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2. Ministers would be glad if His Excellency would represent to the Imperial Government the injury to the trade of British colonies, and especially to that of New Zealand, which would, in the opinion of Ministers, result, should effect be given to the alleged intention of France to assume a protectorate over the Hervey Group, and to compel its people to trade with Tahiti only. 3. Ministers trust that His Excellency will express to the Imperial Government their hope that steps may be taken to induce the French Government not to interfere with the inhabitants of the Hervey Group. John Hall. Wellington, October 27,1881.

No. 10. Government House, Wellington, My Jtord, — New Zealand, 18th January, 1882. I have the honor to inform your Lordship that I have communicated to Ministers your Lordship's circular despatch of the 26th July, 1881, respecting the regimental pay of officers on the personal staff of Colonial Governors, and have received in reply a memorandum from the Premier, a copy of which is enclosed. I have, &c, ARTHUR GORDON. The Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure in No. 10. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to the Governor ; and returns to His Excellency the Secretary of State's circular of July 26th, respecting the regimental pay of officers appointed to the personal staff of Colonial Governors prior to July Ist, which pay, Lord Kimberley explains, cannot after that date be provided out of Army funds. 2. The question raised by this circular, whether colonies will provide such pay, cannot, the Premier respectfully submits, apply to New Zealand. The matter is, in fact, settled by " The Governor's Salary and Allowances Act, 1873," section 3 of which enacts that the Governor shall receive yearly, out of the Consolidated Fund, £1,500 " as an allowance in lieu of payment of the salaries and expenses of his establishment." Wellington, January 18tb, 1882. John Hall.

No. 11. (No. 11.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 28th January, 1882. I have communicated to Ministers your Lordship's Despatch No. 53, of the 29th November, 1881, which conveys the information that the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have consented to present to the Government of New Zealand the Acts of the Scottish Parliament. 2. Ministers desire me to express to your Lordship the gratification of the Colonial Government, and of the Joint Library Committee of the General Assembly, that so valuable an addition to the parliamentary records in the Library has been secured. I have, &c, ARTHUR GORDON. The Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 12. (No. 10.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord,— New Zealand, 28th January, 1882. I am requested by my Ministers to convey to your Lordship the thanks of the Colonial Government for the presentation to them of the defaced Seal of the Colony, returned in your Lordship's despatch (" general ") of the 19th November, 1881. 2. The seal has been placed in the Colonial Museum, where it will be carefully preserved. I have, &c, ARTHUR GORDON. The Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.