NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OE STATE.

73

A.—No. 1

1. After submitting the above explanation, I am sure that I shall be justified in tendering to your Lordship the thanks of the Colonial Government for advising the Queen to ratify the Colonial Order in Council of the 10th March, 1869, and to signify Her gracious desire that the arrangements made by it may be considered as established from that date by Her direct authority. I entirely concur with your Lordship in the confident belief that " this announce- " ment of the Queen's pleasure will enhance the satisfaction with which this " decoration wall be accepted and worn by those to whom it has been or may " hereafter be awarded." I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. G. E. BOWEN. P.S.—The exact form of the " decorative distinction" has not yet, I believe, been decided upon; but a small silver ornament in the shape of the Southern Cross is proposed. I will forward a pattern as soon as I receive it myself. G. E. B.

No. 39. Copy of a DESBATCH from Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. (No. 11.) Government House, Auckland, My Lord, —■ New Zealand, Ist Eebruary, 1870. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch No. 120, of the Ith November ultimo, I am requested by my Eesponsible Advisers to ask your Lordship to have the goodness to cause to bo remitted to the Colonial Government the sum of one thousand six hundred and seventeen pounds thirteen shillings and tenpence (£1,617 13s. 10d.), being the balance due to New Zealand by the War Office. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. G. E. BOWEN.

No. 10. Copy of a DESBATCH from Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. (No. 15.) Government House, Auckland, My Lord, —■ New Zealand, 2nd Eebruary, 1870. With reference to previous correspondence on the subject, I am requested by my Eesponsible Advisers to forward the enclosed Ministerial Memorandum respecting a proposed extension of the New Zealand War Medal to the Colonial Eorces who have been engaged against the rebel Natives subsequent to the time when the Imperial Troops ceased active operations. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. G. E. BOWEN.

Enclosure in No. 10. Memorandum by Mr. McLean. In compliance with a Eesolution of tho House of Eepresentatives, passed during the last Session, Ministers respectfully request His Excellency to move the Eight Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies to obtain tho sanction of Her Majesty the Queen for the extension of the New Zealand "War Medal to the Colonial Eorces who have been engaged against the rebel Natives subsequently to the time when the Imperial troops ceased active operations. Auckland, 31st January, 1870. Donald McLean. 19