13

A.—l

2. The words in " The New Zealand Interpretation Act, 1878," referred to by Mr. Stout, are as follows : " ' Governor,' ' Governor in Chief,' and ' Lieutenant " ' Governor' mean the Governor of tlie colony, and include the person for the "time being lawfully administering the government of New Zealand." I have, &c. Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

Enclosure. Memoeandum for His Excellency. The Premier has the honour respectfully to advise that the reply to the Colonial Office Circular (2) of 20th June be to the effect that this colony will adopt in substance the clause recommended to be used in reserving Acts for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure ; but that it is considered necessary to substitute "Governor" for "Officer Administering the Government," in order to avoid question under a provision in clause 3 of " The New Zealand Interpretation Act, 1878." Wellington, 11th September, 1884. Eobeet Stout.

No. 30. (No. 70.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 13th September, 1884. I have the honour to transmit herewith papers which have recently been presented to both Houses of Parliament in this colony, with reference to " Confederation and Annexation." 2. With several of the documents contained therein your Lordship is already familiar; but I would draw your attention to the complete correspondence with reference to Samoa which has been referred to in my Despatch No. 63, of the 16th August last, and previous Despatches. I have, &c. Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Bight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

A.-3, 1884. A.-3A, 1884

No. 31. (No. 71.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 13th September, 1884. In continuation of my Despatch No. 85, dated the 16th August last, I have the honour to report that the seat in the Executive Council, which was then vacant, was filled by Captain Morris, member for Tauranga, in the Provincial District of Auckland, who received the portfolio of Commissioner of Customs, and on the 18th August took the oaths and his seat as a Member of the Executive Council. 2. The formation of a Government having taken more time than was expected, I did not open Parliament in person until the 19th August. I transmit herewith copies of the Speech delivered on the occasion, and of the Addresses in Eeply which were presented to me by the Legislative Council and the House of Eepresentatives respectively. As your Lordship will perceive, from the concluding paragraph of the latter Address, an amendment had been carried declaring a want of confidence in the Ministry then in office. I transmit herewith extracts from the "New Zealand Parliamentary Debates," containing the debate on the amendment, which was carried by a majority of nineteen. 4. On the 21st August I sent for Mr. Thomson, the member who had moved the amendment, and asked him whether he could form an Administration. He undertook the task; but the following day he returned and informed me that he found himself unable to complete it. 5. The same day I sent for Sir George Grey, and asked him whether he saw his way to the formation of a Government. He replied that he would endeavour to bring parties together,'and call on me again the following day (Eriday). Upon his return he asked for an extension of time until Tuesday, the 26th. To this I assented. The morning of that day, however, he reported to me that he was 3—A. 1.