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No. 11 (No. 81.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, Ist September, 1906. 1 have the honour to inform you that I opened the second session of the sixteenth Parliament of this colony on the 21st August, and to enclose copies of the Speech that 1 made on that occasion. 2. I also enclose for Your Lordship's information copies of the Addresses in Reply from the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 12. (No. 62.) My Lord. Government House, Wellington, 3rd September, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge your despatch (No. 64) of the 12th July last, with reference to a lefter from Lloyd's to the Board of Trade, dated 29th June, on the subject of fires in wool cargoes. 2. Your Lordship's communication, with enclosures, has been sent to the Commission which is now inquiring into the matter of fires on ships loaded or partly loaded with wool, flax, tow, or other combustible material, and the request made by Lloyd's will be considered when the report of the Commission is received and is being dealt with. 3. A copy of the report of the Commission as soon as it is published will be forwarded to you. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

A.-2, 1907, No. 6.

No. 13. (No. 74.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 21st September, 1906. 1 have the honour to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a minute which I have received from my Premier with reference to the services rendered by Major-General -I. M. Babington whilst holding the position of Commandant of the New Zealand Forces. 2. I am desired by my Government to request Your Lordship to bring this matter to the notice of the War Office. I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

Enclosure. Wellington, 21 si September, 1906. Memorandum for His Exoellenoy the Governor. The Prime Minister has the honour to present his compliments to His Excellency, and respeotfulh requests His Excellency to convey to the War Office the appreciation of the New Zealand Gorernment of the service rendered by Major-General J. M. Babington (Colonel lI.M. Staff) whilst holding the position of Commandant of the New Zealand Defence Forces. The great improvement which has taken place in the Defence Forces of the colony is in a very Large measure due to the very efficient services rendered in his official capacity by Major-General Babington, and to the professional ability and attention which lie has brought to bear and given to defence matters in New Zealand during his term of office. The New Zealand Government would have been glad if Major-General Babington oould have seen his way to accede to their request to extend the period of his service in connection with the Defence forces of the colony. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister.

No. 14. (No. 75.) My Lord,-- Government House, Wellington, 22nd September, 1906. I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that I have been requested by my Government to send formal invitations to their Majesties the King and