A.—3b

22

relates to the continued prosperity of the Australian Colonies, with which a large, rapidly-increasing, and mutually-beneficial trade is carried on. Your memorialists have given consideration to the correspondence which has recently passed between your Lordship and the Colonial Government of Queensland respecting New Guinea, and, having considered this correspondence, at the monthly meeting of the Council of this Chamber of Commerce, held at Aberdeen, on Tuesday, the 27th current, the following motion was unanimously carried, to wit :• — "This Chamber, recognizing that the annexation of New Guinea is a question of great importance to the future welfare of the Australian Colonies, resolves to petition Her Majesty's Government to give their best and, if possible, favourable consideration to any representation made to them on this subject by the Federal Council of Australian Ministers, to be held at Sydney this month." Following on this resolution, the memorialists respectfully urge Her Majesty's Government to give the same their most favourable consideration. Signed in name, on behalf, and by appointment of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-three. David Stewart, President.

No. 30. The Colonial Office to Brigadier-General H. E. Maclvee, Sib,— Downing Street, November 23, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, containing further explanations with regard to the objects and intentions of the company which you represent. Although in the prospectus which accompanied your letter the company is designated as " The New Guinea Trading Corporation (Limited)," yet the form of application appended to the circular adverted to in ray last letter speaks of the " New Guinea Exploration and Colonizf tion Expedition;" and, while your letter now under acknowledgment does not state that there is no intention on the part of the company to attempt to acquire land in New Guinea, the prospectus states that it is proposed to form six stations on that island. Lord Derby can therefore give no sanction or approval to the project, and must repeat the caution given in the letter from this department of the 15th instant against taking part in it. I am, in conclusion, to observe that the use of a foreign flag would not exempt the proceedings of the company's managers and promoters from control, and that not only the Australian Colonies but the natives of New Guinea have asked Her Majesty to afford protection. I am, &c. Brigadier-General H. E. Maclver. Eobeet G. W. Heebeet.

No. 31. The Colonial Office to Captain J. Kennebley. Sib, — Downing Street, November 28, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd instant, enclosing a prospectus of "The New Guinea and Western Pacific Trading Syndicate (Limited)." Lord Derby desires me to inform you that Her Majesty's Government are unable to approve any project, although styled a " trading company," of which it is a feature that a number of persons who are to be interested in purchases of land, as mentioned in your prospectus, should proceed from this country to New Guinea. It is obvious that, when only trading is contemplated, it is not usual that a number of persons not connected with commerce should take part in an expedition from this country. I am, &c. Captain J. Kennerley. Eobbbt G. W. Hebbebt.

Captain J. Kennerley. Eobert G. W. Herbert.

No. 32. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Dbbby to Governor the Eight Hon. Lord A. Loftus, G.C.B. What foundation statement Herald 14th October pretended purchase land New Guinea? London, December 3.

No. 33. Governor the Eight Hon. Lord A. Loftus, G.C.B. (New South Wales), to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. Toubs, 3rd. Speculators have purchased land New Guinea. Eesolution annulling such land speculations will probably submitted Convention. Sydney, December 6.

No. 34. Governor the Bight Hon. Lord A. Loftus, G.C.B. to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. My Loed, — Sydney, December 6, 1883. I have the honour to enclose to your Lordship a letter published by the Sydney Herald