A.—3_

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us to the contrary, that no objection does exist at the Colonial Office to our trading, in the way we propose, with New Guinea, and that we shall not be interfered with by Her Majesty's forces in any way, as long as Aye strictly carry out our present programme. Trusting that your Lordship will see fit to favour me at your earliest convenience with a few words in reply confirming these views, I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. Henry E. Maclver.

No. 25. The Colonial Office to Brigadier-General H. E. Maclvbe. Sib, — Downing Street, November 15, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant, in which you again state that the company which you represent is meant purely for trading purposes, and you add that you shall assume, unless his Lordship informs you to the contrary, that no objection exists at the Colonial Office to the company trading in the way you propose with New Guinea, and that you will not be interfered with by Her Majesty's forces in any way so long as you strictly carry out your present programme. Lord Derby desires me to inform you, in reply, that his Lordship is unable to regard your company as a trading company. A circular which has been placed in Lord Derby's hands signed " Charles Eeynolds, Secretary (pro tern.)," dated "58, Lombard Street, London, November, 1883," and headed "New Guinea Expedition," commences by referring to " the enormous number of applications to join this expedition " ; and goes on to state that, although the company would " be in a position to take out a great many people simply on payment of their passage-money," they " are unable at present to fix an executive, or to make.any absolute appointments except resident officials " ; that " the others will be dealt with when the preparations for the expedition are further advanced, when, according to the capabilities of each individual, choice will be made." The circular further intimates that the passage-money is £20, and, as this represents the cost only of a steerage passage, such as would be taken by labouring men and their families, or other persons possessed of little or no capital, it is impossible to avoid the conclusion that the proposal to take out agricultural settlers has not been definitively abandoned. The statements contained in your circular are, in fact, inconsistent with the representation that a trading company only is contemplated, " which proposes to despatch a cargo of such articles as are considered to be most useful for opening up a trade," .... "to obtain permission to erect trading stations for the collection and exchange of produce," and of which "the question of annexation or land acquisition will not affect the operations." (See Prospectus.) I am therefore to warn you that, if any persons are induced to join your projected expedition in the belief that New Guinea is a place in which English working-men and their families can settle and maintain themselves by labour or by trading, or that land can be acquired there by them on any secure tenure, they will have been seriously misled, and will run great risk of losing not only their property but their lives ; and any persons who are providing funds for the equipment and promotion of the expedition should consider carefully the position in which they will stand in the probable event of its failure. I am, &c. Brigadier-General H. E. Maclver. John Beamston.

No. 26. Cikculab issued by the New Guinea Explobation and Colonization Expedition. 58, Lombard Street, London, November, 1883. New Guinea Expedition. In consequence of the enormous number of applications to join this expedition, it is found perfectly impossible to reply to all the applicants by letter. lam therefore instructed to tell you, by means of this circular, exactly how the matter stands at the moment. Up to the present we have not issued our full " Prospectus," owing to a correspondence with the Colonial Secretary. This delay will, we hope, be obviated within the next few days, when everybody on our application list will receive a full prospectus by post. It is obvious that, for an expedition of this kind, capital is necessary, and, although we shall be in a position to take out a great many people simply on payment of their passage-money, we are unable at present to fix an executive, or to make any absolute appointments, except resident officials; the others will be dealt with when the preparations for the expedition are further advanced, when, according to the capabilities of each individual, choice will be made. Should you wish to go out with us, I am requested to ask that you will fill up the annexed form and return to me, when your letter will be put before the directors in due course. The expedition will sail for New Guinea, calling at an Australian port. Yours faithfully, Chables Beynolds, Secretary (jyro tern.)

It is a waste of time to make application, unless at least the passage-money of £20 can be paid. Address all letters to " The Secretary."