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5. Under the circumstances, it is submitted that the making of advances to the crofters might fairly be undertaken by the Mother-country upon easy terms of repayment; in which case the Colonial Government would be prepared to act as agent for the Imperial authorities in the matter of any arrangement entered into. 6. In view of the existing condition of Highland crofters, it would seem as if they were a source of weakness, rather than strength, to the Empire; whereas the location of such a population in New Zealand, it is believed, will be of benefit to themselves and of advantage to the Empire. . 7. Upon Imperial grounds, therefore, as well as colonial, the Premier ventures to hope that Her Majesty's Government may be induced to reciprocate the views of this Government, and give practical effect to these suggestions. 30th January, 1885. Bobebt Stout.

No. 27. (No. 29.) My Lord, Christchurch, 20th February, 1885. I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a letter which I have received from the King of Samoa, giving an account of action recently taken by the German Consul there, and begging that a British man-of-war might be sent to Samoa. A copy of my reply to the King is enclosed herewith. 2. I also transmit a copy of a protest made by the consuls of Great Britain and the United States, and of a letter from the King to the British Consul, which I received by the same mail. I have, &c, Wm. F. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

Enclosure 1. The King of Samoa to Sir W. F. D. Jeevois. Youe Excellency,— Muliunu, 27th January, 1885. I now write to tell you of our great anxiety on account of the harsh conduct of the German Consul, and the difficulties created by German subjects in Samoa. Since the day on which I first wrote to your Excellency, the German subjects in Samoa have been unceasing in the efforts to break down my Government and to cause quarrels and disturbances in Samoa. The most extreme action of the German Consul was taken on the 23rd day of this month, when he forcibly seized my sovereignty over the municipality of Apia, and landed officers and men from the German man-of-war, who, with coloured foreign labourers, constructed a fortification and hoisted the German flag. I send your Excellency an English translation of the notice sent by the German Consul to me. lam not aware that I have done any improper act towards the Government of Germany. It is solely on account of my love for Great Britain that this has been done to me by the German Consul, and the German subjects have endeavoured to tempt and terrify me into altering my mind; but they have failed, for my mind is firmly settled. For this reason the Germans are scheming to frighten my chiefs in order that they may depart from my rule, and are striving to cause a rebellion in my country. They have spread a report that Her Majesty the Queen has refused to listen to our petition. I beg to remind your Excellency that in my letter I begged that the Government of Great Britain would quickly send assistance to us, and I now fear that unless assistance is quickly sent Germany will seize our country. I therefore humbly beg your Excellency that a British man-of-war may be quickly sent here. I am sure that on the arrival of a British man-of-war all rebellion will cease, and it would also be a sign by which it would be known by all men that the British Government has not forgotten me. I trust that your Excellency will comply with my petition, and that you may be blessed. I have, &o.„ Malietoa, His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand. King of Samoa.

Sub-Enclosure. Copt of a Peoclamation posted on the Municipal Couethouse, Apia. Let all the people of Samoa obseeve, — During the long period that Malietoa has been King the Government of Germany has been treated with unkindness and injury : all agreements that have been made between the Governments of Germany and Samoa have been repeatedly violated. For that reason I must now make arrangements necessary for the protection of the subjects of my Government and their possessions. This is my view of that which is necessary to be done : that I should take possession of the lands of the villages of Apia and district, in which are included Muliunu and the Harbour of Apia, to hold possession under the supreme control (that was under the Government of Malietoa) for the Govern,ment of Germany. 4—A. 1.

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