A.—2

22

ralty, reporting that the Lords Commissioners proposed to intimate to Commodore Goodenough their wish that he should resign the seat in the Executive Council in New Zealand which he had accepted. I have caused their Lordships to be informed that I concur in this proposal. However valuable the services of an officer of Commodore Goodenough's experience might be to the Colony, there are serious objections to an officer holding the naval command on a station embracing many important Colonies, being specially connected with the administration of one of them. I have, &c, Governor the Eight Hon. Sir J. Eergusson, Bart. KIMBEELEY.

Enclosure in No. 28. Mr. Hall to the Undee, Seceetaey of State. Sib, — Admiralty, 22nd December, 1873. I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request that you will lay before the Earl of Kimberley the accompanying copy of a letter from Commodore Goodenough, reporting that at the request of His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand he had accepted a seat in the Executive Council of that Colony. My Lords consider that in many respects this arrangement is not expedient, and they propose, with the concurrence of Lord Kimberley, to inform Commodore Goodenough that they wish him to resign the appointment. I have, &c., The Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Bobeet Hall. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 28. Commodore Goodenough to the Seceetaey of the Admibalty. H.M.S. " Pearl," "Wellington, New Zealand, Sib,— 17th October, 1873. I have the honor to request that you will inform the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand and his Government having expressed a desire that I should become a member of the Executive Council of this Colony, it seemed to me to be for the advantage of Her Majesty's service that I should accede to the wish, and I have taken the usual oaths and accepted a seat in the Council. I have, &c., James G. Goodenough, Captain and Commodore, 2nd Class, The Secretary of the Admiralty. Commanding the Australian Station.

No. 9, October 17, 1873.

No. 29. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley to Governor the Eight Hon. Sir J. Eergusson, Bart. (No. 4.) Sir, — Downing Street, 9th January, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 76, of the 14th of October, enclosing a Bill which you had reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure, entitled " An Act to amend ' The Civil List Act, "1863,' so far as relates to the Salary of the Governor, and regulate the Salary of " Officers Administering the Government of New Zealand, and for other Purposes." I have submitted this Bill for Her Majesty's confirmation, and I hope to be able shortly to forward to you an Order of Her Majesty in Council, assenting to the Bill. In the meantime, I desire to express my satisfaction at the liberal arrangements secured by its provisions. I have, &c., Governor the Eight Hon. Sir J. Eergusson, Bart. KIMBEELEY.

37 Vict., No. 80.

No. 30. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimbeelet to the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. (No. 8.) Sir, — Downing Street, 31st January, 1874. I have the honor to inform you that Her Majesty will not be advised to