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No. 23. The Hon. W. H. Eeynolds, Acting Colonial Secretary, to His Honor Mr. Justice Chapman. (No. 123.) Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 6th March, 1875. I have the honor to inform you that your letter of the 22nd February, intimating your desire to resign your office as a Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, as from the 31st March instant, has been laid before His Excellency the Governor, and that His Excellency will be prepared to accept your resignation at the date indicated by yourself. The Government is not surprised at your desire, after very long and varied service, to retire from the onerous and responsible duties which you have discharged for many years with so much ability and zeal; but desires, at the same time, to express regret for the loss which the country will suffer on your retirement. I have, &c., His Honor Mr. Justice Chapman, Dunedin. William H. Eeynolds.

No. 24. His Honor Mr. Justice Williams to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sic,— Christchurch, Bth March, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, enclosing a commission to me under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, and the Seal of the Colony, as a Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. I beg to express my sincere thanks for the honor His Excellency has been pleased to confer upon me. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Joshua Stbange Williams.

No. 25. His Honor Mr. Justice Geesson to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sic, — Judge's Chambers, Christchurch, Bth March, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters (Nos. 122 and 124, 6th March, 1875), informing me that His Excellency will be prepared to accept my resignation as from the 31st March instant, and to thank you for the same. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. H. B. Geesson.

No. 26. His Honor Mr. Justice Johnston to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sic,— Judge's Chambers, Wellington, llth March, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth March, in which you inform me that His Excellency the Governor in Council has been pleased to assign to me the Judicial Districts of Canterbury aud Westland. I have, &c., The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Alexander J. Johnston.

laaamnaan—ai a ma a laanwiiini i isinti n nauaaaaia No. 27. His Honor the Chief Justice to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sic, — Auckland, New Zealand, 20th March, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt ofthe letter ofthe Hon. W. H. Eeynolds, of the 6th instant, intimating that His Excellency the Governor will be prepared to accept'my resignation of the office of Chief Justice of New Zealand on the 31st ofthe present month. I beg also to express the gratification with which I received the assurance that, in tho estimation of the Government, the dignity of that office has been maintained during the period that I have fulfilled judicial duties in New Zealand. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Geobge Alfeed Aeney.

No. 28. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to His Honor Chief Justice Peendeegast. Sib,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, Ist April, 1875. I have the honor to inform you that His Excellency the Governor iv Council has been pleased to appoint you to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, and to assign to you the Judicial District of Wellington.