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No. 39. (No. 19.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd February, 1903. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand, No. 131) dated the 16th December, 1902, on the subject of treasure lost on the ship " General Grant," I have the honour to inform you that the gold referred to is part of the wreck of the " General Grant," and unclaimed wreck belongs to the Crown ; but the true owner can obtain it if he establishes his ownership within twelve months after it comes into the possession of the Receiver of Wrecks under " The New Zealand Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877." If he does not do so, its proceeds, less expenses of salvage, &c, goes into the Public Account under the provisions of section 279 of the Act quoted above. The finder, not being the owner, must deliver it to the Receiver, and is entitled to salvage. If the finder is also the owner, he must notify the Receiver. If the gold is found, it must be delivered to the Receiver of Wrecks in terms of the Act. I have the honour to further inform you that I have been to the Auckland Islands and have seen the spot where the wreck is supposed to have taken place. The cliffs have fallen in, and there seems no chance of locating the pi*esent position of the wreck, the water being deep, the seas very heavy, and the coastline dangerous. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1903 No. 63.

No. 40. (No. 24) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 14th March, 1903. I have the honour to inform you, in further reply to your despatch (No. 32, of 1899), relative to the gold and silver entered for export from New Zealand, that the following are the returns for the year ending fcbe 31st December, 1902 :— Gold, 508.0450z.= 15,802-33 kilograms; value, £1,951,433. Silver, 673,9860z.= 20,963-79 kilograms; value, £72,001. I have, &c. The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 41. (No. 27.) Sir, — Government Wellington, 19th March, 1903. I have the honour to inform you that my Government are considering the question of establishing a training-ship for hoys. The ship they desire to have is of the class of H.M.S. ,: Lizard," and they wish to obtain authentic information as to the probable cost of equipment, also the number, rank, and pay of the necessary officers, petty officers, and men that would be employed on such a training vessel in home waters My Government would also be glad for any information as regards accommodation, dietary, and annual up-keep, with any data that would assist them to make provision in the departmental estimates for the maintenance of such a vessel. I have the honour further to inform you that they do not propose that the training-ship should be stationary, but that the complement should be sufficient for the boys to receive actual sea training. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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