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Sib, — Downing Street, 10th July, 1897. I am directed by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd ultimo, transmitting a petition to the Queen from the Native contingent of the New Zealand Volunteers now in London, and to inform you that Mr. Chamberlain has now laid the petition before the Queen, who graciously commanded him to thank you and the officers and men iri your charge for your good wishes. With regard to that part of the petition which had reference to the subject of the Maori lands, I am to state that Her Majesty was not pleased to give any directions. I am, &c, Captain H. P. Tunuiarangi.

No. 21. (No. 40.) My Loed,— Downing Street, 30th July, 1897. I have the honour to inform you that I have received through Dr. W. A. Chappie, of Wellington, an address to the Queen from the New Zealand Natives' Association, of which he is president, offering their sincere congratulations to Her Majesty on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of her accession to the throne. You will inform Dr. Chappie that I have now laid the address before Her Majesty, who was much gratified by its patriotic sentiments, and has commanded me to convey her thanks to the association for their dutiful congratulations and kind wishes. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G., &c.

No. 22. (No. 42.) My Lobd,— Downing Street, 30th July, 1897. I have the honour to inform you that an address has been received by the Queen, through the Prince of Wales, from the grand masters, grand officers, and members of the grand lodges of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and New Zealand. I have received Her Majesty's commands to return her grateful thanks to the various grand lodges for this united manifestation of the affection and devotion with which the freemasons of Australasia regard her throne and person, and to express her appreciation of the sentiments contained in their address. I have to request that you will communicate Her Majesty's pleasure to the grand masters, grand officers, and members of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., &c.

No. 23. (No. 43.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 12th August, 1897. With reference to my despatch No. IS, of the 30th April, I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Ministers, a copy of the correspondence specified below, respecting the effect of the New Zealand " Shipping and Seamen's Act Amendment Act, 1896." I have, &c, EDWAED WINGFIELD, For the Secretary of State. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 2.