A.—2

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No. 8. (Circular.) Sir,— Downing Street, 23rd October, 1906. With reference to Sir Henry Holland's circular despatch of the Bth July, 1887, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Government, a copy of a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Nicaragua, signed at Managua on the 28th July, 1905, the ratifications of which were exchanged at London on the 24th August, 1906. Copies of this treaty accompanied my despatch marked " Library " of the 28th September. I have to draw the attention of your Ministers to the provisions of Articles XX and XXI respecting the application of the stipulations of the 1 reaty to British colonies and protectorates. It will be observed that under the provisions of the former article notification of the desire of any colony or protectorate to adhere must be made through His Majesty's Government to the Government of Nicaragua before the 24th August, 1907. I have, &c, ELGIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 9. (New Zealand—Miscellaneous.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 24th October, 1906. In reply to Your Lordship's despatch (No. 52) of the 11th August, I have the honour to inform you that His Majesty the King has been pleased to approve of the retention of the title of " Honourable " by Mr. Thomas Young Duncan and Mr. Charles Houghton Mills, who have served for more than three years as members of the Executive Council of the Colony of New Zealand. 2. A notice to this effect will be published in the London Gazette. I have, &c, ELGIN. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., X.C.V.0., &c. No. 10. (New Zealand—General.) My Lord,— Downing Street, sth November, 1906. T have the honour to transmit to you, for consideration and report, with reference to your telegram of the 31st ultimo, the paper noted in the subjoined schedule. I have, &c., ELGIN.

No. 10. (New Zealand—General.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 5th November, 1906. T have the honour to transmit to you, for consideration and report, with reference to your telegram of the 31st ultimo, the paper noted in the subjoined schedule. I have, &c, ELGIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

A.-l, 1!M)7. No. 10.

Enclosure. Sir,— General Port Office, London, 24th October, 1906. As statements are now appearing in the Press to the effect tlTat penny portage has been established between New Zealand and the United States of America, the Postmaster-General would be much obliged if the Secretary of State for the Colonies would be good enough to inform him whether there is any foundation for the announcement, and whether, if siicli an arrangement lias actually been made, the penny rate applies to letters sent in both directions, or only to letters '■cut from Xew Zealand for delivery in the United States. 1 am. «Vc. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. H. Buxton Forman.

Date. From To To Subject Subject 24th October, 1906 General Post Office Colonial Office .. I Reported establishment of penny postage between' New Zealand and the United States of America.