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No. 31. (No. 6.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd February, 1908. I have the honour to transmit, at the request of my Prime Minister, certain correspondence on the subject of the regulations for candidates entering the British Navy. I have, &c, The Earl of Elgin, PLUNKET. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosures. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 29th January, 1908. The Prime Minister presents his compliments, and forwards herewith a communication from Sir William Steward which speaks for itself, and desires that His Excellency will kindly communicate with the Imperial authorities with a view to seeing whether the regulations for candidates entering the British navy cannot be amended in the direction indicated by Sir William Steward. J. G. Ward.

Sir, — Waimate, South Canterbury, 13th January, 1908. I enclose herewith a letter from Captain J. K. Bridion, of H.M.S. " Challenger," in reply to a letter from myself forwarding an application by a young man—one of my constituents —to join H.M. navy. The candidate is physically a first-class recruit, just twenty-one years of age, 5 ft. 7 in. high, 40 in. chest-measurement, and well educated, speaking as good English as does Ngata or Mr. Carroll, and I was greatly surprised that his being a full-blooded Maori prevents his acceptance. I certainly think that, in view of the loyal service given to the flag by many Maoris, and the high status of the Maori people, an effort should be made to obtain an amendment of the Naval Regulations ; and I feel sure that if you can secure this, it would be a source of much satisfaction to the Maori population of the Dominion. I feel sure that you will concur with me, and, if so, hope that you will see your way to make representations on the subject to the Imperial Government. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Premier. W. J. Steward.

No. 32. (No. 7.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, sth February, 1908. I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that I have received a memorandum from my Government in which they desire me to bring the following matter before your notice. 2. The flag, which the Governor of New Zealand flies when on board ship, is the Union Jack with a laurel wreath in the centre, having within it the stars of the Southern Cross. 3. My Government desire, in connection with the change in designation of this country from Colony to Dominion, to substitute a wreath of fern leaves instead of laurel leaves—the flag remaining otherwise as it is at present. 4. According to information in possession of my Ministers, a similar privilege was granted to Canada in 1870, when the maple took the place of the laurel. 5. The fern leaf is universally accepted in this Dominion as the emblem of New Zealand, and I join with my Government in trusting that Your Lordship may find yourself able to lay this request before the King for His Majesty's favourable consideration. 6. I enclose a sketch which illustrates the badge that my Ministers wish to have substituted for the present one on the Governor's flag. I have. &o, The Earl of Elgin, PLUNKET. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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