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randum from my Prime Minister regarding the occurrence of anthrax in this Dominion, and the steps taken for its control. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 13th December, 1910. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to acknowledge receipt of Government House Record 10/610, covering a request from the Secretary of State for the Colonies for information regarding the prevalence of anthrax in this Dominion, and the steps taken for its control. The following information is supplied in response to this request : — The ( nly cases of anthrax occurring in past years were clearly traceable to imported bonedust. Regulations were made for better controlling the importation of this material in a properly sterilized form, and for about four years past no outbreaks of anthrax have occurred. In terms of these regulations, which were made in 1905, under the Stock Act, the introduction into New Zealand from any country or place other than India or the Commonwealth of Australia of any animal manure is? absolutely prohibited. Animal manure from India or the Commonwealth of Australia is allowed to land, provided it is accompanied by a certificate to the effect that the manure lias been sterilized in accordance with the requirements of the regulations to the temperature in the case of bones of at least 281 degrees Fahrenheit for not less than three hours; in the case of crushed bones, to a temperature of at least 267 degrees Fahrenheit for not less than two hours; and in the case of all other animal manure to a temperature of at least 267 degrees Fahrenheit for- not less than two hours; and also provided in each case all the other conditions governing its introduction have been complied with. The Government has Inspectors stationed in Calcutta and in Sydney to see that these regulations are complied with, and these officers have extensive powers under the regulations to enforce them, and refuse certificates to any consignment not conforming to the conditions set out in the regulations. A copy of the regulations referred to is enclosed herewith, and will more fully show the position regarding the introduction of animal manures from the countries named, which were, previous to the passing of the regulations, the largest exporters of this class of manure to New Zealand. Ample power's are given under the Stock Act to deal with an outbreak of anthrax should one occur-. Every owner , of stock is required to give notice of any unexplainable mortality amongst his stock, and the cause is immediately investigated by Government veterinarians. In addition, the whole Dominion is divided into districts, with an Inspector of Stock in charge of each. The Inspectors are continually travelling through their districts, and are in a position to hear at once of any mortality amongst stock. There are also a number of qualified veterinarians who are occupied in investigating diseases and giving advice regarding the health of stock generally. There are also ample powers for quarantining infected ground and for absolutely destroying infected stock. As showing the efficacy of the means provided for controlling an outbreak of disease, it may be mentioned that when the last outbreak of anthrax occurred over four years ago the Government officers were able to confine it to the farm on v>hich it appeared. Government House Record is attached. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister.

A.-2, leu. No. i2o.

No. 56. New Zealand, No. 159. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 22nd December, 1910. I have the honour to forward herewith a copy of a resolution passed ky thg General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand with reference to the death of His late Majesty King Edward VII and the accession of His Maiesty King George V. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

191] No. H9. '

No. 57. New Zealand, No. 1 Sir, Government House, Wellington, 6th January, 1911. With reference to Lord Crewe's despatch, No. 74, of the Bth April, 1910, and previous correspondence, regarding the importation of meat into