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Seamen's Act, 1877," which requires that the action of a Court of Inquiry in cancelling a certificate shall be subject to confirmation by the Governor. I transmit also copies of the Act referred to. I have, &c. Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

Enclosure. Memobandum for His Excellency. The Premier has the honour to forward to His Excellency the opinion of the Solicitor-General upon the question raised by the Board of Trade relative to New Zealand procedure in wreck inquiries; and respectfully to ask that the opinion may be sent to the Colonial Office, for the information of the Board. Wellington, 3rd September, 1884. Eobebt Stout.

Sub-Enclosure. Copy of Opinion. I have considered the matters above submitted, and it seems to me that the Board of Trade is under some misapprehension as to the enactments relating to wreck inquiries which are in force in this colony. These are contained in " The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," which (so far as affects this question), in section 244, requires that the action of a Court of Inquiry in cancelling a certificate shall be subject to confirmation by the Governor. This being so, section 7 of "The Merchant Shipping (Colonial Inquiries) Act, 1882," does not affect the local law now in force. All that section does is to repeal certain words in section 242 of the Imperial Act, 17 and 18 Vict., c. 104. All the cases which are mentioned in the letter from the Board of Trade to the Colonial Office, dated 23rd April, 1884, were, I understand, held and decided under the colonial enactment; and, although it may be advisable to consider the propriety of legislating so as to secure an assimilation of the procedure at wreck inquiries in this colony with that followed in the United Kingdom, I am of opinion that at present it will still be necessary to observe the provisions of section 244 of " The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877." 14th August, 1884. W. S. Eeid.

No. 27. (No. 67.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 13th September, 1884, With reference to your Lordship's Circular Despatch of the 21st March last, concerning the use of a flag known as the "Australian colours," I have the honour to report that no action is necessary in the matter in New Zealand, as the flag is not worn by vessels belonging to this colony. I have, &c. Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

No. 28. (No. 68.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 13th September 1884. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch, marked " General," dated the 10th July last, concerning Signor Salino's pamphlet relative to the measurement of altitudes by means of the barometer, I have the honour to state that copies of the same pamphlet and circular had already been forwarded to me by the Italian Consul at Melbourne, and that I have supplied him with the information asked for in the circular. I have, &c. Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

No. 29. (No. 69.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 13th September, 1884. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch, marked "Circular (2)," and dated the 20th June'last, concerning the form of clause recommended to be used in reserving Acts for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a memorandum from the Premier, Mr. Stout, on the subject.