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No. 17. (No. 55.) My Lord, —■ Government House, Wellington, Bth August, 1884. With reference to your Lordship's Circular Despatch of the 29th April last, concerning the verification of the periodical returns of note issues and reserves, published by chartered banks in the colonies, by means of a Government inspection of their specie balances, I have the honour to state that no such practice exists in this colony. I have, &c. Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

No. 18. (No. 56.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, Bth August, 1884. With reference to your Lordship's Circular Despatches of the 6th and 7th May last, concerning the Postal Union Congress to be held at Lisbon in October next, I have the honour to state that my Ministers do not consider it desirable that this colony should appoint a delegate to the Congress, it being their opinion that the objections to New Zealand joining the Union, which have been stated on several occasions, remain in full force. I have, &c. Wm. F. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

No. 19. (No. 59.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, Bth August, 1884. I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a memorandum from the Premier, Major Atkinson, stating that the Otago Harbour Board, in this colony, being about to construct a new graving dock at Port Chalmers, has asked that application may be made for information whether the Imperial Government would give assistance towards the work, provided the dock were of such a size and character as to afford necessary accommodation for Her Majesty's ships on the station; and, if so, what would be the conditions imposed and the amount granted. I have, &c. Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

Enclosure. Memoeandum for His Excellency. The Otago Harbour Board, being about to construct a new graving dock at Port Chalmers, has asked that application may be made for information whether the Imperial Government would give assistance towards the work, provided the dock were of such a size and character as to afford necessary accommodation for Her Majesty's ships on the stations; and, if so, what would be the conditions imposed and the amount granted. The Premier has the honour respectfully to advise His Excellency to obtain, through the Colonial Office, the information desired by the Board. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 20. (No. 60.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, Bth August, 1884. I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a memorandum from the Premier, Major Atkinson, forwarding twenty copies of " New Zealand : her Commerce and Eesources," by Mr. Consul Griffin (of which I forwarded copies to your Lordship with my Despatch No. 38, of the 21st June last), and asking me to request your Lordship to cause them to be transmitted to the Government of the United States. 2. I have the honour also to suggest, should your Lordship think it advisable, that, in forwarding them, it should be stated that my Government would be much