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No. 3. (Circular.) My Lord, — Downing Street, Bth December, 1899. , I have the honour to inform you that the frequency with which applications have been received of late for permission to prefix the title " Eoyal " to the appellations of societies, clubs, and other institutions in the colonies has necessitated a careful consideration of the conditions on which such permission should in future be accorded. 2. It has been decided to assimilate the practice, as far as possible, to that which obtains in this country, and to restrict the distinction in question to institutions of eminence, long standing, and secured financial position, and devoted to national, charitable, or scientific objects. 3. This principle will guide you in deciding whether or not to recommend compliance with future applications. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G.

No. 4. (No. 81.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 29th December, 1899. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Government, with reference to my telegram of the 20th instant, a copy of the letter noted below, regarding the behaviour of the New Zealand troops in the engagement at Jagsfontein. I have, &c, EDWARD WINGFIELD, For the Secretary of State. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Sib,— War Office, London, S.W., 21st December, 1899. ram directed by the Marquess of Lansdowne to acquaint you, for the information of Mr. Secretary Chamberlain, that in a telegraphic report by the General Commanding of an engagement between the Imperial forces and the enemy at Jagsfontein on the 18th instant the following passages occur : — " New-Zealanders occupied farm and adjacent hill"; and, further, that later in the engagement " New-Zealanders were most steady under hot fire at short range." His Lordship will be glad if Mr. Chamberlain will cause the General's appreciation of the work of the New Zealand Contingent to be communicated to the colony. I am, &c, G. Fleetwood Wilson. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, S.W.

No. 5. (No. 1.) Sib, — Downing Street, 3rd January, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 73) of the 22nd November last, reporting your assumption of the administration of the Government of New Zealand on the departure of the Governor on 31st October for Victoria. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. His Honour Chief Justice Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., &c.

A.-l, 1900, No. 24.

Date. Description of Document. ilst December, 1899 ... ... War Office to Colonial Office.