A.—No. 1.

No. 39. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to His Grace the Duke of Buckingham. (No. 26.) Government House, Auckland, My Lord Duke,— 2nd April, 1868. 1. Since I wrote my Despatch No. 24, of the 27th ultimo, reporting my arrival at Auckland, full details of the infamous attempt lately made at Sydney to assassinate the Duke of Edinburgh have reached this Colony, and have naturally excited general indignation and horror at the crime, and general sympathy with the sufferer. These feelings are finding expressions everywhere throughout New Zealand by means of the press and of public meetings. In all the Churches last Sunday thanksgivings were offered for the providential escape of His Royal Highness, with prayers for his speedy and complete restoration to health. 2. It is still earnestly hoped that the Duke of Edinburgh may ere long be so far recovered as to be enabled to visit at least one port in this Colony on his return to England. It is thought, moreover, that the excellent climate of New Zealand, proved during the recent war to be favourable in the cure of gunshot wounds, would exercise a beneficial influence and accelerate his convalescence. The commodious Government House, at Auckland, would, of course, be placed at his disposal, and he would consult his own wishes and the advice of his medical attendants as to appearing in public or otherwise. I have submitted all the above facts for His Royal Highness' consideration. I have, &c.j His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. G. F. BOWEN.

No. 40. ' Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to His Grace the Duke of Buckingham. (No. 28.) Government House, Auckland, My Lord Duke,— 4th April, 1868. In continuation of my Despatch No. 26, of the 2nd instant, I have the honor to transmit herewith for presentation to the Queen an address to Her ' Majesty; and also, a copy of an address to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, which were adopted at a very large, influential, arid enthusiastic public meeting, held yesterday afternoon, at Auckland. 2. Similar demonstrations of devoted loyalty to the Throne, of patriotic attachment to the mother country, and of respectful sympathy with His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, are taking place at all the .centres of population throughout New Zealand. By the next mail I will transmit the further addresses which will by that time have reached me. I have, &c, His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. G. P. BOWEN.

No. 41. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to His Grace the Duke of Buckingham. (No. 29.) Government House, Auckland, My Loed Duke,— 14th April, 1868. 1. I have the honor to report that I last week visited the Gold Fields of the Province of Auckland; and also a large meeting of Maoris held near the confluence of the rivers Thames and Ohinemuri, about thirty miles inland from the mouth of the former river. I was accompanied by the Colonial Secretary (Mr. Stafford), and by several of the principal officers of the Government; and I was everywhere heartily Avelcomed by both the miners and the Natives. 2. Gold was first discovered ten years ago at Coromandel, on the peninsula which forms the eastern boundary of the harbour of Auckland and the bay of Hauraki; but it is only within the last few months that rich auriferous quartz

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DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW