A.—l.

(3.) Ascertaining the strength of the current that runs from south to north along the coast, with a current-meter or otherwise, so as to prove definitely what effect the proposed breakwater would have on the travelling shingle. Would the harbour become a shingle trap, or is the current of sufficient strength to carry the shingle along to the northward, and clear of the entrance to the port. (4.) Ascertaining the nature of the bottom within the enclosure, if it can be easily dredged out, and to what depth? (5.) Reporting generally on the feasibility of the project. (6.) Reporting on the suitability or otherwise of the stone on Point Elizabeth and the Ninemile Bluff for breakwater-construction. (7.) Testing the anthracite coal as to its steaming-powers and smokeless nature. (8.) Preparing a chart of the proposed harbour, showing soundings, best position for breakwaters and entrance, wharves, docks, &c, &c. (9.) Estimating cost of contruction. Edward Iveagh Lord, C.E.

No. 12. (No. 63.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd August, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge Your Lordship's despatches (Circular) of the 29th January and (Miscellaneous) of the 20th February, on the subject of the Royal Commission in England on Shipping Rings or Conferences. 2. With regard to paragraph 4 of your despatch of the 29th January, I am informed that there are no laws or regulations in New Zealand upon this subject, and, if illegal at all, such combinations, discriminations, and rebates as are referred to would be only illegal as being against public policy. There is nothing known of any provision for the registration of Shipping Rings. 3. The Chambers of Commerce were asked to supply the other information desired, and as no reply has yet been received, they are again being pressed by my Government to supply it as soon as possible. I have, &c, The Earl of Elgin, PLUNKET. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 13. (No. 65.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 18th August, 1907. I have the honour to transmit, for Your Lordship's consideration, the enclosed copy of a memorandum which I have received from my Prime Minister, upon the subject of the Convention of Rome (Universal Postal Union). I have, &c, The Earl of Elgin, PLUNKET. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 13th August, 1907. The Prime Minister sends his respectful compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to recommend that His Excellency move the Secretary of State for the Colonies to inform the Italian Government through the usual channel that New Zealand desires to ratify the action taken by its representative, the Right Hon. Sir Joseph George Ward, in authorising the signing on his behalf by the Hon. Austin Chapman, Postmaster-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, of the Convention of Rome (Universal Postal Union), together with the detailed Regulations for its execution, on the 26th May, 1906. . j. G. Ward.

No. 14. (No. 71.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, sth September, 1907. I have the honour to forward the enclosed Petition, for submission to His Majesty the King, signed by T. Taingakawa Te Waharoa and a number of other Natives, praying His Majesty to disallow two Maori Land Acts passed by the New Zealand Legislature.

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