A.—l.

No. 33. (No. 61.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 2nd July, 1901. I have the honour to inform you that His Eoyal Highness the DuKe of Cornwall and York inspected the veterans of the Imperial army and navy at each of the four centres of the colony. 2. His Eoyal Highness pointed, out to me the very worn state of most of the medal ribbons, and that in many cases the wrong coloured ribbons had been attached, these old. servants of the Crown having been unable to obtain in this colony ribbon of the proper pattern. 3. His Eoyal Highness desired me to state the facts, and apply for the proper material. 4. I have the honour, Sir, to request that you will move the Secretary of State for War to grant a supply of these ribbons, which would be distributed through the Veteran Associations to those holding the proper medals, 5. I estimate that there are not less than 2,000 of these Imperial Veterans who all saw active service prior to the year 1865. 6. I venture to express the opinion that such a grant will be productive of good results, encouraging the younger soldiers to value the honours they may earn. 7. I append herewith an approximate list of the quantity needed : Crimea, 30 yards ; Crimea (French war medal), 1 yard; Turkish, 25 yards; Sardinia, J yard; Mutiny, 18 yards; Central India, 2 yards; Afghan, 1 yard; Eandahar Star, J yard ; Burmah, 3yards ; Sikh War, f yard ; Sikh Star, J yard; Punjaub (1846-49), l£ yards; Persian, 4f yards; Cape, £ yard; South African, (1847), 1 yard ; Eaffir, § yards ; Ashantee, £ yard.; Abyssinia, f yard ; Egypt, 1 \ yard ; Syria (Acre), \ yard; China, 9J yards; Baltic, 2j yards ; distinguished service in field, J yard; long service in field and good conduct, yards; meritorious service, J yard. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 34. (No. 66.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 6th July, 1901. With reference to my despatch (New Zealand, No. 57) dated the 2nd instant, relative to the opening of Parliament, I have the honour to enclose copies of the following documents : — (a.) The Speech that I read on that occasion. (b.) Address in Eeply presented to me by the honourable the Legislative Council. (c.) Address in Eeply presented to me by the Speaker and members of the House of Eepresentatives. I have &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 30.

No. 35. (No. 67.) Sir, Government House, Wellington, 6th July, 1901. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your despatch (General) dated 22nd May, 1901, enclosing a document notifying that His Majesty has been pleased to appoint the Eight Honourable Eichard John Seddon a member of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council. I have the honour to inform you that I have this day handed the letter and its enclosure personally to the Premier. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1902 No. 43.

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