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A.—2

Enclosure 1 in No. 9. Mr. Hammond to the Undee Seceetaey of State. Sic,— Foreign Office, 12th June, 1873. I am directed by Lord Granville to transmit to you a copy of a note from the United States Minister, requesting that the Secretary of the United States Navy may receive permission for the establishment of stations for observing the transit of Venus at certain points in Her Majesty's Colonial Dominions, and I am to request that you will move the Earl of Kimberley to inform Lord Granville what answer should be returned to General Schenck's application. I am, &c, The Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office. E. Hammond.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 1 in No. 9. General Schenck to the Eight Hon. Earl Geanyille. My Loed, — Legation of the United States, London, 7th June, 1873. I have the honor to inform your Lordship that a letter was addressed to the Department of State at Washington, on the 16th ultimo, by the Secretary of the Navy of the United States, requesting Mr. Fish to obtain from Her Majesty's Government permission for the establishment of stations for the purpose of observing the transit of Venus at the following places: —One at Hobart Town, Tasmania ; one at the southern part of New Zealand; and one at Auckland or Campbell's Island. In compliance with this request, I have now the honor, under instructions from Mr. Fish, to apply to your Lordship for the desired permission, and also to ask that orders may be issued for the free admission, at the points mentioned, of the instruments, &c, to be used by the parties making the observations. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Earl Granville, &c, &c. Eobt. C. Schenck.

Enclosure 2 in No. 9. Mr. Holland to the Undee Seceetaey of State, Foreign Office. Sir,— Downing Street, 20th June, 1873. I have laid before the Earl of Kimberley your letter of the 12th instant, relating to the application of the United States Government for permission to establish stations in Tasmania and New Zealand, for the observation of the transit of Venus. I am directed to acquaint you, for the information of Earl Granville, that telegrams have been sent to the Governments of those Colonies, asking whether they consent to the proposal. The answers will be communicated to the Foreign Office as soon as they are received. I am, &c, The Under Secretary of State, Foreign Office. H. T. Holland.

Enclosure 3 in No. 9. Mr. Holland to the Undee Seceetaey of State. Sib, — Downing Street, 23rd June, 1873. With reference to the letter from this office of the 20th instant, respecting the application by the United States Government for permission to establish stations in Tasmania and New Zealand for the observation of the transit of Venus, I am directed by the Earl of Kimberley to acquaint you, for the information of Earl Granville, that the following telegram has been received from the Governor of Victoria: —" Tasmania gladly accepts request of United States. Will send reply from New Zealand when received." I am, &c, The Under Secretary of State, Foreign Affairs. H. T. Holland.

Enclosure 4 in No. 9. Mr. Holland to the Undee Seceetaey of State. Sic,— Downing Street, 10th July, 1873. With reference to the letter from this office of the 23rd ultimo, and to previous letters respecting the application of the United States Government for permission to establish stations in Tasmania and New Zealand for the observation of the transit of Venus, I am directed to acquaint you, for the information!of Earl Granville, that the following telegram has been received from the Governor of Victoria: —" Just heard that New Zealand Government consents to the United States having station there for observing transit of Venus." I am, &c, The Under Secretary of State, Foreign Office. H. T. Holland. 2—A. 2.