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Sess. 11.—1884. NEW ZEALAND.

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. No. 1. (No. 32.) My Lord,— Government House, Wellington, 4th June, 1884. I have the honour to report that Mr. W. W. Johnston, M.H.E., who was Minister for Public Works until the 23rd November last, and since then has been Minister without portfolio, has this day resigned his seat in the Executive Council. I have, &c. Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

No. 2. (No. 33.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 21st June, 1884. With reference to your Lordship's Despatches No, 10, of the 7th March, and No. 12, of the 18th March last, concerning the loss of the " Lochfyne," I have the honour to report (as already briefly stated in my telegram to your Lordship of the 26th March) that the islands have been carefully searched by the schooner " Kekeno" and the steamer " Stella," both belonging to the New Zealand Government. 2. The " Kekeno " has been lately despatched again to the Auckland and Campbell Islands, and it is proposed to send the " Stella" also on her next southern trip. Instructions will be given to the master of the " Stella "to make a careful search for castaways. I have, &c. Wi. F. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. * The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

No. 3. (No. 37.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 21st June, 1884. I have the honour to transmit herewith a petition from Mr. Thomas Butler, late Superintendent of the Lunatic Asylum at Nelson, in this colony, concerning his dismissal from that office. I—A. 1.