A.—2

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2. The principal requirements of Swiss law in the case of a foreigner in this respect are a certificate from the consular representative of the country to which he belongs (or some other evidence) to the effect that the Swiss marriage with all its consequences will be recognized in that country. Certificates in respect of English law have been issued for many years past by His Majesty's consular officers in Switzerland to meet these requirements in the case of British subjects. 3. As the outcome of correspondence with His Majesty's Consul-General at Zurich in 1922, an amended form of certificate, a copy of which is enclosed, was sanctioned. As shown therein, this form has since been adapted to meet the case of British subjects from Canada. 4. His Majesty's Legation at Berne now represent that, in view of the situation in Switzerland of the League of Nations, British subjects from all parts of the Empire may be present in Switzerland, and that unless arrangements are made for the issue of such a certificate to any British subject on demand inconveniences are likely to arise. 5. It will be observed that the enclosed form of certificate deals with two points : (1) that, in respect of a marriage of a British subject in Switzerland according to Swiss law, a notice of marriage in the part of the Empire to which the British subject belongs is not necessary under the law of that part of the Empire ; and (2) that a marriage so celebrated is a valid form, of marriage under the law of that part of the Empire. 6. It is desired to consider the possibility of drawing up a form of certificate which can be used in the case of British subjects domiciled in any part of the British Empire. As regards point (1) above, the information received in reply to my despatch under reference will enable a formula to be adopted ; but as regards point (2), it would appear necessary for the state of the law in each part of the Empire to be taken into consideration. 7. With a view to the preparation, for the consideration of the Governments of the various parts of the Empire, of such a form of certificate, I should be glad to learn whether a marriage celebrated in Switzerland in the circumstances in question would be a valid form of marriage according to the laws in force in New Zealand, and, if so, subject to what, if any, restrictions. I have, &c., L. S. AMERY. Govern or-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. Form op Certificate. The British Consul, ,at , hereby declares that notice of marriage in n glarid in respect of a marriage celebrated in Switzerland in accordance with Swiss law is not necessary in English j an( j a marr j a g e g0 celebrated in Switzerland is a valid form of marriage in 03/ n&cl iSi n English . Canadian EW " This certificate relates to the civil marriage of with [,Signature.]

No. 33. New Zealand, No. 214. Sir, — Downing Street, 12th October, 1928. With reference to Your Excellency's despatch, No. 178, of the 27th July, I have the honour to request you to inform your Ministers that His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Brigadier) W. L. H. Sinclair-Burgess, C.8., C.M.G., D.5.0., New Zealand Staff Corps, as Aide-de-Camp to the King, in succession to Colonel C. G. Powles, C.M.G., D.5.0., who has retired. A notification to this effect will appear in the London Gazette at an early date. 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.