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Despatch from the Right Hon. the Peime Ministee, Wellington, to His Excellency theGovernoe, Kawhia. Wellington, 3rd May, 1909. Your Excellency's telegram from Secretary of State for the Colonies dated 30th April, I will bring the matter before my oolleagues in Wellington, on Wednesday, the sth instant, my absence from Wellington preventing my doing so earlier, and I shall be glad if your Excellency will inform the Secretary of State accordingly. I think there can be no doubt abont our agreeing to request of the Secretary of State, but the month of July, as far as New Zealand is concerned, is impossible, as it. is in the middle of our session. I will communicate with your Excellency again on Wednesday. (Signed) J. G. Ward. Despatch from the Right Hon. the Peime Minister, Wellington, to His Excellency the Goveenoe, New Plymouth. 6th May, 1909. In further reference to the Secretary of State for the Colonies' cable of the 3rd instant reImperial Naval Conference. To enable Ministers to attend as requested an early session of Parliament would be necessary, with the object of obtaining supplies and adjourning during the absence of Ministers in England, this adjournment being absolutely necessary, inasmuch as this is a new Parliament and is the first session of that Parliament. If it is necessary that New Zealand should be represented it would be desirable that the date should be fixed not earlier than the last week in July. On receipt of reply from the Home Government Parliament will be called for the 10th June for the purpose of considering the matter, that being the earliest possible date under the existing prorogation. The opinion of Ministers here is that the representations of all parts of the Empire at the Conference is essential and that the course the Home Government is taking is the right one and is in the best interests of the Empire. They recognise that it would be a. matter of much regret if through not being able to postpone the meeting of the new Parliament New Zealand could not be represented at the Conference. (Signed) J. G. Ward. Despatch from the SecretißY of State for the Colonies to His Excellency the Governoe. London, 12th May, 1909. With reference to your telegram of 6th May, I desire in name of Prime Minister, and of His. Majesty's Government to express their gratification at readiness of Dominion's Government to take part in Conference. I hope that as result of communication now proceeding, it will be possible shortly to fix definitely date for its meeting convenient to all Governments. • '...,--., (Signed) Ceewe. Despatch from His. Excellency the Goveenor, Waiouru, to the Right Hon. the Peime Ministee, Wellington. '■■"■ '■■ ■■■■-•:■-> ■■■••■■• -. ■ ._ Waiouru, 18th May, 1909. The Governor has today received the following telegram, dated 17th May, from the Secretary of State for the Colonies : " Please inform your Ministers that Government of Commonwealth of Australia and Government of Canada have accepted invitation to Defence Conference proposed in my telegram of 30th April, and that Governments of South African Colonies will authorise delegates sent Home in connection with union of South African States to attend Conference. In these circumstances, I earnestly hope that the Dominion of New Zealand will be represented, and that it may be possible for Sir Joseph Ward, as Minister of Defence and Prime Minister, to bespared from his important duties to attend Conference. It is now proposed to hold Conierenee at end of July, as that date will be convenient for the other delegates, and will, I hope, be' alsoconvenient to your .Prime Minister." (Signed) Plunket Despatch from the Right Hon. the Peime Ministee, Wellington, to His Excellency the- ' Goveenoe, Auckland. Wellington, 19th May, 1909. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and will be glad if he will telegraph Secretary of State acknowledging receipt of telegram dated 17th May, and intimating to him that the importance of the Naval Conference is fully recognised by the New Zealand Government, and efforts will be made in the direction indicated ; and the Secretary of State for the Colonies will be advised as soon as the Prime Minister is in a position to do so. _ __ (Signed) J. G. Ward. Resolution. The Hon. T. Y. Duncan proposed, That this meeting of members of the House, recognising the vital importance to the Empire of the impending Naval Conference, considers it necessary that New Zealand should be represented at such Conference, and that in view of the important part New Zealand proposes to take in Imperial naval defence, such representation should be by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, This meeting further considers that as this is the first session of a new Parliament,, it is expedient that the Prime Minister should be in his place to explain the policy of his Government to the House, and that therefore. Parliament should, after making thenecessary financial arrangements to .enable the business of the country to be carried on, be prorogued until the thirtieth day of September next.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—loo 9,