A.—2

18

In view of the interest of this Department in wireless telegraphy, the Postmaster-General would be much obliged if Mr. Secretary Lyttelton would be so good as to cause him to be informed, iifter communication with the colonial Governments if necessary, whether these statements are correct. He would also be glad to be put in possession of any further particulars which can be furnished on the subject, and more especially to learn what system of wireless telegraphy it is proposed to adopt in each case. He understands that Mr. Lyttelton has recently requested, in circular letters to the selfgoverning colonies, that His Majesty's Government may be given an opportunity of offering -their observations on any application for the installation of a wireless telegraph system which may possibly communicate with similar systems in foreign countries, and that the Governors of the other colonies have been asked not to grant or promise any license for wireless telegraphy without previous reference to the Secretary of State. Lord Stanley ventures to assume that applications referred to the Colonial Office in accordance with these requests will be communicated to him, either directly or through the medium of the Cables (Landing Rights) Committee. He thinks it desirable, however, if Mr. Lyttelton sees no objection, that these arrangements should be carried a step further, and that the Governments of the self-governing colonies should be asked to inform the Colonial Office from time to time of any new stations which may be established or of any important development in connection with wireless telegraphy which may arise within their jurisdiction. I am to add that His Majesty's representatives in foreign countries have already been instructed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to report from time to time on these points in respect of the countries to which they are accredited, and that their reports are communicated in due course to this Department. 1 am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. A. F. King.

No. 19. (No. 71.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 13th October, 1905. No. c. With reference to my despatch (No. 35) of the sth May, I have the honour to acquaint you for the information of your Ministers that I have received from the Hon. Walter Rothschild, M.P., a letter drawing attention to the extermination of penguins and other sea-birds which is taking place in the Antipodes, Auckland, Bounty, and Campbell Islands. 2. From the debate in the Legislative Council on the 6th July last, I see that your Government promised full inquiry into the matter, and I shall be glad to learn the result of the investigation. I have, &c, ALFRED LYTTELTON. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, X.C.V.0., &c.

No. 20. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 11th December, 1905. I have the honour to inform you that His Majesty has been pleased this day to intrust to my care, as one of the Principal Secretaries of State, the Seals of the Colonial Department. I have, &c, ELGIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 21. . (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 16th December, 1905. I have the honour to state, for the information of your Ministers, that His Majesty's Government have been formally notified that the Union of Sweden with Norway has been dissolved, and that they have taken official recognition of Norway as a separate Kingdom. 2. His Majesty's Government has also received from the Swedish Legation in London an intimation that the treaties concluded in common by Sweden and Norway will be considered as valid by the Swedish Government until further notice by that Government, but that the Swedish Government cannot accept any further responsibility for any obligations contained in such treaties so far as the State of Norway is concerned.