21

A.—4c*

made here to reference of important matters by two colonies only ; for although (only) [sic] the two colonies only would be bound thereby yet the decision would have gone forth—the pronouncement of the Federal Council; and thus we would have one portion of the colonies ruled by Council law, whilst others were outside of it and might find themselves almost forced to adopt it against their better judgment. I have sent you by post the full text of my telegram. The alteration in sth clause was suggested to enable the Council to recognize the strongly-expressed opinion that the body was too small, and enable it to rectify that objection. I think the 31st clause paradoxical, though it may appear to be a guarantee for continuance, as it will tend to keep the Council from proceeding to legislation which may be repugnant to the strongly-expressed opinion of any particular colony. In order that there may be no misunderstanding as to what the 31st clause is to which my telegram referred, I quoted it as follows, being taken from, the most recent copy of the Bill sent out by Lord Derby : " This Act shall cease to be in operation in respect to any colony the Legislature of which shall have passed an Act or Ordinance declaring that the same shall cease to be in force therein ; provided, nevertheless, that all Acts of the Council passed while this Act was in operation in such colony shall continue to be in force therein unless altered or repealed by the Council, or unless repealed as to such colony by the Legislature thereof." Alex. Stuabt, Sydney, 18th July, 1885. Colonial Secretary.

No. 132. The Premier, Victoria, to the Premier, New Zealand. Sir, — Premier's Office, Melbourne, 23rd July, 1885. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Bth instant, enclosing a copy of a memorandum concerning New Guinea, addressed by you to His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand, and I have to thank you for thus communicating to this Government your views on the subject. I have, &c, James Service, The Hon. Eobort Stout, Premier of New Zealand. Premier.

No. 129.

No. 133. The Premier, Queensland, to the Premier, New Zealand. Sir, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Brisbane, 24th July, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Bth instant, enclosing copies of a memorandum concerning New Guinea addressed by you to His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand. I have, &c, E. J. Gray, The Hon. the Premier of New Zealand, Wellington. (for the Colonial Secretary.)

No. 129.

No. 134. The Premier, Tasmania, to the Premier, New Zealand. Sir,— Premier's Office, Hobart, 30th July, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Bth instant, forwarding copy of a memorandum addressed by you to the Governor of New Zealand, concerning the administration of the affairs of the British territory in New Guinea. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Adye Douglas.

No. 129.

No. 135. The Chief Secretary, South Australia, to the Premier, New Zealand. S IE) Chief Secretary's Office, Adelaide, 30th July, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the Bth instant, transmitting copy of a memorandum addressed by you to His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand concerning New Guinea. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Jno. W. Downes.

No. 129,

No. 136. The Agent-Genebal to the Premier. Sie, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., Ist July, 1885. The new Ministry having now assumed office, I understand that it is their intention to go on with the Federal Council Bill, and I have accordingly sent a copy of Sir Julius Vogel's recent memorandum to every member of both Houses.