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No. 11. (No. 50.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 7th September, 1892. With regard to the new Instructions, dated 29th March, 1892, and passed under the Eoyal Sign Manual and Signet, to the Governor of this colony, I have the honour to inform you that, in accordance with the directions contained therein, I have communicated the same to my Ministers, and I have now the honour to enclose the accompanying copy of a minute from the Premier having reference to Article vii. of the said Instructions. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Marquis of Eipon, &c. GLASGOW.

A.-2,18<J3,N0. 1

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier begs respectfully to state that he is advised, so far as respects the report of a Judge in a capital case, that it is unnecessary for the Government to take any action. As the former Instructions required, the direction was given to obtain a report from the Judge who had tried a capital case where the offender had been condemned to death, but this was really no direction to the Judge, who, as a matter of practice, usually sent his report in such cases without request. There is no reason to suppose that any Judge will decline to make like reports in future. Further, the law in Canada is not suitable to our present system, where the Executive Government carry out the law, and the Judge is not called upon to interfere in any way after sentence is passed unless some legal point has arisen in which the Court of Appeal can take action. The other items of the Instructions do not call for any particular remark. 22nd August, 1892. J. Ballance.

No. 12. (No. 53.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, sth October, 1892. I have the honour to inform you that I have received for my assent a proposed enactment by the Federal Parliament of the Cook Islands as to the adoption of a Federal flag, a copy of which I enclose herewith. I have communicated with His Excellency the Naval Commander-in-Chief on this matter, and he is of opinion that the flag for marine use appears suitable ; and I have the honour to suggest that the matter be referred for the consideration of the proper authorities, in order that the alteration necessary in the Admiralty Flag-book may be carried out. I would also be glad to know your opinion if I should assent to the use of the Union Jack on shore on these islands. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Marquis of Eipon, &c. GLASGOW.

Enclosure. Cook Islands Flag. It is hereby enacted by the British Besident, and the Parliament of the Cook Islands, — 1. That the flag for the Federation of the Cook Islands shall be as described in the Schedule hereto. 2. That all vessels belonging to any of the Cook Islands shall use the said flag, but that on shore the flag given to us at the proclamation of Great Britain's protectorate, namely, the Union Jack, shall continue to be hoisted on all public places. Dated at Avarua, 6th July, 1892. Beserved for the consideration of His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand. —Frederick J. Moss. 9th July, 1892.

Schedule. Description of Flag for Marine Use.— Three longitudinal stripes, red white and red, of equal width, with the Union in the upper corner of the red stripe if it be allowed.

No. 13. (No. 57.) My Lord,- —■ Government House, Auckland, 2nd December, 1892. I have the honour to inform you that I have made twelve appointments to the Legislative Council, in accordance with the advice of my Ministers, as set