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A. -2

copies of instructions which the Board of Trade are issuing to their Surveyors, dealing with the construction and inspection of ships' wooden lifeboats required under the statutory Life-saving Appliances Rules. 2. Copies are being sent by the Board of Trade direct to the proper authorities in the oversea dominions. I have, &c, A. BONAR LAW. Governor His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, G.C.M.G, M.V.O, &c.

No. 52. New Zealand, No. 641. My Lord, — Downing Street, 21st August, 1916. I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, to be laid before your Ministers, a copy of the Charter of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, which was founded in 1.907, for the purpose of giving the highest specialized instruction, and to provide the fullest equipment for the most advanced training and research, in various branches of science, especially in its application to industry. 2. With a view to emphasizing the Imperial character of their work, a resolution was recently passed by the governing body of the college providing for the addition of seven members to their number, representing respectively the self-governing dominions, India, and the Crown colonies and protectorates. I enclose for your Ministers' information a copy of an Order in Council dated the 7th July amending the charter of the Imperial college in accordance with this resolution, together with a list of the members who composed the governing body before the resolution was passed. 3. I shall be glad to know whether your Ministers desire to take advantage of the opportunity of appointing a representative on the governing body of the college, and, if so, to learn whom they nominate as the representative of the Dominion. It will be observed that the member representing New Zealand is to be deemed to be appointed for a term of office ending on 31st May, 1921. I have, &c, A. BONAR LAW. Governor His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, G.C.M.G, M.V.0., &c.

A.-l, .1917. No. 55.

No. 53. New Zealand, No. 642. My Lord, — Downing Street, 21st August, 1916. In continuation of my despatch, No. 460, of the 23rd June, relative to the war-tax imposed by the Government of Jamaica on letters and parcels addressed to places within the Empire, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the law imposing this special tax came into operation on the Ist April last, and will continue in force until and including the,3lst March next f have, &c, A. BONAR LAW. Governor His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, G.C.M.G, M.V.O, &c.