A.—l

4

A.-2, 1904, No. 7.

- No. 8.

cable messages, which is only Id. a word, as against the Commonwealth's 4d. The New Zealand rate for Government messages via Pacific is Is. 6d. a word, as against the Commonwealth's Is. 7|d. via Pacific and via Eastern. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 8. (No 57.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd July, 1903. I have the honour to inform you that the first session of the fifteenth Parliament of New Zealand was opened by Commission on the 29th ultimo for the purpose of electing a Speaker, and was formally opened by me on the following day. 2. Copies of the Speech that I read on that occasion and the Address in reply will be forwarded by next mail. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State tor the Colonies.

No. 9. (No. 68.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 20th July, 1903. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand, General), dated the 20th May, 1903, regarding conditions of service of South African and oversea contingents employed in the South African war, I have the honour to forward you herewith forms of attestation and forms of agreement for Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Contingents. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 10. (No. 69.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 20th July, 1903. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand, No. 38), dated the 22nd May, 1903, regarding the deficit on the working of the Pacific cable for the two years ended the 31st March last, I have the honour to inform you that £10,000 was voted on last year's estimates in respect of New Zealand's share of the loss on the working of the Pacific cable for the two years ended the 31st March, 1903. The amount was imprested to the Agent-General in December for payment to the Pacific Cable Board. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 11. (No 71.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 21st July, 1903. With reference to my despatch (New Zealand, No. 57), dated the 3rd 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 Reply presented to me by the Honourable the Legislative Council. (c.) Address in Reply presented to me by the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.