A.—2.

The Earl of Jersey : I think the statement the noble Earl has just made clearly shows that he has carried out what seems to have been the understanding, judging by the Blue-Book, at the recent Conference. I believe also his decision to have a Dominions Department for the self-govern-ing Colonies will be received with great satisfaction in other parts of the Empire. I was also glad to hear him say a word on behalf of the staff of the Colonial Office. It is true that sometimes criticisms are passed on the staff, but, after all, criticisms are passed on the very best of staffs, and they no doubt sometimes arise because people do not get exactly what they want. Those who have had the opportunity of dealing with the Colonial Office, whether as regards the Chief or those who serve under him, will say that they have always met there with the greatest ability and also the greatest courtesy, and I trust in the Dominions of the Crown the same satisfaction will be felt as I feel with the remarks which the noble Earl has made with regard to his decision in the re-arrange-ments of his office.

No. 17.

(Miscellaneous.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 15th October, 1907. I have the honour to inform you that the Army Council propose to include in the syllabus of veterinary instruction for officers and non-commis-sioned officers of the Cavalry School instruction in the knowledge of forage and poisonous plants peculiar to and commonly met with in countries outside Europe where British troops may serve, and are desirous of obtaining dried specimens of such forage and plants from New Zealand. • The Army Council are not in a position to incur any considerable expense in procuring collections, but suggest that the Colonial Government may be willing to supply spare specimens from Botanical Gardens or Museums. Ido not doubt, however, that any special small expenses that may be incurred for transmission would if necessary be readily recoverable from Army Funds, and I shall be glad if you will consult your Government with a view to meeting the wishes of the Army Council in this matter. The Army Council request that specimens may be directed to the Commandant, Cavalry School, Bulford Camp, Wiltshire. I have, &c, ELGIN. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O.

No. 18.

(Miscellaneous.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 17th October, 1907. I have the honour to transmit to you two copies of a Circular and Handbill issued by the Board of Trade with regard to the addition of a knowledge of First Aid to the Injured to the examination syllabus for certificates of competency as Master or Mate in the Mercantile Marine. The Board of Trade suggest for the consideration of your Government that a similar addition should be made as soon as possible to the examinations in New Zealand for certificates of competency as Master or Mate in respect of which an Order in Council has been issued under Section 102 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894. The St. John Ambulance Association (St. John's Gate, Clerkenwell, London, E.C.) are prepared to give the examining authorities in the Colonies every assistance in their power with a view to providing the necessary facilities for the instruction and examination of candidates. The names and addresses of the Secretaries of the Association in New Zealand are —W. Rattray, Esq., 7 Mercantile Chambers, Auckland; W. T. Hilson, Esq., 114 Manchester Street, Christchurch; J. E. Bone, Esq., Royal Terrace, Dunedin; A. M. Croncher, Esq., P.0., Invercargill; J. D. Avery, Esq., Wellington. I have, &c, ELGIN. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O,

3—A. 2,

13