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Sess. 11.—1891.

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

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

(Circular.) No. 1. Downing Street, 20th September, 1889. Forwarding copy of " The Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act, 1890" (53 and 54 Vict., c. 27), and drawing attention to the changes which it effects, and to the more important provisions which are contained in it. [Published in New Zealand Gazette No. 13, 12th February, 1891.]

No. 2. (New Zealand, No. 49.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 31st October, 1890. I duly caused the Secretary of State for War to be supplied with the information contained in your despatch, No. 29, of the 10th of June, respecting Lieutenant J. E. Bennett's service in the Permanent Artillery of New Zealand, and I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Government, a copy of a letter from the War Office containing Mr. Stanhope's decision as regards Lieutenant Bennett's application for a commission in the Imperial service. I have, &c, KNUTSFOBD. Governor the Bight Hon. the Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G., &c.

Enclosure. The Wae Office to the Colonial Office. Sib,— War Office, Pall Mall, S.W., 22nd October, 1890. I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th July, and to acquaint you, in reply, that, as Mr. Bennett, although he has served with the Permanent Artillery of New Zealand, has never been gazetted thereto, nor does his name appear in any list as an officer, Mr. Stanhope regrets, after full consideration of the case, that he cannot be regarded as coming within the regulations governing the grant of commissions in the Imperial Army to officers of colonial local military forces. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. H. G. Deedes.

(Circular.) No. 3. Sir, — Downing Street, 25th November, 1890. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a letter from the General Post Office, stating that the nesct Postal Congress is to be held at Vienna on the 20th May, 1891, and that the Austrian Government have invited your Government, amongst others, to send a delegate to the Congress.

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