A.—No. la,

76

DESPATCHES FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE

No. 73. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimbebley to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (Circular.) Sib,— Downing Street, 24th July, 1872. I transmit to you a copy of a Letter from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, inclosing a copy of the Instructions which they have addressed to Commodore Stirling, with regard to the measures to be taken for the suppression of kidnapping in the South Sea Islands. I also enclose a copy of the Instructions suggested in a letter from this department for the guidance of the officers commanding the vessels to be employed in the suppression of the traffic, which are referred to in the 7th paragraph of their Lordship's Instructions to Commodore Stirling. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government KIMBERLEY. of New Zealand.

Enclosure 1 in No. 73. Captain Hall to the TJndeh. Secektaet, Colonial Office. Sib,— Admiralty, 12th July, 1872. With reference to your letter of the 2nd instant, expressing the concurrence of the Earl of Kimberley in the Instructions proposed to be sent to Commodore Stirling respecting the measures to be taken for the suppression of kidnapping in the South Sea Islands, and with reference to your further letter of the 9th instant, stating that it is proposed to forward a copy of these Instructions to the Governors of the Australasian Colonies, I am now commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to transmit herewith, for the information of Lord Kimberley, a copy of amended Instructions this day addressed to Commodore Stirling. 2. My Lords desire me to state that these amended Instructions have been rendered necessary in consequence of the receipt of a despatch from the Commodore, dated the 18th May, No. 64, reporting that schooners cannot be hired, and that it will be necessary to build them in Australia; a copy of which despatch is also inclosed. I have, &c, The Under Secretary of State for the Colonies. Eobeet Hall.

Enclosure 2 in No. 73. Captain Hall to Commodore Stirling. Sib — Admiralty, 12th July, 1872. I have laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 22nd April last, No. 32, on the subject of the measures to be adopted for the suppression of the illegal traffic in South Sea Islanders, in which you state that you concur in the suggestions of Lord Normanby, Governor of Queensland, and recommend that six sailing schooners (to be supported by ships of the Australian Squadron) should be built in the Colonies, as there are no suitable vessels which could be hired. 2(a). I have also laid before their Lordships your letter of the 11th May, received subsequently to the despatch of my telegram of the sth instant (a copy of which is annexed), in which you reiterate your recommendation for building vessels in the Colonies. 2(J). In reply to these letters, I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint you that Her Majesty's Government have determined at once to take steps for putting a stop to the abominable traffic in question, and with this view my Lords desire that you will employ four out of the six vessels now under your orders on this service, instructing their Commanding Officers to act temperately but firmly in taking all lawful measures for the suppression of illegal proceedings of the nature of Slave Trade. 8. As it appears that there is no prospect of your being able to hire suitable vessels, my Lords authorize you to take immediate steps for building five schooners of from 90 to 110 tons, at a cost not exceeding £25 to £30 per ton ready for sea. 4. These schooners are to have the accommodation suggested by you, for three officers and about twenty-five men, and for provisions for about three or four months, and about four to six tons of water. For arming these vessels their Lordships will send out 12-pr. Armstrong guns, with the requisite arms and ammunition, by an early opportunity, and they will also send supernumerary officers and men to assist in manning them. 5. It is to bo understood, that in order to afford the means of carrying out the views of Her Majesty's Government, Lord Kimberley consents to dispense for a time with the visits of Her Majesty's ships to Australian ports generally, and will only require one vessel to be left for service on the coast of New Zealand, and another to be employed at Cape York, in accordance with the instructions contained in my letter of this date, No. 114, relative to the Pearl and Beche-de-mer Fisheries ; but my Lords anticipate that when the five schooners shall have been completed, you will be able to dispense with the services of one of the six vessels now under your orders.