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" date of signing contract, and offer half rates Government telegrams, and quarter " rates press messages, over their system from date of signing contract instead of " from commencement of subsidy. Please repeat to NeAV Zealand, and reply.' " I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 32. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules PuObinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 7.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 9th April, 1879. I have the honor to report that, having laid your telegraphic message of the 31st March before Ministers, I have this day received a memorandum from the Premier informing me that, in compliance with your wishes, a telegram has this day been transmitted to the Agent-General, empowering him to represent this Government in the proposed negotiations with the Imperial authorities respecting the future division of Imperial postal receipts. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 33. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 8.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 10th April, 1879. I have the honor to report that I have this day transmitted a telegraphic despatch to you of which the following is a copy : — " 10th April.—Your message of 7th April received. This Government con- " sents to duplicate Australian cable being used for South Africa under terms " named." I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

No. 34. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 9.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 12th April, 1879. I have the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Premier, Sir George Grey, explaining, more fully than could be done in my telegraphic despatch to you of the 10th instant, how readily this Government relinquished its claim upon the second cable to Australia from an earnest desire to assist Great Britain in the present South African difficulty. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 34. Memorandum for His Excellency. Sir George Grey presents his respectful compliments to Sir Hercules Robinson. 2. Sir George Grey wishes to say that he sent the other day the draft of a telegram to the Home Government stating that the Colony of New Zealand relinquished its claim upon the