H.—2B.

No. 9. The TJndee-Seceetaey, Justice Department, to the Seceetaey, Westland Law Society. Sic, — Department of Justice, Wellington, 3rd August, 1891. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th July, covering a copy of a resolution passed by the Law Society in reference to the case, Attorney-General v. Edwards. In reply, I am directed by the Minister of Justice to inform you that the Government has decided upon the course it will pursue in this case, and that no reason is seen for departing from that decision, which was not arrived at without the fullest and most careful consideration. I have, &c, J. A. Murdoch, Esq., C. J. A. Haselden, Under-Secretary. Secretary, Westland District Law Society, Hokitika. [Similar letters sent to the other Law Societies forwarding similar resolutions—namely, Christchurch, Wellington, Hawke's Bay, and New Plymouth.]

No. 10. The Ceown Solicitob to the Attobney-Geneeal. Wellington, 11th August, 1891. Sib, — Attorney-General v. Edwards. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy letter from Messrs. Chapman, FitzGerald, and Tripp, in reference to the costs in the above action. I have, &c, The Hon. the Attorney-General, Wellington. Hugh Gully, Crown Solicitor.

Enclosure in No. 10. Chapman, FitzGebald, and Tbipp to the Ceown Solicitok. Wellington, 10th August, 1891. Deab Sib, — Attorney-General v. Mr. Justice Edwards. We are in receipt of your letter of the 7th August, and regret that there is a difference of opinion between the Hon. the Attorney-General and our Mr. Chapman as to the understanding come to in respect of the ascertainment of the costs. In reply to the latter part of your letter, we suggest that the counsel's fees be fixed by the parties, and the other costs be taxed by the Registrar as between solicitor and client. With reference to the counsel's fees, we suggest that Mr. Harper's fee be 200 guineas, Mr. Chapman's 175 guineas, and Mr. Cooper's 150 guineas. Yours faithfully, The Crown Solicitor, Wellington. Chapman, FitzGebald, and Tbipp.

No. 11. The Hon. the Pbemzeb to the Agent-Genebal. New Zealand: Premier's Office, Wellington, 12th August, 1891. Sib, — Attorney-General v. Edioards. I have the honour to request that you will be good enough to provide Messrs. Mackrell and Co. with such funds as may be necessary to enable them to carry on the appeal to the Privy Council herein. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. J. Ballance.

No. 12. The Chief Justice to the Hon. the Pbemiee. Sib, — Judge's Chambers, Wanganui, 6th October, 1891. I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter I have received from Mr. Justice Edwards, and, with reference to the concluding part of the letter, I venture to suggest for your consideration, whether the Ministry would see fit to give to Mr. Justice Edwards an assurance that, with them, the fact of his not acting in his office pending the appeal to the Privy Council will not, and in their opinion ought not, to prejudice any claims he may have. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Eutland Hotel, Wanganui. James Pbendebgast.

Enclosure in No. 12. Mr. Justice Bdwaeds to the Chief Justice. Deae Sib,— Hill Street, Wellington, 16th September, 1891. In view of the possibility of an appeal to the Privy Council in the proceedings undertaken by the Attorney-General against myself, I deemed it advisable that I should cease to take any part in the judicial work until the Law Officers of the Crown had intimated what course it was intended to take with respect to the matter,

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