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No. 28. Captain J. Kennerley to the Colonial Office. My Loed,' — 40, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C. November 22, 1883. I have the honour to enclose you a prospectus of the New Guinea and Western Pacific Trading Company for your perusal, and beg to inform your Lordship that I have withdrawn from the company named "The New Guinea Exploration and Colonization Expedition," or "Trading" ditto. I am appointed as commander by a few gentlemen who wish to proceed to New Guinea and' the islands of Western Pacific for the sole purpose of trading with the natives, and making purchases of land when obtainable by legal and lawful means. I would beg to call your Lordship's attention to the fact that no person can proceed with this intended party who cannot find at least £100. Part of our capital will be expended in merchandise for purposes of barter with the natives. The greater number of this party will be men with more or less means ; so your Lordship need not be concerned about their future welfare. Trusting your Lordship may see no objection to the purposes of this trading company, I have, &c. J. Kennef.ley. The Eight Hon, the Earl of Derby, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. New Guinea and Westeen Pacific Trading Syndicate (Limited.) — Capital, £10,000, in 500 shares of £20 each, fully paid up. £5 per share payable on Application, and the remainder on Allotment. This syndicate is formed for the purpose of purchasing a suitable steamer and providing the necessary provisions and outfit for a voyage to New Guinea; also to purchase or secure consignments of merchandise for purpose of barter with the natives of New Guinea and the islands of the Western Pacific. The mineral wealth and riches of various kinds contained in these productive islands are too well known to require further comment. A considerable trade is at present being done with the natives by way of exchanging produce for goods; it is the intention of this company to form several trading stations on the coast to collect produce and conduct the operations of the company. The steamer, after landing the expedition, will be kept at the disposal of its members, calling at intervals at the various stations to collect cargo to be carried on to the large Australian ports, also to take mails and passengers. The pearl-shell fishery on Thursday Island is proving a mine of inexhaustible wealth to those embarked in the business : special attention will be paid to this feature. Exploration and purchases of land will be attended to in due course. It must be distinctly understood that the company is co-operative. Each subscribing member will be part owner of the steamer, its outfit, merchandise, &c, and receive a pro rctta share of; profits. The commander of the expedition will be Captain J. Kennerley, an experienced officer, who possesses a practical knowledge of the coast and its resources; the subordinate officers will be: chosen from the members of the expedition ; a committee of direction will be formed, and the operations of the company will be controlled by their decisions. No expense has been incurred up to the present. The party will consist of from thirty to forty gentlemen. No application will be entertained to proceed with, the expedition from those who do not take at least five £20 shares. A provisional contract has been made for the purchase of a suitable steamer, and the expedition will start at an early date. Only one contract has been made, which can be seen on application. Applications for shares, with a deposit of £5 per share, to be made to Captain J. Kennerley, 40, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C. or to the Secretary.

No. 29. The Aberdeen Chamber of Commeece to the Colonial Office. Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, 137, Union Street, Aberdeen, My Loed,— November 30, 1883. As instructed by the President of this Chamber of Commerce, I beg to enclose memorial by this Chamber with reference to the question of the annexation of New Guinea to the Australian Colonies, and which, we trust, will receive your favourable consideration. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. Earl Derby. James Tytlee, Secretary.

Enclosure. To the Eight Hon. Earl Deeby, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs. The Memorial of the Chamber of Commerce of Aberdeen, incorporated by Eoyal Charter, respectfully shbweth,— That this Chamber, representing the community and City of Aberdeen and the whole of the northeast of Scotland in connection with trade and commerce, is necessarily deeply interested in all that