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No. 8. (No. 29.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 27th June, 1894. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 61, a.-i, i 89 4: of the 26th of December last, enclosing copies of a correspondence with the High NO, 21, Commissioner for the Western Pacific in regard to the position of the Cook Group of islands, and to the question as to whether the authority of the Court of the High Commissioner extends to the group. On the latter point I have to acquaint you that I share the view expressed by Sir John Thurston in his despatch to you of the 12th of October last— namely, that under the Pacific Order in Council of 1893 the jurisdiction of the High Commissioner's Court does extend to the Cook Group, for the reasons which he sets forth in that despatch, and the jurisdiction of that Court is concurrent with and does not oust any jurisdiction possessed by the local Courts. As to the question of transferring to the High Commissioner the control of the British Eesident at Earotonga, a step upon the expediency of which I observe that Sir John Thurston, yourself, and your Ministers are agreed, I should be glad to be informed whether it is contemplated that in the event of such transfer of authority being made the Government of New Zealand would continue to defray the expense of the Eesident's salary. On learning that your Government are prepared to continue to provide the Eesident's salary, I shall be prepared to further consider this question with the view, if possible, of meeting the wishes of yourself and of your Ministers in the matter. It would, however, be convenient that I should receive, for record in this department, a formal statement by your Ministers of their views upon this matter. I have, &c, EIPON. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 9. My Loed, — Downing Street, 18th July, 1894. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a letter which has been addressed by M. Hanotaux to Her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris, conveying the acknowledgments of Madame Carnot and of the French Government of the expressions of sympathy received from the British Colonies on the occasion of the assassination of the President of the French Eepublic. I have, &c, EIPON. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c. Enclosure. Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, — Paris, le 30 Juin, 1894. Votre Excellence ma fait l'honneur de me transmettre un certain nombre de telegrammes et de lettres 6manant dcs colonies anglaises, de plusieurs autorites provinciales et communales, de la Societe dcs Ingenieurs Civils, et dcs maires dcs Cinq Ports, de Eye et Hastings, gui tous expriment leur profonde indignation pour l'odieux attentat dont Monsieur le President Carnot a etc victime. Je n'ai conformement au dosir de voire Excellence de faire part a Madame Carnot de ces nouveaux temoignages de sympathie auxquels elle a etc tres-sensible. J'en ai donne connaissance egalement aux membres dv Gouvernment de la Eepublique. En leur norn, comme en mon norn personnel, je prie votre Excellence d'assurer tous ceux dont elle a bien voulu se faire l'interprete de nos sentiments de reconnaissance. Agreez, &c, G. Hanotaux.

No. 10. (No. 40.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 22nd August, 1894. I received your despatch, No. 26, of the 2nd July, and duly laid before a.-i, 1894, the Queen the address which it enclosed from the Legislative Council of New No - 36, Zealand, containing congratulations on the birth of the son to their Eoyal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York.

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