A.—l.

No. 1. (No. 1.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 2nd January, 1901. I have the "honour to enclose for the gracious acceptance of Her Majesty a petition, with translation, from the Maoris of Gisborne, inviting His Eoyal Highness the Duke of York to their district, and sending their expressions of goodwill. I have also received requests for His Eoyal Highness to attend other functions, which I am, however, not forwarding, deeming it advisable to await definite information as to the duration of the visit of their Eoyal Highnesses. I have, &c, JAS. PEENDEEGAST, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, Deputy Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 2. (No. 2.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd January, 1901. In conformity with a circular despatch of sth May, 1882, I have the honour to inform you that Sarah Eogo was convicted of murder, and sentenced to death. The sentence was commuted at Executive Council to imprisonment with hard labour for the term of her natural life, on the 15th December, 1900. The jury in this case strongly recommended the prisoner to mercy, and the Judge concurred. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 3. (No. 6.) Sik, — Government House, Wellington, 19th January, 1901. With reference to Lord Knutsford's circular despatch of 23rd April, 1890, on the subject of colonial postage and revenue stamps, &c, and your circular despatch of 11th December, 1896, referring to the same subject, I have now the honour to forward you six specimens each of two new issues of stamps. Six stamps, New Zealand (Universal postage), one penny. Six stamps, New Zealand (postage and revenue), ljd. I have, &c, JAMES PEENDEEGAST, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, Deputy Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 4. (No. 9.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Ist February, 1901. I have the honour to inform you that I returned to New Zealand on the 21st January from a tour of inspection on the Government steamer " Hinemoa " of the following Islands : Snares, Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, and Bounty. The various depots for shipwrecked mariners were visited and found intact. One of my objects in visiting these Islands was to procure specimens of birds desired by the British Museum. I was fortunate in obtaining what I believe to be a fine collection, and have forwarded the same to London this week, sending them direct to the Natural History Department, British Museum, South Kensington, I haye T &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, .... ■' EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies..' ■ : .--,r -.-.--■•::-=. : " -■•.-.■"

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