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No. 62. (No. 116.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 4th December, 1886. I have the honour to forward herewith a memorandum from Sir Eobert Stout, Premier of New Zealand, enclosing a copy of a letter which he has received from the Union Steam Saw Moulding Sash and Door Company, of Auckland, suggesting that the present is a favourable time for calling the attention of the Admiralty to the suitability of the New Zealand "kauri" for shipbuilding purposes. I have, &c, W. F. DEUMMOND JEEYOIS. The Eight Hon. Edward Stanhope.

Enclosure. Memoeandum for His Excellency. The Premier has the honour to forward the enclosed copy of a letter from the Union Steam Saw Moulding Sash and Door Company, of Auckland, suggesting that the present is a suitable time for pressing on the notice oi the Admiralty the suitability of the New Zealand " kauri " for shipbuilding purposes. The Premier has already directed the attention of the Agent-General to the subject, and now respectfully requests that His Excellency will be good enough to submit the matter to the proper quarter for consideration. 9th November, 1886. Eobeet Stout.

Sub-Enclosure. The Union Steam Saw Moulding Sash and Door Company (Limited), Sir,- — Auckland, Ist November, 1886. Noticing that the New Zealand "kauri" was so favourably commented upon at the late exhibition of colonial timber at Eansomes', Chelsea, I think the present time most favourable to bring this timber under the notice of the Admiralty. It is well known that the kauri is most suitable for decking and other shipbuilding purposes, and I would suggest that the Agent-General be instructed to interview the Admiralty with the view of inducing the authorities to give the timber a thorough trial. I have, &c, W. C. Peobebt, Sir Eobert Stout, K.C.M.G., Premier of New Zealand. Secretary.

No. 63. (No. 117.) Sie, — Government House, Wellington, 4th December, 1886. With reference to your predecessor's circular despatch, dated the 14th July last, transmitting a copy of a letter to the Agent-General of this colony on the subject of the establishment of an Emigrants' Information Office, and requesting that my Government would give directions that every facility should be granted to give effect to the regular transmission to that office of certain returns and information, I have the honour to forward herewith a memorandum from my Ministers, stating that the necessary instructions have been forwarded to the Agent-General. I have, &c, W. F. DEUMMOND JEEYOIS. The Eight Hon. Edward Stanhope.

A.-2, 1887, No, 62.

Enclosure. Memoeandum for His Excellency. The Premier has the honour to return circular despatch from the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated the 4th July last, concerning the establishment of a central office for emigration in London, and to state that the required instructions have been forwarded to the Agent-General to supply the office with aIL the information at his command, and further instructions have been given for the supply of copies of the New Zealand Herald, the New Zealand Times, the Lyttelton Times, and the Otago Daily Times, regularly, direct to the Committee in London. 25th November, 1886. Bobeet Stout.