A.—lc.

No. 2. His Excellency the Governor to the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Sir,— Wellington, 4th August, 1896. In reply to your despatch, No. 27, dated the 18th May, 1896, with reference to a letter from the Council of Foreign Bondholders intimating what their intentions are in view of the nonratification by my Government of the arrangement made by the Hon. J. G. Ward in regard to the New Plymouth Harbour Board debentures, I have the honour to inform you that, having communicated with my Government, they have acquainted me that a letter addressed to the UnderSecretary of State for the Colonies by the Agent-General for New Zealand, dated the 27th May, 1896, has correctly stated the views of my Government on the subject. I have, <fee, The Eight Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, &c. Glasgow. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,400 copies). £1 2e,

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB97.

Price, 3d.]

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