A.—3d

2

are confident that no Foreign Power contemplates interference with New Guinea; but, in the absence of any controlling authority, it is always possible that the subjects of a Foreign Power might require the protection or intervention of their Government, and British subjects also, by •joming into collision with the Natives, or, by setting up claims to land, might cause complications which would give much trouble hereafter. 5. Her Majesty's Government are disposed to think that there should be a High Commisioner, or at least a Deputy Commissioner with large powers of independent action, stationed on or near the eastern coasts of New Guinea, and that he should be furnished with a steamship, independent of Her Majesty's Naval Squadron, and with a staff sufficient to enable him to exercise protection, in the name of the Queen, over those shores. The cost of this arrangement cannot be accurately estimated, as I have previously stated; but if one or more colonies will secure to Her Majesty's Government the payment of a sum of, say, £15,000 during the year ending Ist June, 1885, they will be prepared to take immediate steps for establishing the High Commissioner's jurisdiction, and will render to the contributing Governments an account of the expenditure incurred. It would be possible, after some months, to determine whether this arrangement should be further continued, and to consider fully with the Colonial Governments (or with the Federal Council, if established) what arrangements should be made for the future supervision of the labour trade, if it should be decided that it can continue to be allowed. Her Majesty's Government have come to no conclusions as to the recommendations of the Western Pacific Committee, in regard to which the colonies should first be consulted; but I think it doubtful whether it will be found practicable to place the regulation of the labour traffic under Imperial control. 6. I may state, in conclusion, that the annual expenditure of this country in the maintenance of the squadron on the Australian Station, including schooners and surveying vessels, is estimated as amounting at present to about £157,000. I need hardly add that it is desirable that I should learn, as soon as possible, the result of the careful consideration which I trust that this despatch will receive from your Government, in conjunction with the Governments of the other Australasian Colonies. I have, &c. Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.B. Derby.

No. 2. The Premiee, Victoria, to the Premier, New Zealand. Have received through Governor a despatch from Secretary of State, dated 9th May, respecting the proceedings of the Sydney Convention. It is not marked "Circular," but I presume an identical one has been addressed to you. Shall be glad to know, ajid, if so, what your views with reference to it are. Lord Derby suggests, as an ad interim arrangement that a Commissioner be stationed at or near New Guinea, colonies contributing £15,000 for year ending Ist June, 1885. James Service, Premier. Melbourne, June 18.

No. 3. The Premier, New Zealand, to the Premier, Victoria. Despatch 9th May. Greatly regret decision here impossible until after meeting new Parliament. Atkinson. Wellington, July 1.

No. 4. The Premiee, Victoria, to the Pbemier, New Zealand. I expected that would be your difficulty. All the other "colonies have now agreed to contribute, and Queensland and Victoria have given their guarantee for any balance deficient. James Seevice, Premier. Melbourne, July 2.

No. 5. The Premier, Victoria, to the Premier, New Zealand. g IR; Premier's Office, Melbourne, 22nd July, 1884. On receiving Lord Derby's despatch dated the 9th of May, suggesting temporary measures for furthering the views of the Sydney Convention, and suggesting also a joint consideration of the matter by the Australasian Governments, I considered it advisable, as Chairman of the Standing Committee appointed to watch over all matters relating to the subjects discussed at the Convention, to take stops to elicit the views of the various Australasian Governments on the proposals of the despatch. Accordingly, I sent you my circular telegram of the 18th of June, ffie net result of which is that I have ascertained that, excepting "New Zealand, which is at present passing through a political crisis, all the Australasian Governments have expressed their readiness to take the necessary steps for guaranteeing the subsidy of £15,000 proposed by the Secretary of State.