A.—2,

22

No. 30. New Zealand, No. 186. Sir, — Downing Street, 18th September, 1928. With reference to my telegram of 2nd May, No. 48, 1 have the honour to state that the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific has now been authorized to enact an Ordinance which will confer upon the Resident Commissioner of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony power, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, to acquire compulsorily land in respect of which the holder of a license to work minerals has been unable to come to terms with the surfaceowner. The Ordinance makes provision for the payment of compensation, to be assessed by arbitration in such a manner as the Secretary of State for the Colonies may direct. Sir E. liutson has been asked to forward to the New Zealand Government a copy of this Ordinance when enacted. 2. This legislation will enable the British Phosphate Commission, in the event of their failing to come to terms with the Banabans, to apply to the Resident Commissioner for the compulsory acquisition of the additional areas which they are desirous of obtaining in Ocean Island with a view to the issue of a lease. In the event of arbitration proceedings under the Ordinance becoming necessary in connection with the acquisition of land on Ocean Island for the Phosphate Commission, it is contemplated by the Secretary of State for the Colonies that one arbitrator should be appointed on behalf of the Natives and one by the Commission, and that the selection of an umpire, if required, should rest with the two arbitrators. If it should happen that the two arbitrators are unable to agree as to the appointment of an umpire an appointment would be made by the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I have, &c., L. S. AMERY. 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.

No. 31. New Zealand, Dominions Treaty No. 74. Sir, — Downing Street, 22nd September, 1928. With reference to my despatch, Dominions No. 287, of the 11th July, 1925, I have the honour to state that, as His Majesty's Government in New Zealand are aware, His Majesty's Government in Great Britain took the opportunity at the Stockholm Congress in 1924 of extending to the Postal Union an invitation to hold the next Postal Union Congress in London. This invitation was accepted, and arrangements are accordingly being made for the Congress to open in London in May, 1929. 2. Bis Majesty's Government in Great Britain will be glad to receive in due course particulars of the delegation appointed to represent New Zealand at the Congress. It will, of course, be appreciated that delegates should be furnished with the necessary letters of authority empowering them to sign any conventions or arrangements which may be adopted at the Congress. I have, &c., L. S. AMERY. 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.

No. 82. New Zealand, No. 204. Sir, — Downing Street, 3rd October, 1928. With, reference to my despatch, Dominions No. 183, of the 22nd March, 1927, regarding the question of the issue of certificats de coutume to British subjects desirous of marrying in France in accordance with French law, I have the honour to state, for the information of His Majesty's Government in New Zealand, that a similar question has arisen in Switzerland.