A.—2

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methods of tabulation, and to consider to what points subsequent discussions might most profitably be addressed, might be as much as the first sittings could accomplish. Assuming that the Congress considered that it could with advantage meet again to discuss the facts tabulated, and to interchange views regarding the best expedients for conservation, it would be for it to determine when the subsequent sittings should be held. He thought an interval of at least a year would be needed between the first sittings and the second sittings, if any second sittings, as he hoped, were decided upon. Should this view prove to be correct, the expense of the British delegates could not be large, considering how near The Hague is and the shortness of the proposed sittings, or, at least, of the first sittings. Nor, so far as the United Kingdom is concerned, would the collection and printing of the information be a serious item, for the facts desired are doubtless nearly all in print already. The same is likely to be the case as regards India also. It may not be so as regards Australia and some of the Crown colonies. Mr. Pinchot did not seem to know from how many countries replies had yet been received, but he spoke as if the meeting of the Congress were certain. I have, &c, Sir Edward Grey, Bart., M.P., &c. James Brtce.

No. 32. New Zealand, No. 113. My Lord,— Downing Street, 2nd June, 1909. With reference to my despatch No. 92, of the 6th May, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, copies of Army Order 139, of 1909, promulgating an amendment to the regulations under which commissions in the British army can be obtained by officers of colonial military forces. 2. I shall be glad if your Ministers will bring this amendment to the notice of candidates for appointments. I have, &c, CREWE. Governor, the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G.. X.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. A.O. 139, 1909. 100. Candidates. 4328. Commissions in thb Army.—l. The following amendments will be made to clause (2) of the syllabus for the subject of " English " in the Army Qualifying Examination, in Appendix II of the following regulations: — (a.) Regulations respecting admission to the Royal Military Academy, issued with Army Order 191 of 1907; (b.) Regulations respecting admission to ths Royal Military College, issued with Army Order 191 of 1907 : (c.) Regulations under which commissions in the British Army may be obtained by officers of colonial military forces, issued with Army Order 164 of 1907: (d.) Regulations under which commissions in the regular army may be obtained by officers of the Special Reserve of Officers, kc., issued with Army Order 246 of 1908. For "Short 'pass , essays on a limited number of questions (three to be done of a larger number set)," substitute " English composition tested by essay or letter-writing (a candidate will be required to write an essay on one of three given subjects, or a letter on a given subject or 'from data) " 2. The above amendment will be brought into force at the Army Qualifying Examination to lie held in March, 1910.

No. 33. New Zealand, No. 114. My Lord.- Downing Street, 4th June, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 17, of the Ist March, and to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, the accompanying copies of a letter from the General Post Office, and of a letter which I have caused to be addressed to the Foreign Office, respecting the proposed Convention for a direct exchange of money-orders between New Zealand and France. T have - *£••_, CREW X Governor, the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., X.C.V.0., <&c.