A.—2

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note that the Canadian Militia Department wish to extend such enlistments to the several branches of the service, to an extent not exceeding 10 per cent, of the recruiting strength of each unit, instead of restricting such enlistments to reservists belonging to the Royal Engineers. As the Army Council have already assented to this course they can offer no objection, on the understanding that such enlistment does not involve discharge from the reserve, and that this fact is carefully explained to the men : also, that their liability as reservists remains unimpaired. I am, &c.j E. W. D. Ward. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, London S.W.

No. 55. New Zealand, No. 169. My Lord, — Downing Street, sth August, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Sir Robert Stout's despatch, No. 59, of the 17th June, forwarding further messages in connection with the death of King Edward VII and the accession of King George V. 2. I have to request that Your Lordship will be so good as to return in suitable terms to the senders, as in the previous cases, the' thanks of His Majesty for their messages, if this has not already been done. I have, &c, CREWE. Governor the Eight Hon. Lord Islington, D.5.0., &c.

No. 56. New Zealand, No. 179. My Lord, — Downing Street, 19th August, 1910. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the consideration of your Ministers, a copy of a letter from the Foreign Office, enclosing a translation of a note from the Italian Ambassador conveying an invitation on behalf of his Government for the postal administration of New Zealand to participate in an international competition of practical telegraphy which is to take place from the 22nd to the 27th August, 1911, in the enclosure of the Turin Exhibition. I have, &c, CREWE. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Islington, D.5.0., &c. Enclosures. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs presents his compliments to the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, and is directed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to transmit the accompanying translation of a note from the Italian Ambassador respecting an international competition of practical telegraphy. The Secretary of State would be glad to be advised what answer should be returned to the Italian Ambassador. Foreign Office, 9th August, 1910. Sir,— London, 30th July, 1910. I have the honour to inform you the Italian Ministry of Posts and Telegraphs has invited all the telegraph administrations in the world to participate in an international competition of practical telegraphy which is to take place from August 22nd to 27th, 1911, in the enclosure of the Turin Exhibition. Telegraphists belonging to the Military Engineers and those subordinate to the Ministries of Marine and State Railways will also take part in the competition. With a view to its greater success, I have been directed to ask you to move the postal administrations of England, Australia, the Cape, Ceylon, British India, Natal, New Zealand, and the Transvaal also to participate in the competition, rendering it thus of much greater international importance. In the expectation of a favourable reply. I have, &c, Sir E. Grey, Bart., &c. Impbriali.