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2

No. 1. (No. 14.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 7th March, 1906. Referring to your despatch (Miscellaneous) of the 19th December last, relative to the flags of the Cook Islands and Rarotonga, I have the honour to inform you that the matter has been submitted to the Resident Commissioner of Rarotonga. 2. Colonel Gudgeon states that the flags are correctly depicted on the Admiralty plates, and that they are the only local flags known to the islands within the boundaries of New Zealand's territory in the Eastern Pacific. 3. He suggests that the Rarotonga flag be retained for the present. It is the flag of Makea, was in existence before the establishment of the Protectorate, and a certain amount of sentimental interest attaches to it in consequence. 4. As to the others, there appears to be no reason why they should be retained any longer. The Resident Commissioner states that he flies the Blue Ensign over the Government offices at Rarotonga. T have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies PLUNKET.

No. 2. (No. 21.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 30th April, 1906. In confirmation of my telegram of the 25th April, T have the honour to state that T have received a memorandum from my Responsible Advisers in which they desire me to communicat" with His Majesty the King, through your Lordship, and to.issue, on behalf of the Government and people of this colony, a respectful request that a member of the Royal Family may visit New Zealand during the time the International Exhibition is being held at Christchurch. 2. My Premier specially mentions the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, since His Royal Highness, as Inspector-General, might be ready to take the opportunity of inspecting the Colonial Forces; but T am to state that the invitation is a general one, and that if any member of the Royal Family could see his way to accept, such acceptance would be received with universal pleasure throughout New Zealand. 3. I have the honour to add that T heartily concur that if this visit could be paid it would be highly appreciated. T have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

No. 3. (No. 22.) My Lord, Wellington, 9th May, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge your despatch (No. 21) of the 14th March, on the subject of the Japanese famine. 2. As the Government of Japan have decided to accept donations, the New Zealand Government have forwarded £1,000 towards the relief fund. I have, &c., The Secretary of State for the Colonies. PLUNKET.

A.-2, 1907, No. 1.

No. 4 (No. 26.) My Lord, Wellington, 17th May, 1906. I have the honour, to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch (No. 11) of the 22nd February last, with reference to the forthcoming International Exhibition at Christchurch and the assistance that His Majesty's Government propose to render.