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No. 9. New Zealand, No. 73. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 29th April, 1914. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 40, of the 23rd January, forwarding copy of a letter from the National Health Insurance Commissioners asking that they may receive the assistance of shipping officers at ports in the oversea dominions in connection with the health insurance of seamen under the National Insurance Acts. 2. With regard to the suggestions made in that despatch, I beg to subjoin a copy of a minute, forwarded to me by my Prime Minister, from the Minister of Marine on the subject:— " There is no objection to the Superintendents of Mercantile Marine undertaking the duties referred to herein, but past experience shows that there is really no necessity for the Superintendents in this Dominion to keep a stock of cards and stamps, as they have never been asked for, the masters and pursers of British registered ships always having had what they require. Should the Imperial authorities, however, still desire that the Superintendents shall keep a supply of cards and stamps the Government is quite agreeable to their doing so, and also to their seeing that the masters attach the requisite stamps to the cards in cases where it becomes necessary owing to the discharge, death, or desertion, &c, of the seamen in New Zealand." I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 10. New Zealand, No. 74. Sir,- — Government House, Wellington, 30th April, 1914. With reference to your despatch of the 27th February, No. 100, on the subject of the Bill entitled Importation of Plumage (Prohibition) Act, 1914, which is being introduced into the House of Commons by His Majesty's Government, and suggesting that the question of the introduction of similar legislation into the Parliament of New Zealand may be considered, I have the honour to inform you that I am advised by the Prime Minister that it is proposed during the forthcoming session to consolidate and amend the Animals Protection Acts, and that the question of prohibiting the importation of the plumage or skins of birds will be considered when that measure is drafted. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1015. No. 8.

No. 11. New Zealand, No. 76. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 6th May, 1914. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 27th February, No. 99, requesting me to inform my Ministers that His Majesty will not be advised to exercise his power of disallowance in respect of the Naval Defence Act, 1913, of New Zealand. 2. Six copies of all regulations made by the Governor under the Act will be transmitted to you in accordance with your request. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A-2, 1015. No. 6.