TO THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND.

83

A.—No. la.

may declare certain acts and engagements to be legal or illegal in the case of British subjects within Fiji. The Law Officers have also reported, with reference to inquiries made through Mr. Consul March, by certain half-castes, residing at Fiji, as to the protection which could be granted to them, on account of their British origin, in connection with the establishment of a de facto Government, that the half-castes in question appear to be illegitimate children of Fiji women, and to have been born in Eiji territory; and that, consequently, their nationality is not British, and that they are not entitled to British protection. These opinions are communicated to you for your information and guidance. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. KIMBERLEY.

No. 83. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimbebley to Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (No. 52.) Sib, — Downing Street, 21st August, 1872. I have to acknowledge your Despatch No. 36, of Ist April, furnishing an account of your visit to the Kaikoura Mountains, in the Province of M arlborough; the District of Amuri, in the Province of Nelson; and the Northern Districts of the Province of Canterbury ; and stating that it was your intention to ride across the centre of the North Island, from Wellington to Auckland, by Napier, the Lake of Taupo, the hot Lakes, and the W Taikato. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. KIMBERLEY.

No. 84. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimbbelet to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (No. 53.) Sm,— Downing Street, 21st August, 1872. I have to acknowledge your Despatch No. 50, of 10th June, reporting your visit to the Waikato District, and forwarding a Report from Mr. McLean, the Native Minister, upon the state of Native affairs. I have read Mr. McLean's Report with much pleasure. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. KIMBERLEY.

No. 85. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimbebley to Governor Sir G. E. Bowes, G.C.M.G. (No. 54.) Sib, — Downing Street, 21st August, 1872. I have to acknowledge your Despatch No. 37, of 9th April, written from, the Lake of Taupo, in the course of your expedition from Wellington to Auckland, and your further Despatch, No. 47, of 15th of May, announcing the completion of your journey. I have much pleasure in congratulating you upon the success of this expedition, and upon the satisfactory evidences which you received at each place of the intentions and disposition of the Maoris. These Despatches afford striking confirmation of the success of the Native policy adopted by your Government. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. KIMBERLEY. ..... . — 22