A.—4c*.

1885. NEW ZEALAND.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 114. The Agent-Geneeal to the Pbemieb. Fedeeal Bill. Victoria Queensland strongly urging omission clause allowing colony withdraw. Members both Houses asking whether New Zealand Sydney really wish clause retained. Please instruct. 30th April, 1885. F. D. Bell.

No. 115. The Peemieb to the Agent-Geneeal. "Fedebal Bill. Unless legislation is to be subsequently approved by colonial Legislatures convinced colonies will not adopt Act when passed consequently prove abortive. Prefer retention withdrawal clause, but clause we suggest most important. 2nd May, 1885. Eobeet Stout.

No. 116. The Agent-Genebal to the Pbemieb. Sie, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., Bth May, 1885. I transmit to you herewith six copies of the Federal Council of Australasia Bill, as introduced into the House of Lords. I also transmit herewith a Times report of the passing of the Bill in the Lords. A number of members of both Houses having asked, me what the real wis'i of the Governments of New Zealand and New South Wales was with respect to the retention of the 31st clause, it seemed to me desirable to ascertain your views thereon. I accordingly sent you a message asking for instructions on this point, and I received in due course your reply stating that, unless the legislation of the Federal Council was to be to be subsequently approved by the respective colonial Legislatures, you were convinced that the colonies would not adopt the Act, and that it must consequently prove abortive; but that you preferred the retention of the new clause allowing a colony to withdraw, although the clause you had suggested for rendering legislation subject to the approval of the Legislatures was the most important. "While the Bill was passing through the Lords, two parliamentary papers were issued—of which I transmit copies herewith — containing correspondence with the colonies. Your attention will no doubt be directed to the joint letter sent in to the Colonial Office by the Agents-General for Victoria and Queensland urging the omission of the 31st clause. I did not think it advisable to enter into any official controversy on the matter, seeing that it had been amply discussed at the interview of all the Agents-General with Lord Derby, reported in my letter of the 7th April, No. 416. An addition was made to the clause to the effect that a retiring colony might repeal, after retirement, any laws passed by the Federal Council. This was inserted by the Colonial Office in consequence of what I had submitted to Lord Derby would be the effect of the clause as it originally stood. It is obviously too sweeping in its terms, but as it goes in the direction of the power desired by your Government I have not made any formal representation against it. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. P. D. Bell, I—A. 4c*.

No. 114. No. 115.

A.-40, No. 92,

FEDERATION AND ANNEXATION: A FEDERAL COUNCIL AND NEW GUINEA PROTECTORATE. (FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE RELATING THERETO.) [In continuation of A.-4c, 1883.]