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Sir James Prendergast's Career. Son of Sir Michael Prendergast, Q.C., born 1828. 1849—8.A. degree. Cambridge. 1849 to 1856—Studied Middle Temple. April, 1856—Called to the bar. 1856 to 1861—Practised in England. 1862 —Admitted to New Zealand bar. 1863—Appointed Crown Prosecutor and Provincial Solicitor for Otago. 1865 —Appointed non-political Solicitor-General. 1865 to 1875—Attorney-General. 1875 to 1899—Chief Justice. In 1881 made a Knight Bachelor. Administered the Government. 1879—215t February to 27th March. 1880—9 th September to 29th November. 1882—24 th June to 20th January, 1883. 1889—23 rd March to 2nd May. 1892—25 th February to 6th June. 1897—8 th February to 10th August.

No. 12. (No. 44.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 7th July, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that I opened the fourth session of the thirteenth Parliament of New Zealand on the 23rd June, 1899. Copies of the Speech that I read on that occasion, and the Address in Beply, will be forwarded by the next mail. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 13. (No. 45.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Bth July, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that the British Besident of the Cook Islands (Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon) has just completed a tour of the group. At Mangaia an influential chief (Daniela Tangitoru) presented a piece of land of about 5 acres to Her Majesty. The British Besident informed Tangitoru that he had no authority to receive presents on behalf of Her Majesty, and has informed me, with a view to this matter being submitted for her decision. There is a precedent at Barotonga, where Makea Ariki presented to Her Majesty a few acres, which were accepted, and the present British Besidency was erected thereon. I have no information as to whether this land would be desirable for any public purpose. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 14. (No. 47.) Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 12th July, 18t>9. With reference to my despatch (New Zealand—No. 44), dated the 7th No. 12. July, 1899, relative to the opening of Parliament, I have the honour to enclose you the copies of the following documents : (a.) The Speech that I read on that occasion; (6.) Address in Beply presented to me by the Honourable the Legislative Council; (c.) Address in Beply presented to me by the Speaker and members of the House of Bepresentatives. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.