A.—2.

2

No. 1. New Zealand, No. 253. Sir, — Downing Street, 29th December, 1927. I have the honour to transmit, to be laid before His Majesty's Government in New Zealand, the accompanying copy of a despatch from His Majesty's Government in the Irish Free State requesting information as to the methods employed in New Zealand in the bacteriological analysis of water and dairyproducts. 2. I shall be glad to know what reply should be returned to this request. I have, &c. (For the Secretary of State), , LOVAT. Governor-General His Excellency General Sir C. Fergusson, Bart., LL.D., G.C.M.G., K.C.8., D.5.0., M.Y.0., &c.

Enclosure. Despatch No. 333. Department of External Affairs, Irish Free State, 20th December, 1927. Sir, — I have the honour to state that, in connection with their investigations under the Dairy Produce Act, 1924, the Department of Lands and Agriculture are desirous of obtaining the fullest possible information regarding the methods employed in the laboratories of the principal dairying countries in the bacteriological analysis of water, and the various dairy-products such as milk, cream, butter, &c. These particulars are required under the following heads : — (1) Detailed composition of medium : (2) Methods of preparation and storage : (3) Reaction of the medium —that is, pil value and acidity : (4) Temperature of incubation, with maximum positive and negative variation : (5) Time of incubation, in hours: (6) Method of counting : (7) Any other particulars considered of value in this connection. I shall be glad if you will be good enough to ascertain if the necessary particulars in respect of New Zealand can be supplied by His Majesty's Government in New Zealand. I have, &c., P. McGilligan, Minister for External Affairs. The Right Hon. the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, Downing Street, London S.W. 1.

No. 2. New Zealand, Dominions No. 5. Sir,- Downing Street, 3rd January, 1928. With reference to the Duke of Devonshire's despatch, Dominions No. 15, of the 9th January, 1923, I have the honour to transmit, for the information of His Majesty's Government in New Zealand, copies of an extract from the London Gazette of the 23rd December containing the Egypt (Amendment) Order in Council, 1927, dated the 3rd November, 1927. I have, &c. (For the Secretary of State), LOVAT. Governor-General His Excellency General Sir C. Fergusson, Bart., LL.D., G.C.M.G., K.C.8., D.5.0., M.V.0., &c.