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You say, " the Australasian case differs in the important point that the Colonies here have not unanimously expressed an opinion that the time has arrived. We have all more or less expressed our opinion that the time will come, but there has been, so far as I can judge, no general consensus of opinion that the time has arrived." Neither had the North American Provinces when their Convention met. As a matter of fact, New Brunswick drew back, and did not enter the Dominion for years after it was constituted. How can the Colonies express an opinion that the time has arrived, until they meet and discuss the matter ? That the thing is desirable, if it can bo done, must be assumed to bo the feeling of all the Colonies, otherwise the sending of delegates is a delusion and the Convention a sham. That confederation can now be effected in all its fullness I do not hope, but that some basis can bo agreed on for a federal union of both a legislative and executive character, capable of with those important question which are immediately pressing, and which will gradually develop into a complete Australian Dominion, I have the greatest hopes, indeed I see no difficulty in the way if the various Colonies desire that it should be so. Conferences hitherto have produced the minimum of results, Resolutions have been passed over and over again, but, as there existed no common legislative body to give them force, the greater part of them remain a dead letter. A limited federation now would give practical effect to the wishes of the Colonies on those points on which they are agreed, and the basis would widen and grow as the advantages became manifest. A common danger (the outpouring of the moral filth of Europe into these seas), and a common desire (to save the islands of Australasia from the grasp of strangers) render federal action a necessity, and federal action is only possible by means of federal union of some sort. I hope to have your hearty co-operation at the Convention in considering how this is best to be brought about, and the question as to how New South Wales should be represented I may now fairly leave to your own judgment. I am, &c., JAMES SERVICE.

No.' 53. The Rev. James Cosh to The Colonial Secretary. Sir, Balmain, 31 October, 1883. I have the honor to send you herewith a copy of resolutions passed at a public meeting held in St. Stephen's Church, Phillip-street, Sydney, on the 12th instant, under the auspices of the Missions Committee of the Presbyterian Church of New South. Wales, and to request that you will kindly take an opportunity of presenting them to your Government, and also to the Intercolonial Conference to be held in Sydney next month. I have, &c, JAMES COSH, Convener of Committee on Missions and Chairman of Public Meeting.

[Enclosure to No. 53.] Annexation of New Guinea, &c. Resolutions adopted at a public meeting hold in St. Stephen's Church, Phillip-st., Sydney, on Friday, October 12, 1883. " 1st —That this meeting strongly urges the annexation of the Islands of New Guinea and the New Hebrides, and the intervening islands, by the British Crown. " 2nd —That in view of the Convention to bo held in Sydney in November next, a copy of the foregoing resolution bo forwarded to the Hon. the Colonial Secretory of New South Wales, in ordar to its being laid before the Government of New South Wales and also before the Intercolonial Convention." JAMES COSH, Chairman.

No. 54. Telegram from Premier of Victoria to Colonial Secretary of New South Wales. Melbourne, 5 November, 1883. Otje Agent-General telegraphs that Lord Derby has consented to representation of Fiji at Convention, and that he has telegraphed instructions accordingly. This is important, as it gives Imperial recognition to the Convention.

APPENDIX A.