7

A,—6

respecting, an indemnification arrangement for war losses, on ths understanding that the- arrangement shall be-adhered to by all the Australian Colonies, and that any contribution under it shall be reckoned on the basis of population. Will you be good enough to inform this Government, as soon as possible, what decision has been, or is likely to be, come to by the other colonies in this matter ? I have, &c, Maloolm Feaseb.

No. 18. The Peemiee to the Peemiee of Tasmania. Sie, —■ Premier's Office, Wellington, 4th December, 1885. Referring to my letter of the 4th September last on the subject of the defence of King George's Sound, I have now the honour to inform you that this Government has reluctantly arrived at the conclusion that it is unable to express an opinion until Parliament has been consulted. The reason why Parliament was not consulted during the recent session was because we had not, neither have we yet, received replies from all the various Australian Colonies with whom we had communicated, but I trust we shall be in a position to submit the matter to Parliament at its next session. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier of Tasmania, Hobart. Robeet Stout.

No. 13.

No. 19, The Peemiee to the Peemieb, Tasmania. Bib, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 4th December, 1885. Referring to my letter of the 4th September last on the subject of the amenability of colonial forces, when serving with Imperial troops, to Imperial military laws, I have now the honour to inform you that, with the exception of your letter of the 27th August and one from the Premiers of Victoria and Queensland, I am still without replies from the other Australian Colonies with which I had communicated, This Government has, however, come to the conclusion that it is desirable an Imperial Act should bo passed the provisions of which could be adopted by the several colonies. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier of Tasmania, Hobart. Robeet Stout.

No. 12.

Kos. 9, 10, 11

No. 20, The Peemiee to the Peemiee, New South Wales. Sie, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 7th December, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 19,009, of the 14th ultimo, enclosing two printed copies of correspondence with the Australian Governments, regarding the desirableness of combined action in the event of war, for which be good enough to accept my thanks. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier of New South Wales, Sydney. Eobekt Stout.

No. 17.

No. 21. The Peemiee, Tasmania, to the Peemiee, New Zealand; Sie, — Premier's Office, Hobart, 24th December, 188S. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant with reference to the amenability of colonial forces, when serving with Imperial troops, to Imperial military law, and expressing the views of your Government with regard to an Imperial measure dealing with this subject. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier of New Zealand, Wellington. Adye Douglas;

No. 19:

No. 22. The Pbemiee, Tasmania, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Sie, — Premier's Office, Hobart, 24th December, 1885; I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant with reference to the defence of King George's Sound, and stating that your Government are unable to express an opinion on the subject until the question has been submitted to the Legislature of New Zealand. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier of New Zealand, Wellington. Adye Dougijas.

No. 18.

, NO. 23. The Peemiee, New South Wales, to the Pkemieb, New Zealand. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 28th January, 1886. Referring to my predecessor's letter of the 14th of November last, transmitting copies of replies received to the circular letter of the 6th May last, regarding the desirableness of combined

No. 17.