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the " Waikare " was above water. In view of these circumstances, he, as representing the Government, would be glad if I could arrange to proceed at once to the relief of those in distress. It should be noted that this message was subsequently amended, to show that the passengers and crew had saved their effects and provisions, but this correction did not come through until alter the " Pioneer " had left Bluff. 2. At this time I had only remaining on board 50 tons of coal, which, in view of the fact that I had been awaiting the arrival of my collier for four days, was trimmed as far back in the reserve bunkers as possible. The only coal available at Bluff was a small amount in the bottom of a hulk, belonging to Mr. John Mill, of Dunedin, and this I arranged by telephone to take at the expense of the Union Steamship Company. Owing to bad weather, and the absence of a tug, it was impossible to get the hulk nearer than a point on the wharf about 200 yards from the ship, but by 11.30 p.m., with the assistance of my searchlights to illuminate the scene, I had all hands transferring the coal from her in railway-trucks, which I commandeered to the ship. In all, by 4 a.m. I had scraped up 50 tons, mostly dust, and trimmed sufficient of my own coal to justify me in leaving. 3. By 5 a.m. I was under weigh, and proceeding as fast as possible, considering the nature of the coal, for Dusky Sound, where I arrived at 1.45 p.m., having averaged rather over 15 knots for the distance. 4. I found the s.s. " Waikare " beached on Stop Island, with her bow on a ledge of rocks, her stern in deep water, and with a heavy list to port. She appeared to be hung just under the chart-house, and was working to a slight extent in the swell. During the time that we were near her she settled nearly 2 ft. aft, and I am of opinion that she will in all probability either slip off backwards or roll over into deep water very shortly. The passengers and crew were encamped on Stop Island under the most uncomfortable circumstances, and I proceeded to embark them, in the " Waikare's " boats with as little delay as possible. By 5 p.m. the last boatload had come on board, the only people standing by the ship being the captain and eighteen of his officers and crew, who remained to salve what they could. 5. I did not consider it desirable to arrive at Bluff in the middle of the night, as. owing to the crowded state of the decks and the strong wind blowing, it would have been difficult to berth th.3 ship safely, and I therefore proceeded at ten knots only, and arrived here at 5.45 a.m., where I disembarked all hands and turned them over to the care of the secretary of the Union Steamship Company, who was here to receive them. 6. In view of the fact that my men had been employed for two days and nights without any rest, I declined to coal at once from my collier, which had arrived during my absence, and commenced coaling this morning. 7. I would respectfully bring to your notice the very satisfactory way in which the men of this ship worked during the whole period, it being necessary not only to coal the ship from Mr. Hill's hulk under very arduous circumstances, but, in addition, from the time we left to the time we returned to Bluff the whole of the deck complement was employed trimming our own coal from the after reserve bunkers to the fore stokehold. The whole ship's company also cheerfully gave their beds and bedding for the use of the passengers, in addition to entertaining the crew of the " Waikare " on the mess deck. 8. I would also bring to your notice the great courtesy which I received from the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, who had the telegraph and telephone lines cleared for my messages, and who enabled me to make full, and ample provision for the comfort of the shipwrecked people in a very much shorter time than I could possibly have done it myself. In case he could'be of any assistance at the scene of the wreck, Sir Joseph also accompanied me to Dusky Sound. I have, &c, The Senior Naval Officer, New Zealand. W. F. Blunt, Commander.

No. 5. New Zealand, No. 65. My Lord, — Downing Street, 31st March, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 12, of the 10th February, and of your telegrams of the 21st March, on the subject of the termination of your tenure of the office of Governor of New Zealand. 2. I have already informed you in my telegram of the 22nd March that I approve of your proposal to leave New Zealand on the 6th June. 3. I am commanded by His Majesty to express to you, on the termination of your appointment, the great satisfaction with which he has observed the assiduous performance of your duties as Governor, and your constant efforts to render close and cordial the relations between the Dominion and the Mother-country. 4. I desire also to take this opportunity of expressing to you my own sense of the admirable manner in which you have discharged the duties of your post. I have, &c, CKEWE. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., X.C.V.0., &c.