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I strongly indorse the request of my Ministers, and I consider that, if the rules and regulations of the new society were approved of, the formation of such a society would be of advantage to the colony. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., &c, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 16. (No. 66.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 25th November, 1897. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 58, dated the 7th September, 1897, enclosing copy of a letter from Colonel Paine, who has visited England on a special mission from the United States with regard to bimetallism. 2. As there is no branch of the Eoyal Mint in New Zealand, my Ministers have no observations to make on this portion of the subject. 3. The Government, however, in the case of an international agreement, desire to act on the currency question in concert with the Australian Colonies. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., &c, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1898, No. 33.

No. 17. (No. 69.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 25th November, 1897. I have the honour to inform you that my Premier has asked me, in accordance with the invitation expressed in the Address in reply to the Speech in opening Parliament, to specially draw your attention to the invitation from both Houses of Parliament to their Eoyal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York to visit New Zealand, and to ask you to convey the same to Her Majesty and to His Eoyal Highness. The people of New Zealand are looking forward with every hope that their Eoyal Highnesses may be enabled to accept it, and I can assure you that they will meet with a most loyal reception. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., &c, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 18. (No. 70.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, 25th November, 1897. With reference to your despatch No. 59, dated the Bth September, 1897, respecting Japanese immigration into Australia, I have the honour to inform you that a Bill dealing with the matter is in course of preparation. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., &c, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1898, No. 34.

No. 19. (No. 73.) g IB Government House, Wellington, 25th November, J 897. In reply to your despatch (New Zealand, No. 47) of the 17th August, A 1897, I have the honour to inform you that I have laid the matter before my ] Ministers, who have informed me that a Bill to repeal the Act No. 64 of 1896 is now under the consideration of Parliament, and other provisions will be made in the same Bill. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., EANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1898, No. 26.

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