a.—3o

1900. NEW ZEALAND.

INDIA FAMINE RELIEF: CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO A CONTRIBUTION OF £5,000 BY NEW ZEALAND.

Laid before the General Assembly by Leave.

No. 1. The Agent-General to the Eight Hon. the Premier. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— 24ch May, 1900. Referring to your cablegram of the Bth instant, instructing me to pay to the India Office, or other proper channel, the sum of £5,000 for the relief of those suffering from the famine in India, I beg to state that on communicating with the India Office the Private Secretary of the Under-Secretary of State called at this office and explained that that office could not well receive the contribution, and after some discussion it was suggested that it be remitted direct to the Governor-General, and placed at his disposal for the purpose named, in such manner as he may deem fit. Not receiving any reply from the India Office, I remitted by telegram the £5,000 direct to Lord Curzon at Calcutta, informing him at the same time for what purpose it was sent. Subsequently I received a letter from the India Office, suggesting that the money be remitted direct to the Central Committee of the Charitable Famine Fund at Calcutta. I enclose copy of the correspondence which has taken place with respect to the matter. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. P. Beeves.

Enclosure 1 in No. 1. The Agent-General to Under-Secretary of State for India. Sir,— 13, Victoria Street, S.W., Bth May, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that I have been instructed by my Government t<j pay to the India Office the sum of £5,000 as a contribution from the Colony of New Zealand towards the relief of those who are suffering so severely from famine in India. I have therefore to request the favour of your informing me in what manner the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for India would desire me to make the payment. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, India Office, S.W. W. P. Reeves.

Telegram to Lord Curzon, Calcutta. Remitting by cablegram five thousand pounds placed by New Zealand at your disposal for relief of those suffering from famine. Agent-General for New Zealand.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1. The Under-Secretary of State for India to the Agent-General. g IE ,_ India Office, S.W., 22nd May, 1900. In reply to your letter of the Bth May, 1900, I am directed by the Secretary of State to acknowledge the good-will and liberality of the Colony of New Zealand in contributing the sum of £5,000 towards the relief of sufferers from famine in India. lam to suggest that you should remit the money direct to the Central Committee of the Charitable Famine Fund at Calcutta.