A.—l.

No. 12. (No. 47.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 21st December, 1896. In accordance with paragraph 179 of the Colonial Office rules and regulations, I have the honour to forward herewith a copy of an Act entitled shortly "the Asiatic Eestriction Act," which has passed both Houses of the Legislature, and which I have to inform you I have reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure thereon. In the synopsis of the Acts which have been passed this session, which accompanied Despatch No. 46 of even date, will be found the reasons given by my Solicitor-General for considering it necessary that this Bill should be reserved. To these, I think, may be added the fact that the number of Asiatics is not increasing in this colony, and that this Government is not in possession of any information as to the likelihood of any influx of Japanese, Chinese, or other Asiatic labourers or artificers into New Zealand. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, GLASGOW. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 13. Telegeam to Secretary op State in Eeply to Circular Despatch of the 7th September, 1896. 26th December, 1896. Paris Exhibition, 1900. This Government desires to be represented, and will require 100,000 ft. space.

1897, i.

No. 14. (No. 2.) Sir, — Government House, Christchurch, 20th January, 1897. With reference to your despatch No. 103, dated the 28th November, 1895, I have the honour to enclose herewith, at the request of my Government, four copies of return compiled on the trade of this colony with the United Kingdom. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, GLASGOW. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

1896, ).

No. 15. (No. 7.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, sth February, 1897. I have the honour to inform you that on the 3rd instant I called to the Council the three gentlemen whose names are as follows : Mr. D. Pinkerton, Mr. W. Kelly, Mr. B. Harris. With reference to the reasons given by the Premier for advising these appointments, I addressed to him a memorandum, of which I enclose a copy. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, GLASGOW. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memoeandum for the Pbemieb. Government House, Wellington, 30th January, 1897. 1. The Governor has to acknowledge the Premier's memorandum of the 23rd instant, advising the appointment of three additional members to the Legislative Council, and, while prepared to accept the advice now tendered to him, he considers that in justice to himself he should indicate which of the reasons advanced by the Premier for advising these appointments appear to him to make it his duty to do so.

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