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sence of several of my Ministers and a number of local gentlemen holding the distinctions of K.C.M.G., C.M.G., and 1.5.0., I presented, in a ceremonial manner, to the Honourable Colonel James Allen, the insignia of Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, together with the Sovereign's Warrant conferring upon him the grant of that dignity and a Warrant dispensing with his persona] investiture by the King. To the Honourable William Edward Collins I presented the insignia of Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George and the Sovereign's Warrant conferring that dignity upon him. To Mr. John Pearce Luke and to Captain Percival Henry Hall-Thompson, R.N., I presented the insignia of Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, together with His Majesty's Warrant in each case. I also availed myself of the opportunity afforded by this occasion of handing to Mr. William "Russell Morris his badge as Companion of the Imperial Service Order, together with a letter containing his Warrant of Appointment and a copy of the Statutes of the Order. Mr. Morris has been requested to send to the Secretary of the Order an acknowledgment of the receipt of his insignia. 3. It was not possible for me to present on this 'occasion the insignia of Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath to Colonel Robert Logan, who is at present in Samoa, or the insignia of Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George to Doctor Frederick Truby King, who was unavoidably absent; but I will take the opportunity of presenting their respective decorations to these gentlemen later, and will report when I have done so. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Walter H. Long, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 43. New Zealand, No. 315. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 19th December, 1917. I have the honour to inform you that I referred to my Ministers your despatch, No. 152, of the 26th September, on the subject of the payment of dock, harbour, and light dues in respect to vessels ordered into port for examination purposes. 2. My Prime Minister informs me in reply that principles similar to those which are being applied in Great Britain will be applied in this Dominion in the case of the dues and charges referred to in your despatch, and that the necessary instructions are being issued to Collectors of Customs accordingly. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Walter H. Long, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 44. New Zealand, No. 321. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 22nd December, 1917. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches, Nos. 145 of the 15th September and 156 of the sth October, giving an account of the reception accorded to the wounded soldiers on the hospital ships " Marama " and " Maheno " while passing through the Panama Canal. 2. T had already been informed of the hospitality and the many acts of kindness extended to the invalids on these two ships when passing through the