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No. 73. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 88.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 24th December, 1879. With reference to your circular despatch of 12th August, 1879, pointing out that no provision at present exists for the relief and repatriation of distressed colonial seamen, shipwrecked in the United Kingdom, and that it would appear only right that they should be relieved and sent home at the expense of the respective colonies to which they belong, I am informed by the Premier that " arrangements have already been made to leave the relief of distressed seamen " belonging to this colony in the hands of the Agent-General, he having previously " addressed the Government on the subject." I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 74. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 3.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 29th January, 1880. I have the honor to report that upon the 20th instant I appointed a Commission, consisting of Sir William Eox, K.C.M.G., Sir Erancis Dillon Bell, Knight, M.L.C., and Hone Mohi Tawhai, Esq., M.H.R., to inquire into the causes of discontent amongst the Natives of the west coast of the North Island, and into the promises Avhich are said to have been jnade to them by the Government and to remain unfulfilled. 2. I enclose a supplement to the New Zealand Gazette of the 20th January, 1880, containing a copy of the Commission, and also a Proclamation which I have issued with the view of making known to the Natives the intentions and wishes of the Government. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 74. (See Supplement to Neiv Zealand Gazette of Thursday, 15th January, 1880, dated 20th January, 1880.)

No. 75. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 6.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 6th March, 1880. I have the honor to report that on the 6th March I transmitted a telegraphic despatch to you, of which the following is a copy : — " Sixth March. —Ministers request me to solicit the good offices of Her " Majesty's Government in remonstrating with the Erench Government against " making New Zealand a receptacle for liberated Communists and convicts from " New Caledonia. The recent arrival of a considerable number of such men has " caused much dissatisfaction, and demands that the colony shall legislate for its " own protection against further additions of the same kind have been made from " various quarters. " Lull particulars respecting recent arrivals in Auckland were forwarded to " Agent-General by last Er'isco mail. " Governor, Wellington," I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.