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FURTHER DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

Presented to botli Houses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis JExcellency.

No. 1. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. Sir Michael E. Hicks Beach. (No. 62.) Government House, Wellington, SlB1, — New Zealand, 10th October, 1879. I have the honor to forward to you a memorandum which I received from Sir George Grey previous to his Government being defeated upon a no-con-fidence motion on Friday, 3rd October, suggesting that Mr. O'Rorke, having for the second time being elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, it would be gratifying to the House, and to the public generally, if Her Majesty would be graciously pleased to confer the honor of knighthood upon him. 2. I am making inquiries as to the circumstances under which previous Speakers had the honor of knighthood conferred upon them, and I propose to address you again upon this subject by some future opportunity. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach, Bart.

Enclosure in No. 1. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier begs respectfully to suggest to the Governor that Mr. O'Rorke, having been for the second time elected Speaker ot tlie House of Representatives, it would be gratifying to the House, and to the public generally, if Her Majesty would be graciously pleased to confer the honor of knighthood upon Mr. O'Rorke, it being customary to confer tbat dignity upon each Speaker of the House of Representatives of New Zealand. The Premier transmits for the information of His Excellency a list of the public positions held by Mr. O'Rorke from time to time in this colony. Wellington, 30th September, 1879. G. Geey.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 1. List referred to in Memorandum. Foe twelve years Speaker of the Auckland Provincial Council; for nineteen years member of the House, having uninterruptedly represented the Town of Onehunga during that period ; thrice elected Chairman of Committees of the House; member of the Government from 1872 to 1874..

No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Eight Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach. (No. 93.) Government House, Wellington, Sn:, — New Zealand, 29th December, 1879. In my Despatch No. 62, of the 10th October, forwarding a memorandum from Sir George Grey, recommending that the honor of knighthood should, in I—A.IA.