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Sess. 11.—1887. NEW ZEALAND.

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency,

No. 1. (No. 6.) SlB >— Dunedin, 24th January, 1887. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Stanhope's despatch, marked " Separate/ of the 25th November last, "relating to the Colonial Conference which it is proposed to hold in London early this year. 2. As already reported in my telegram of the 13th 'instant, my Ministers had decided that this colony should be represented at the Conference by the AgentGeneral for New Zealand alone, owing to the expiration in August next of the period for which the present House of Eepresentatives in New Zealand was elected in 1884, and to the consequent intention that Parliament should meet in April next. 3. Since the receipt, however, of the above-mentioned despatch, which I at once communicated to my Government, my Ministers have reconsidered their decision; and, although I am as yet unable to say that the matter is finally settled, yet I trust that arrangements will be made by which special representatives from New Zealand will also be delegated to attend the Conference. I have, &c, W. P. DEUMMOND JEEYOIS. The Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1887, Sess 11., No. 5.

No. 2. (No. 7.) Sib,— Dunedin, 24th January, 1887. I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter, dated the 20th of November last, forwarded to me by the Naval Commander-in-Chief on the Australasian Station, and addressed to him by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, on the subject of naval defence on these seas. 2. As the letter refers to matter which will come under the consideration of the Conference on colonial subjects which is about to be held in London, and it appears to me that it conflicts, in some measure, with the " separate " despatch of Mr. Stanhope, dated the 25th of November, with regard to that Conference, I have thought it advisable to await your orders before sending it to my Ministers, : as proposed in the last paragraph. I have, &c, W. F. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1887, Sess. 11., No. 5.

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