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2

No. 2. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governok. (No. 83a.) Premier's Office, Wellington, 15th October, 1897. The Premier presents his compliments, and begs to acknowledge with pleasure the receipt of His Excellency's reply to memorandum No. 76, and is satisfied to know that effect will, as far as practicable, be given to the suggestion therein contained. The despatches to which the Premier with great reluctance refers are those relating to the resignation of the late Governor, Lord Glasgow, his application for two months' leave of absence, and the reply from the Secretary of State that leave of absence would be granted if there was no objection on the part of Ministers, and as to payment of his half-salary if allowed by law. Had these despatches been placed before Ministers shortly after being received a difficulty which eventuated would have been avoided ; but, unfortunately, the correspondence in question was not placed before them until some five months had elapsed from the receipt thereof. Again, as showing the advisability of the Advisers of His Excellency the Governor being consulted prior to despatches being sent, especially where their views would be of service, the Premier directs attention to despatch No. 27, of the Bth July, 1896, in which reference is made to matter unnecessarily imported. The Premier wishes your Excellency to clearly understand that since your arrival everything in relation to despatches has been most satisfactory to your Advisers. E. J. Seddon.

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