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to me that there could be no better way of assisting in this object than by securing some representation of Her Majesty's Colonial Empire as a whole as a testimony to all nations of the loyalty and affection which Her Majesty has through her long and beneficent reign implanted in the hearts of the varied populations which have the privilege of being Her Majesty's subjects. 3. It is therefore with much satisfaction that I am able to inform you bhat Her Majesty has been pleased to approve of a public celebration of her sixtieth anniversary being held on the 22nd of June next, and that I have submitted to her, and she has graciously signified her approval of, a proposal that her great colonies should be represented at this ceremony by their leading statesmen, and by detachments of their local military forces. 4. I have accordingly, in my telegraphic despatch of the 25th instant, requested you to convey to the Premier of New Zealand an invitation on the part of Her Majesty's Government to visit this country in June next, and to be their guest during his stay in England, and have intimated that it will be an additional satisfaction to them if Mr. Seddon should be accompanied by Mrs. Seddon, or by some other lady member of his family. 5. As regards a representation of the local military forces, I should prefer, as I have informed you by telegraph, to leave it to yourself and your advisers to suggest the strength and composition of the detachment. It will be readily understood, however, that in any pageant or procession of such a nature as is contemplated cavalry may be expected to show to greater advantage than infantry, and your Government may therefore prefer that the colony should be represented by mounted men. But in this case it would not be indispensable for them to bring their own horses, as these could be provided without difficulty in this country. I may add that, although, as I have informed you in my telegram, Her Majesty's Government do not propose to defray the expenses of the military contingents, they will be glad to do all in their power to assist by providing barrack-accommodation for the men, and in making their visit to England a pleasant one. 6. Should it be found practicable to carry out this idea, as I hope may be the case, the great self-governing colonies of Her Majesty's Empire would be appropriately represented by their Premiers, who would be accompanied on any special ceremonial occasion by an escort or guard of honour consisting of a detachment of the local forces ; and I have no doubt that such a demonstration would do honour to the colony and be highly appreciated in this country. 7. Her Majesty has also been pleased to signify her willingness to receive the colonial Premiers, and to witness a march-past of the colonial troops. 8. Should this invitation be accepted by the Premiers of the self-governing Colonies, their presence in London would afford a most valuable opportunity for the discussion of many subjects of the greatest interest to the Empire, such as commercial union, colonial defence, representation of the colonies, legislation with regard to immigrants from Asia and elsewhere, and other similar subjects. 9. It is not anticipated that the duration of the actual ceremonies in connection with the celebration will extend beyond a week; but I am disposed to think that some four or five weeks might be profitably employed, not only in the discussion of the subjects I have mentioned, but in connection with other objects for the advancement of the interests of Her Majesty's Colonial Empire, and, should Mr. Seddon find it in his power to remain so long in this country, Her Majesty's Government trust that he will allow them to consider him as their guest during this period. 10. I will only add, in conclusion, the expression of my hope that the idea I have thus sketched out may be realised, and that the forthcoming celebration may be marked by such a representative demonstration on the part of Her Majesty's Colonial Empire as has never before been witnessed in this country. 11. I may add that I am in communication with the various Crown colonies as to their representation by detachments of their military forces. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.