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warrant issued under the Fugitive Offenders Act, certifying that the offence in respect of which the warrant is issued is one punishable in the manner required by section 9 of that Act, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a memorandum from the Premier, Major Atkinson, stating that steps have been taken in compliance with your Lordship's recommendation. I have, &c, Wm. F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby.

Enclosure. Memoeandum for His Excellency. The Premier has the honour to return to His Excellency the circular and enclosures from the Colonial Office respecting the Fugitive Offenders Act. 2. By a recent Act of the New Zealand Legislature—" The Fugitive Offenders Jurisdiction Act, 1883," of which a copy is enclosed—the jurisdiction under Part I. of the Imperial "Fugitive Offenders Act, 1881," which is hereby directed to be exercised in a British possession by such Court, Judge, or magistrate as may be from time to time provided by an Act or Ordinance passed by the Legislature of that possession," has been conferred upon the Resident Magistrates of this colony. 3. In compliance with the suggestion made by the Solicitor to the Treasury, a circular is being prepared, and will be sent to the Eesident Magistrates as soon as possible, directing that every warrant under the Act shall state, not only the offence charged, but also that such offence is punishable in New Zealand, either upon information or indictment, by imprisonment with hard labour for twelve months. In addition to this, an authenticated certificate, under section 29, that the offence charged is punishable as stated in section 9, will be forwarded with each warrant. Wellington, 4th October, 1883. H. A. Atkinson,

No. 7. His Excellency the Goveenoe to the Seceetaey of State for the Colonies. (No. 74.) My Loed, — Government House, Wellington, 6th October, 1883. With reference to your Lordship's despatch, marked Circular (1), and dated 21st July last, concerning a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between Her Majesty and the King of Italy, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a memorandum from the Premier, Major Atkinson, stating that it is desired that this colony should come within the operation of the Treaty. I have, &c. Wm. F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby.

A.-2.—No. 8

Enclosure. Memoeandum for His Excellency. The Premier has the honour to ask that His Excellency will reply to the Secretary of State's circular, dated 21st July, that it is desired New Zealand should come within the operation of the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between Great Britain and Italy which was signed on the 15th June last. H. A. Atkinson. Wellington, 2nd October, 1883.

No. 8. His Excellency the Govebnob to the Secbetaby of State for the Colonies. (No. 75.) My Lobd, — Government House, Wellington, 6th October, 1883. I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship copies of the Acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand during the recent session, to which I have assented in the name and on behalf of Her Majesty; also of " The Confederation and Annexation Act, 1883," which (as stated in my Despatch No. 66, dated the Bth September, 1883), I have reserved for the Royal assent ; together with a synopsis of these Acts, prepared by the Solicitor-General. 2. I also forward a* separate despatch (No. 76) with reference to|" The Destitute Persons Act Amendment Act, 1883." I have, &c. Wm. F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby.

Eeplr, A.-2," No. 22.