A.-2, No. 34.

A.-2, No. 37.

A.-2, No. 38.

A.—l

A large proportion of the imports into New Zealand is subject to ad valorem duty. The value for duty is verified by the production of original invoices from the country whence the goods are received, which invoices are carefully scrutinized by the Customs officers. To this invoice-value an addition of 10 per cent, is made in the Customs entries for freight, commission, and other chai'ges. The value of goods liable to fixed duties or free from duty is assessed on the same basis, and is declared by the importer at the Custom House. The value given in the export returns is the value of the goods as declared by the exporters in their export entries at the Custom House,, and shows the value of the goods in New Zealand, when put on board the exporting ship, without outward freight. The value of goods subject to ad valorem duty is constantly checked by comparison with trade lists and prices current published in the countries whence the goods are imported, and the value of staple products exported is checked in like manner by comparison with quotations in local prices current. William Seed, Secretary and Inspector of Customs. Department of Trade aud Customs, "Wellington, 9th May, 1883.

No. 3L His Excellency the Governor to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. (No. 29.) My Lord, — Government House, Auckland, 21st May, 1883. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch, No. 9, dated the 31st January last, informing me that the Russian Ambassador in London had solicited an introduction to the Governors of the different Australian Colonies, in favour of M. de Miklouho Maclay, I have the honour to state that I have communicated your Lordship's Despatch to my Ministers, and that all possible consideration and attention will be extended to M. Maclay, should he visit New Zealand. I shall myself have special pleasure in again seeing that distinguished gentleman, whose acquaintance I made some years ago at Singapore, and whom I met also in South Australia last year. I have, &c, Wm. E. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby, &c.

No. 35. His Excellency the Governor to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. (No. 30.) My Lord, — Government House, Auckland, 21st May, 1883. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch, No. 12, dated the 18th February last, transmitting to me a bronze medal and certificate which had been awarded to Kate Middlemass, by the Royal Humane Society, and requesting me to cause these rewards to be publicly presented to her, I have the honour to state that I have forwarded them to the Magistrate of the district, who will present them on his next visit to Wairoa, the village where Kate Middlemass lives, in as public a manner as the remoteness of that settlement will permit. I have, &c, Wm. P. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby, &c.

No. 36. His Excellency the Governor to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. (No. 32.) My Lord, — Government House, Auckland, 21st May, 1883. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch, No. 14, of the 20th February last, covering a letter from the War Office, stating that the Secretary of State for War is ready to present certain armour, &c, from the Tower, to Mr. Mackelvie for the Colony, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a memorandum from the Premier (Mr. Whitaker), requesting that Mr. Mackelvie's grateful thanks for their liberal gift may be conveyed to the proper authorities, and asking that

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