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confer upon the following gentlemen, who have been members of the Executive Council for the periods hereafter stated, the privilege of retaining the title of •" Honourable " : — Sir E. Whitaker, K.C.M.G., Member of the Executive Council—Erom 7th May, 1856, to 20th May, 1856; 2nd June, 1856, to 12th July, 1861; 30th October. 1863, to 24th November, 1864; Ist September, 1876, to 13th October, 1877; Bth October, 1879, to 25th September, 1883. Major Atkinson, Member of the Executive Council —Erom 24th November, 1864, to 16th October, 1865; 7th September, 1874, to 13th October, 1877; Bth October, 1879, to Bth August, 1884. Mr. Bolleston, Member of the Executive Council from Bth October, 1879, to Bth August, 1884. Mr. Bryce, Member of the Executive Council—Erom Bth October, 1879, to 21st January, 1881; 19th October, 1881, to Bth August, 1884. Mr. Oliver, Member of the Executive Council from Bth October, 1879, to Bth August, 1884. Mr. Dick, Member of the Executive Council from sth March, 1880, to Bth August, 1884. Mr. W. W. Johnston, Member of the Executive Council from 9th March, 1881, to 4th June, 1884. I have, &c. Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Bright Hon. the Earl of Derby.

No. 25. (No. 65.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 16th August, 1884. In continuation of my Despatch No. 42, of the 21st June last, I have the honour to report that the general election took place on the 22nd July last. Parliament was opened by Commission on the 7th instant, and on the following day Major Atkinson tendered his resignation, which I accepted. I then intrusted Sir Julius Vogel with the formation of a new Ministry, that appearing to be the course most calculated to secure the formation of a Government which would possess a majority in Parliament. Sir Julius Vogel has submitted to me the following list, of which I have approved :— Sir Julius Vogel (with precedence) —Colonial Treasurer, PostmasterGeneral, and Commissioner of Stamps ; Mr. Stout —Premier and Attorney-General; Hon. E. Bichardson —Public Works ; Mr. Montgomery —Colonial Secretary and Education ; Mr. Macandrew —Lands and Mines ; Mr. Ballance —Native and Defence ; Sir George Whitmore —Without portfolio. These gentlemen are to be sworn in this day. One seat in the Executive Council is still vacant. I have, &c. Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

No. 26. (No. 66.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 13th September, 1884. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch No. 25, dated the Ist May last, concerning the reports of inquiries into casualties held in this colony dining the preceding twelve months, in which it was pointed out that by section 7 of " The Merchant Shipping (Colonial Inquiries) Act, 1882," confirmation by the Governor in such cases, is now unnecessary, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a memorandum from the Premier, Mr. Stout, covering an opinion by the Solicitor-General, Mr. Eeid, from which your Lordship will perceive that the inquiries referred to were made under " The New Zealand Shipping and