A—l

8

2. My Ministers advise me, in reply, that the required number of specimens of the undermentioned postage-stamps, &c., were sent by the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department to the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union, Berne, in accordance with the provisions of the Postal Union Convention : New Zealand |d. stamps overprinted " War Stamp "; New Zealand stamps overprinted " Samoa," of the denominations of Id., 2d., 2-J.d., 6d., Is., 55., 10s., and £1; and letter-card, Id. 3. The military authorities in occupation of the German territory of Samoa were responsible for an issue of German stamps overprinted " G.R.1.", but the issue was quickly exhausted, and no specimens are now available. I have, &c. LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &o, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 19. New Zealand, No. 113. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 11th May, 1916. I have the honour to enclose the accompanying copies of the Speech with which, on the 9th May, I opened the Second Session of the Nineteenth Parliament of New Zealand. I have, &o, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.0., &o, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1917. No. 45.

No. 20. New Zealand, No. 116. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 12th May, 1916. At the request of my Ministers I have the honour to inform you, in reply to your despatch, No. 164, of the 7th March, that should any licenses be granted for the exportation of prohibited goods to Switzerland two certificates of exportation in the form enclosed in your despatch will be issued, and the colour, texture, and print of such certificates will resemble that form (S. 45a) as closely as possible. I have, &o, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &o, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 21. New Zealand, No. 119. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 19th May, 1916. I have the honour to inform you that the necessary steps are being taken by Ministers to ensure, so far as this Dominion is concerned, the fulfilment of the conditions set forth in your despatch, No. 204, of the 22nd March, relative to the possession of passports, &c, by passengers arriving at Marseilles. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right, Flon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., &o, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.