A.—6

20

should not intimate to neighbouring colonies what we propose to do ; for there can be no question that if a similar coarse to that which I suggest were adopted by the other Australian Colonies, we should have made provision for so formidable a force which, under critical circumstances, could bo collected and directed under one head, and thus diminish alarm concerning foreign aggression. 10th March, 1885. William Bede' Dallet.

No. s.— Memorandum by the Premier, New Zealand, on Naval Defence. See A.-6, 1885, No. 21.

No. 6.— Proposed contribution by New Zealand towards providing Cruisers. [Extracts from Letters and Memoranda from New Zealand.] (a.) " On the 6th May, 1885, a proposal was made through Sir F. Dillon Bell, the Agent-General in London, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and by him transmitted to the Admiralty on tho 13th May, 1885, for New Zealand to pay interest on the cost of an armoured cruiser of the 1 Esmeralda' typo, to be stationed in New Zealand, and to pay two-thirds of tho cost of her maintenance." [Extract from a Memorandum from Ministers, Now Zealand, to Tlis Excellency tho Governor.] (b.) " Ministers consider that they are doing their duty in the matter of local defences by offering to pay a certain amount for one or two cruisers of the ' Esmeralda' type, and by providing shore batteries at the chief ports. They do not, however, mean to imply by doing so that these should form the only defences of New Zealand, but regard them as aids to the Australian squadron; and consider that by these measures (which must, to a great extent, ensure to the beneiib of all the Australian Colonies), and by contributing towards the expenses of New Guinea, they have given proof of the readiness of New Zealand to co-operate with the other colonies in matters that are for the benefit of all. 14th August, 1885. Eobert Stout.

No. 7. — Memorandum by the Hon. Robert Stout, Premier, New Zealand, on Naval Defence. See A.-6, 1885, No. 26.

No. B.— Memorandum by the Hon. S. W. Griffith, Premier of Queensland, on Naval Defence of the Colonies. See A.-6, 1885, No. 24.

No. 9.— A Minute by Hon. Sir A. Stuart, Premier, New South Wales. See A.-6, 1885, No. 23.

The Pekmier, New Zealand, to the Premier, New South Wales. (Telegram.) See A.-6, 1885, No. 7.

The Premier, New South Wales, to the Premise, New Zealand. (Telegram.) See A.-6, 1885, No. 8.

The Premier, New Zealand, to the Premier, New South Wales. (Telegram.) Sse A.-6, 1835, No. 9.

The Premier, New Zealand, to tho Pbbmibb, New South Wales. (Telegram.) See A.-6, 1885, No. 12.

No. 10. — Circular letter from the Admiral to all Governors as to Colonial Naval Defence. See Enclosure to No. 26, ante.

(Telegram received the 25th April, 1886.) Admiralty, London, to Admiral Tryon, Sj'dney Revised Estimate. — Original Cost: " Archer," £106,486; torpedo-catcher, £46,729. Annual Maintenance : " Archer," £25,450 ; torpedo-catcher, £11,029. Details by mail thirtieth.

No. 11. — Memorandum by Honourable Adya Douglas, Premier, Tasmania. — Views on Naval Defences. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. Premier's Office, Hobart, Ist March, 1886. The Premier has the honour to return herewith the communication which Bear-Admiral Tryon addressed to your Excellency on the 21th December last, in common, with the Governors of tho other Australasian Colonies, on the subject of tiie naval defences of these seas. Your Excellency's Advisers have given this important matter their careful consideration. Those portions of the despatch referred to which appear to call for special mention are the subsections la \ (ft.), (o.), (d-), («.). (/■). (<7-)> and (*.) of paragraph 5. ° ' h (a.) Ministers concur in Admiral Tryon's suggestion that the Local Naval Defeiice Force shall remain on the same footing"as at present. (b.) Ministers are of the opinion that any sea-going vessels that may be provided, equipped or maintained at tho cost of the colonies should bo officered and manned by tho