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Enclosure. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dear Sir,— Dunedin, 25th March, 1903. I regret delay in placing before you proposals for suggested steam communication with Noumea. 1 have made inquiries as to prospect of a regular trade from this colony, and advices are very conflicting. There would no doubt be occasional demand for stock and produce, but the majority of opinion indicates that this would be very casual, and that it is doubtful if a trade can be established of sufficient importance to support a regular steamer at intervals of, say, one month, in the entire absence of return freight, unless indeed the French authorities can be induced to modify their tariff and guarantee restrictions in favour of New Zealand. I gather that it is hoped that the Go-vernmcnt of New Caledonia will join in any subsidy it may be necessary to give, and, if so, possibly they may also do something in the direction indicated. Some assistance will be required, as to give the trade a chance it would be necessary to sail at reasonable intervals, and to maintain the service for at least twelve months. We are willing to undertake to despatch a steamer each two months, say, six sailings in the year, for a subsidy of £2,400 for the six sailings, and we will of course, if trade warrants it, undertake to increase the number of sailings as may appear to be necessary. We would propose calling at several ports in the colony for loading, making Auckland final port. I am, &c, Jambs Mills, Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. Managing Director.

No. 5. (No. 46.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 26th May, 1903. With reference to previous correspondence on the subject of the Distinguished Service Order, I have the honour to inform you that I presented the decoration, on Empire Day, to Major (now Lieut.-Colonel) Frederick William Abbott and Captain Robert Stevenson. 2. The ceremony took place at Auckland, on the occasion of the laying of the foundation-stone of the Veterans' Home, before some five hundred veterans, two hundred troops, and several thousands of people. 3. I return the decorations, warrant, and statutes for Major Bartlett, as he no longer resides in New Zealand, and is believed to be living at Reitfonteine. E II£LV6 &Q> The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

(No. 47.) No. 6. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Bth June, 1903. With reference to your despatch (Honours), dated the Ist May, 1903, forwarding the insignia of the Companionship of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath to Colonels Davies, Newall, and Robin, I have the honour to inform you that I personally handed to Colonel Davies his insignia, there being no opportunity of presenting it to him publicly, and forwarded the other two by post to Colonels Newall and Robin. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, RANFURLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 7. (No. 56.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Ist July, 1903. With reference to your despatch (New Zealand, No. 15), dated the 12th March, 1903, respecting the rates to be charged for Government telegrams from England via the Pacific cable, I haye the honour to inform you that my Government are unable to make any reduction in their terminal rate on Government

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