A.—2a

1883. NEW ZEALAND.

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

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

SCHEDULE.

No. 1. The Secretary of State for the Colonies to His Excellency the Governor. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 18th April, 1883. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a letter from the Admiralty, stating that the Lords Commissioners have had under their consideration the desirability of developing and increasing the efficiency of such Naval or Coast Defence Forces as may have been established in Her Majesty's Colonies for the protection of the ports, commerce, or coasts of those Colonies, and, with that object in view, suggesting the co-operation of Governors of Colonies with the several Naval Commanders-in-Chief in obtaining information of the nature indicated in their letter. It will no doubt be an advantage to a Colony to receive from time to time an independent report on its defensive arrangements; and, if your Ministers concur in the suggestions of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, I shall be glad to be informed that-you are prepared to co-operate with the Naval Officer in command in carrying out the wishes of the Admiralty in this matter. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government DEKBY. of New Zealand.

Enclosure. The Admiralty to the Colonial Office. Sie, —, Admiralty, 6th December, 1882. My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty desire me to request that you will state to the Earl of Kimberley that they have had under their consideration the desirability of developing and increasing the efficiency of such Naval or Coast Defence Forces as may have been established in Her Majesty's Colonies for the protection of the ports, commerce, or coasts of those Colonies. 2. With this object they would invite the concurrence of his Lordship in giving directions to the Commanders-in-Chief or Officers Commanding on the following stations, within which Her Maiesty's Colonies are chiefly situated, viz., North America and West Indies, Capo of Good Hope

No. in Series. Original Number and Date. Subject. Page. 1 2 3 4 1882. (Circ.) April 18 (Genl.) June 5 (No. 35) June 23 June 27 I Suggesting that Naval Officer Commanding should inspect and report upon 1 Naval or Coast Defence Forces Siam has given its adhesion to the International Telegraph Convention .. 2 New Zealand and the Postal Union sea-service rates .. .. .. 2 Forwarding copy of Agreement for regulating the Postal Relations between 3 France and Australasian Colonies