove all doubts as to such arrangements as have already been made as to border duties between Victoria and New South "Wales, and also to enable a Customs Union to be established between any two or more of the Colonies to which the Act applies. 5. You will be at liberty, in consequence of the passing of " The Australian Colonies Duties Act, 1873," to assent to any Bill imposing such differential duties as fall within its provisions, notwithstanding anything contained in the Royal Instructions, which will hereafter be modified in accordance with the new enactment. 6. With respect to the reserved Bill passed in 1870 by the Legislature of New Zealand, under the title of " The Colonial Reciprocity Act, 1870," I may observe that it would not be possible for me to tender any advice to Her Majesty on the subject, as it is more than two years since the Act was passed. I have, &c, Governor the Right Hon. Sir J. Eergusson, Bart. KIMBERLEY.

No. 7. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley to the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. (No. 43.) Sir, — Downing Street, 13th June, 1873. I have to acknowledge your Despatch No. 32, of the 10th of April, announcing the formation of a new Ministry in New Zealand by Mr. Vogel, as Premier. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government KIMBERLEY. of New Zealand.

No. 8. Copt of DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley to the Eight Hon. Sir J. Eergusson, Bart. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 7th July, 1873. I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a Circular Despatch which I addressed, on the 4th March last, to the Governors of certain colonies, enclosing a copy of a correspondence between the Eoreign Office and this Department, respecting the reorganization of the limits of the districts of German Consuls in the colonies, together with a copy of a further letter from the Eoreign Office on the same subject. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government KIMBERLEY. of New Zealand.

March 4, 1873.

Juno 30, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 8. Copy of a Despatch from the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimbeeley to the Officer Admintsteeing the Goyeenment. (Circular.) Sic, Downing Street, 4th March, 1873. I transmit to you, for information in the Colony under your Government, copies of a correspondence between the Foreign Office and this Department respecting the reorganization of the limits of the districts of German Consuls in the colonies. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government of Kimbeelet.

F. 0., Jan. 18, 1873. C. 0., Jan. 25, 1873. F. 0., Feb. 24, 1873.