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might wish to study it, the system of instruction in art in force in the United Kingdom and fostered by Government grants-in-aid would be so completely illustrated as to afford useful guidance to those who are interested in founding or encouraging schools of industrial or decorative art in the colony. 7. I shall be glad to be informed whether your Government would wish to receive such a collection on the terms proposed. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 7. (No. 36.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 30th June, 1899. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches (Nos. 18, 19, and 21), of the 4th ultimo, relating to the affairs of the Cook Islands. 2. With reference to the first despatch under acknowledgment, I agree with you that it is desirable that the Chief Justice for the time being of fche Cook Islands should hold a Judicial Commissionership ; but this course appears to be precluded by section 8 (2) of the Pacific Order in Council, 1893, which only provides for the appointment of a Judical Commissioner for particular purposes, and for a particular time. 3. I shall therefore cause steps to be taken for the requisite amendment of the Order in Council, and for the appointment of Colonel Gudgeon when the Order has been passed. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G., &c.

A.-1, 1900, No. 1.

No. 8. (No. 39.) My Loed,— Downing Street, 12th July, 1899. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 27), of the 22nd May, from which I have learned with regret of the retirement of Sir James Prendergast from the office of Chief Justice, which he has honourably filled for so many years. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G., &c.

A.-l, 1900, No. 3.

No. 9. (General.) My Loed,— Downing Street, 13th July, 1899. Her Majesty's Government have undertaken to present to Parliament information as to the provision made in certain European countries for the university education of Roman Catholics, with special reference to the constitution of such universities, the amount of their endowments, the sources from which such endowments are derived, and the number of persons receiving university education in proportion to the Roman Catholic population; and I have been asked to furnish similar information as regards universities in the colonies. 2. I should wish, therefore, to receive any information bearing on this subject which you can supply me with as regards the colony under your administration, and more particularly as to the nature of any relations that may subsist between the Roman Catholic Episcopate and the authorities of the universities. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, &c.

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