A.—l

2

3. I would add that there are but twelve posts a year from the Cook Islands to New Zealand, and but one a month between New Zealand and Fiji, the steamers not running in connection. The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, I have, &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies. BANFUBLY.

No. 2. (No. <_.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th May, 1899. With reference to your despatch circular dated the 7th February, 1899, relative to penny postage, I have the honour to inform you that my Government do not see their way at the present time to adopt the Imperial penny postage rate. This decision they have arrived at from financial reasons only. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2,1900, No. 2.

No. 3. (No. 27.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 22nd May, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that I have accepted the resignation of the Chief Justice, His Honour Sir James Prendergast, Kt.; he is retiring after having served the colony twenty-four years in that capacity. I n_vp C\o The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, ' BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 4. (No. 29.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 29th May, 1899. I have the honour to enclose you a copy of a memorandum that I have received this day from my Premier. My Government would be prepared at any time to place at the disposal of the Officer Commanding at Samoa whatever number of men you might deem advisable, should you think fit to accept their offer. I may further add that it will be generally deemed by the people of New Zealand to be a privilege to be permitted to take their share in this work. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, &c, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments, and wishes the Secretary of State to be informed that there is a possibility of Mataafa not accepting the decision of the Samoan Commission, and that if this should happen further hostilities may take place; that in New Zealand we have trained officers accustomed to the bush method of warfare and fighting, and Maori customs of attack and defence : that we have also Volunteer corps of men accustomed to bush life and with experience in the back-woods ; and that we have those of the Native race who are loyal, prepared and desirous of assisting in restoring law and order at Samoa. Seeing the time that must necessarily elapse before either an American, British, or German Force could be landed at Samoa, and our proximity thereto, and the material we have at immediate command, your Excellency's Advisers deem it desirable that you should inform the Secretary of State that we are prepared to help in every way possible. R. J. Seddon. Premier's Office, Auckland, 29th May, 1899.