NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OE STATE

A.—No. 1

89

" British Colonies and Dependencies, are authorized to fly the union jack, with " the arms or badge of the Colony emblazoned in the centre thereof." 1. In compliance with your Lordship's desire, I send herewith a drawing of the proposed flag to be flown by the Governors of New Zealand, on the model of the pattern sent out with the Despatch now under reply. 5. It is disputed here whether it is intended that this new flag shall be flown by Governors only when afloat, or also at the Government Houses on shore. It will be recollected that hitherto it has been the custom, at least in the Australian Colonies, to fly the union jack without any distinguishing badge at the several Government Houses. But to avoid any future difficulty, lam requested to solicit an authoritative decision on the above-mentioned point. I have, &c, The Eight Hon, Earl Granville, K.G. G. E. BOWEN.

No. 53. Copy of a DESBATCH from Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. (No. 13.) Government House, Auckland, My Lord, — New Zealand, 7th April, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch No. 18, of the 28th January ult., authorizing me to offer to Mr. Donald McLean the distinction of Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. 2. Mr. M'Lean requests me to state that he accepts this offer with gratitude, and is very sensible of the gracious terms in which your Lordship speaks of his public services. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Earl Granville K.G. G. E. BOWEN.

No. 51. Copy of a DESBATCH from Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. (No. 45.) Government House, Auckland, My Lord, — New Zealand, 12th April, 1870. At the request of my Eesponsible Advisers, I have the honor to transmit the enclosed Ministerial Memorandum, covering a letter from the Chief Justice of New Zealand, suggesting that an Act should be passed by the Imperial Earliament to enable " the Supreme Courts of all Colonies to appoint Commissioners in each " of Her Majesty's dominions to take affidavits and declarations, which should, " subject to just exceptions, be receivable in evidence by the Courts by whom they " had been appointed —false swearing being made perjury, triable and punishable " either in the Colony, or in the place, if it had Imperial tribunals, where the " offence was committed." I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. G. E. BOWEN.

Enclosure in No. 51. Memoeandum by Mr. Gisboene. sth April, 1870. His Excellency is respectfully requested to transmit to Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies the accompanying copy of a letter, addressed by His Honor the Chief Justice to the Colonial Secretary, and to express the opinion of Ministers that such legislation as in the said letter is suggested is urgently required. His Excellency the Governor. "W. Gisboene.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 51. His Honor Sir G. A. Aenet, C.J., to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sic, — Auckland, 20th January, 1870. I have the honor to bring under the notice of the Government the following Resolution arrived at by the Judges in Conference: — 23