A.—6,

6

Enclosures. The Colonial Secretary, Queensland, to the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales. Sir, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Brisbane, 18th May, 1885. I have the honour to acknowlege your letter of the 6th May, forwarding a letter from Admiral Tryon on the subject of proposed common action on the part of the Australasian Governments for the indemnification of persons who, in case of war or invasion, may make a sacrifice of their property for the purpose of preventing aid to an invading force by sea or land. I entirely concur in the proposal that, in the event of any such loss being sustained by any town or individual in consequence of refusing such aid, the loss should be borne by the colonies collectively in proportion to population. It would, I think, be very desirable that an arrangement to this effect should be embodied in a formal agreement, which should be submitted for ratification to the several Legislatures. On this matter, however, as in the cognate and equally important one of general naval defences, I anticipate some difficulty in arriving at unanimity until some form of federal action is initiated. I shall be glad to be informed of the opinions of the other Governments on this subject, and beg to suggest that copies of the replies from each of them should be transmitted for the information of the others. I have, &c, S. W. Griffith.

The Chief Secretary, South Australia, to the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales. Sir, — Chief Secretary's Office, Adelaide, 20th May, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your circular letter, bearing date the 6th instant, suggesting the desirability of united action being taken by the Australian Colonies in the event of war, for averting or diminishing disaster, and dividing, as far as possible, any losses which might be entailed through an attack upon all or any of the colonies. In reply, I have to inform you that this Government approve of the suggestion, and would be prepared, if necessary, to act in concert with the other colonies in contributing towards these and the other matters accruing out of war, adverted to, the contributions of the several colonies being based upon their respective populations. I have, &c, John Colton,

Tho Premier, Tasmania, to the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales. Bie,— Premier's Office, Hobart, 22nd May, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, bringing under consideration the advantages which would accrue to the Colonies of Australasia as a whole if, in the event of war, they were united in the determination to resist, under any circumstances, any concessions which may be demanded by an enemy, under the joint guarantee of all the colonies that the places so resisting should be reimbursed to the full extent of all sacrifices made and all injuries sustained. You also forward copy of a letter from Admiral Tryon on the same subject, advocating the desirability of the adoption of such a system. In reply, I desire to express my general concurrence in the proposed unification of the colonies for the objects in view. The details of the scheme, however, would require very careful consideration, and such consideration would, in my opinion, fitly devolve upon a Federal Council. I have, &c, Adye Douglas.

The Premier, New Zealand, to the Colonial Seceetaey, New South Wales. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd May, 1885. I have to apologise for the delay in answering Mr. Dalley's telegram of the 6th instant. We are favourably disposed to your proposal, but wo think the condition of resistance should not be included. We may be sure that whenever resistance is feasible or expedient it will bo displayed in all the colonies and in every part to the full extent courage and patriotism would justify. We think it would be better the colonies should agree to joint liability for all damages caused by the enemy on the basis of a population contribution. Will you consider this modification, and state also how you would propose the assent of the several Parliaments should be given ?

The Colonial Secretary, Western Australia, to the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales. Sir, —■ Colonial Secretary's Office, Perth, 11th June, 1885. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th ultimo, and in reply am directed by His Excellency, Administrator Onslow, to inform you that it will be laid before the Legislative Council of this colony at its approaching session. I have, &c, Malcolm Fraser.

The Colonial Seceetaey, Western Australia, to the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales. Sir, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Perth, 15th August, 1885. In further continuation of my letter, No. 71-6, of the 11th June last, I have now the honor, by direction of His Excellency Governor Sir Frederick Brooine, to inform you that this Government is prepared to agree to the proposals contained in your circular of the 6th May last