A.—4

117

Sub-Enclosures. Papers relating to the Landing of French Convicts from Neio Caledonia at Auckland. The Pbemieb, New Zealand, to Sir Henry Paekes, New South Wales. The Hon. Sir H. Parkes, Sydney. Wellington, 19th February, 1880. Schooneb " Griffin," from New Caledonia, arrived at Auckland, bringing eleven pardoned Communists, and nine convicts, described as ticket-of-leave men, or only " conditionally freed." Passages of these people were paid by Now Caledonian Government. -'Information received that second batch of Communists is ready for deportation on similar terms. This Government will be much obliged if you will inform them -whether New South Wales has boon treated in this manner ; and, if so, what action, if any, has been taken by your Government. Further, will New South Wales unite in a request to Imperial Government, to be made through Governors, and also by Agents-General, that suck*emonstrances may be addressed to the Government of France as will prevent future shipment of amnestied criminals to the Australasian Colonies ? I am addressing the Premiers of Victoria and Queensland to same effect. As case is urgent, I shall bo obliged by early reply. John Hall. [A liko message, on the same date, to the Premiers of Victoria and Queensland.]

VII. -New Caledonia.

Its Convicts,

The Colonial Seceetaby, Queensland, to the Peemieb, New Zealand. Chief Secretary, New Zealand. Brisbane, 20th February, 1880. The matter referred to in your message has already received the attention of this Government. On two or three occasions escaped Communists have reached our coasts, but not, so far as we are aware, with the connivance of the French authorities. Government will readily join in remonstrance to the Imperial Government. Will forward you by next mail copy of Bill submitted to our Parliament last session, framed to meet such cases, which we propose rcintroducing next year in modified form. C. Habdie Buzacott, (for Colonial Secretary.)

The Colonial Secretary, New South W Tales, 'to the Colonial Secbetaby, New Zealand. Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Sydney, 20th February, 1880. Batches of pardoned convicts from New Caledonia have on several occasions arrived here. Last session wo introduced Bill to prevent their influx, but did not proceed with it, for reasons which I will explain in letter. This Government will communicate with Imperial Government as you suggest, if your Government will take a similar course. Colonial Secbetary.

The Pbemieb, Wellington, to the Agent-Genebal, London. Vogel, London. Eleven pardoned Communists, and nine convicts described as " conditionally freed," arrived Auckland from New Caledonia. Passages paid by Government of New Caledonia. Reported that further similar deportations pending. Governor absent from Wellington; directly returns will be advised t urge Imperial Government to remonstrate with France. Meanwhile, you take every possible stop prevent repetition such proceeding. Very strong feeling throughout New Zealand, retaliatory measures being urged as protection. New South Wales and Queensland join remonstrance. See Agents-General. Hall. Wellington, 21st February.

The Pbemieb, Wellington, to the Agent-Genebal, London. Vogel, London. Telegram respecting New Caledonia withdrawn. Suspend action. Explanation by letter next mail. Inform Agents-General. John Hall. Wellington, 21st February.

The Pbemieb, New Zealand, to Sir Heney Paekes, New South Wales. Chief Secretary, Sydney. Wellington, 24th February, 1880. New Caledonian prisoners. Strict inquiry shows that, although the schooner was chartered by Now Caledonian Government, the convicts who came paid their own passages to Auckland, and that they were not, as first stated, paid by Government. The convicts were at liberty to go to France or elsewhere. The Communists had passages provided by Government, and are forbidden to land in French territory. Am instructing Agent-General to suspend action, and to inform your representative. On receipt of your promised letter, will communicate further. John Hall. [A liko message on the same date to Queensland and Victoria.]

The Agent-Geneeal, London, to the Pbemier, Wellington. Premier, New Zealand. Secbetaby of State for Colonies has requested Foreign. Office speedily as possible move French Government discontinue shipment convicts New Zealand. Gravity of matter specially urged. Vogel. London, 24th February.

The Agent-Genebal, London, to the Pbemiee, Wellington. Premier, New Zealand. Have sent copy last telegram re New Caledonia to Colonial Office. Vogel. London, 24th February.

The Mayob of Auckland to the Colonial Secretary. Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Auckland, 25th February, 1880. This Council desires most emphatically to express the strong feeling of indignation which exists among "the citizens of Auckland with reference to the action of the French authorities of New Caledonia in sending a vessel with released convicts to our shores. The Council calls upon the Government to take immediate and decided steps to protect the citizens from a repetition of this obnoxious form of immigration with which they are threatened. Thomas Peacock, Mayor.

The Colonial Secretary to the Mayob of Auckland. His Worship the Mayor, Auckland. Wellington, 2Gth February, 1880. In reply to your Worship's message, expressing indignation at action of French authorities at New Caledonia, in sending a vessel with released convicts to "New Zealand, Mr. Hall directs me to say question is engaging the careful