11

A.—2

I would explain that when my predecessor's circular despatch of the 23rd August, 1894, was written it had not been proposed to issue any formal instrument authorising the grant of the Volunteer long-service medal to colonial Volunteer Forces. It has, however, since been considered desirable that the grant of the medal should rest upon the authority of a Eoyal Warrant; and a Warrant was accordingly issued on the 13th June last. By the terms of this Warrant it is necessary that the regulations for the issue of this medal to Indian and colonial Volunteer Forces should, as far as possible, be similar to those now existing for the Volunteer Force in Great Britain, and that they should be approved by a Secretary of State. Copies of the Warrant and the current Volunteer Eegulations, which are referred to in the War Office memorandum, are being separately transmitted to you in my circular despatch of the 23rd September. In order, therefore, that the conditions laid down in the Warrant may be fulfilled, I have to request that your Government will cause the Eegulations to be amended in accordance with the suggestions of the War Office, and on receipt of a copy so amended my formal approval will be conveyed to you. I have, &c, SELBOENE, For the Secretary of State.

Enclosure. New Zealand.—Volunteer Long-sekvice Medal. The regulations as to grant of Volunteer long-service medals are now contained in paragraphs 458 (/) to (n), Volunteer Eegulations, 1895. These draft regulations differ somewhat from paragraphs 458 (/) and (g), and do not reproduce paragraphs 458 (to) and («). Service rendered after the date upon which the extension of the grant of the medal is notified in the colony should in all cases be continuous. In incorporating paragraph (g) of the Volunteer Regulations that date should accordingly be substituted for the 26th May, 1894, which is the date of the army order notifying the grant of the medal to Volunteers in Great Britain.

No. 21. (General.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 2nd October, 1896. I have been requested by the Secretary of State for the Home Department to obtain for him as full reports as possible on the working of the clauses in certain colonial Acts relating to employers' liability which forbid contractingout, but provide that in determining the amount of compensation allowance shall be made for the contributions of the employers to an insurance or compensation fund. I have the honour to request that your Lordship will be good enough to furnish me, at your earliest convenience, with the desired information as regards the colony under your government. I have, &c, SELBOENE, For the Secretary of State. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 22. (General.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 12th October, 1896. With reference to Lord Knutsford's despatch, No. 11, of the 24th March, 1892, I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, copies of fresh Eegulations issued by the War Department, under which commissions in the British army may be obtained by officers of colonial local military Forces and by students from the colonial universities. I have, &c, J. CHAMBBELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c. [For enclosure see New Zealand Gazette, 17th December, 1896.]