12

A.t-2

No. 14.

New Zealand, No. 121. My Lord,— Downing Street, 20th March, 1914. With reference to my despatch, No. 54, of the 22nd January, I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that His Majesty's Government having announced their intention of sending delegates to the' International Conference for the Protection of Juvenile and Female Labour which is to meet at Berne on the 3rd September next, the Swiss Government have extended the invitation to be represented at this Conference to the Governments of the self-governing Dominions. 2. I shall be glad to learn in due course the names of the delegates whom your Government may select to represent them on this occasion. I have, &c, L. HAECOUET. Governor His Excellency the Eight Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, K.C.M.G., M.V.0., &c. •

A.-l, 1915, No. 19.

No. 15. New Zealand, No. 122. My Lord,-— Downing Street, 20th March 1914. I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the Deputy Master of the Mint is anxious to include in his annual report information with regard to the currency of the oversea Dominions similar to that which has for many years past been given in the case of foreign currency (see, e.g., pages 25-30, 146-164 of the report for 1912, copies of which accompanied my library despatch of the 23rd January last). The addition of this information would be of material assistance to the Departments of His Majesty's Government concerned with currency questions, and would considerably increase the value of the report to financiers and economists generally. 2. I accordingly enclose a list of questions which is based on that sent to foreign Governments, and I should be glad if your Ministers would be so good as to cause me to be furnished with the information desired by the Mint in so far as it is conveniently available. It is desired that the information should be obtained at as early a date as possible for inclusion in the report of the Deputy Master of 1913, and it would be of advantage if similar information could be sent in future years, as early in each year as may be convenient, I have, &c, L. HAECOUET. Governor His Excellency the Eight Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, K.C.M.G., M.V.0., &c.

A.-l, 1915, No. 15.

Enclosure. 1. What is the monetary unit or standard of currency? 2. What coins are legal tender currency, and to what amount? •'!. What coins (if any) not strictly legal tender are in actual circulation ? 4. Is any form of bank-note, Government currency note, or other paper money current? If so, please state (a) if legal tender, (b) by whom issued and under what guarantee, (c) if payable on demand, (d) if a reserve of gold is held, and (c) if the paper circulates at a discount. .">. Is any form of currency in use other than coins or paper? G. What is the estimated amount of currency in circulation? Please distinguish between British gold coin, foreign gold coin, local metallic currency, notes, &o. 7. How aro supplies of currency obtained, and how is the balance maintained between excessive and deficient amounts of currency in circulation? 8. What steps are taken to withdraw worn coin from circulation? !). What is the rate of exchange for British gold? 10. What are the legal instruments regulating the currency? Please attach copies where possible of all Royal or local Orders in Council, Proclamations, Ordinances, &c, still in force. 11. Any other informal ion of interest relating to the currency will be useful.