A.—3d

4

No. 6. The Peemier, Victoria, to the Premier, New Zealand. Sic, — Premier's Office, Melbourne, 2nd August, 1884. Referring to my circular of the 22nd ultimo, I have the honour to inform you that the Bill therewith submitted has been passed by the Queensland Legislative Assembly. A few verbal alterations were made, which you will probably agree with me are improvements; and, as it seems advisable to observe uniformity as much as possible in matters which are common to the colonies, I think it worth while to submit the alterations to your notice. I have, &c. James Service, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Premier.

Enclosure. [The alterations made in the Bill, which is printed as an Enclosure to No. 5, are the following:— The title to road, '' A Bill to make Provision for the Payment by the Colony of of a Proportionate Share of the Expenses to be incurred by Her Majesty's Government in giving effect to certain Eesolutions adopted by the Convention of Representatives of the Governments of the several Australasian Colonies held in Sydney in November and December, 1883." The Short Title to read, "The New Guinea and Pacific Jurisdiction Contribution Act of 1884." Clause 1, paragraph 1, to read, " There shall be issued and paid to Her Majesty, out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, in each and every year during the continuance of this Act, for and towards the expenses incurred in respect of the maintenance of a naval force in the waters of New Guinea, and the exercise of protection in Her Majesty's name over tho eastern shores of that island, and over any other island or islands in the Western Pacific Ocean over which Her Majesty may be pleased to exercise protection, a sum bearing the same proportion to the sum of fifteen thousand pounds as tho population of the Colony of bears to the total population of the Australasian Colonies which for the time being contribute towards such expenses."]

No. 7. The Peemier, Victoria, to the Premiee, New Zealand. I invite your attention to the still unsettled and unsatisfactory condition of the Islands question. We have gained something as regards Guinea; but even that is imperfect, leaving out, as I understand, north-west portion. As regards other Islands, the policy of delay adopted by Lord Derby, simply increases the difficulties. Twelve months ago, the Islands iright have been ours, without difficulty. Now, at any moment, another Power may appear upon the scene. All considerations induce me to submit, at the present juncture, that we make unitedly one more effort to prevail upon England to make a complete work, by establishing Protectorate over unappropriated Islands, respecting, of course, international obligations. If you concur in this, the course I should suggest is, that colonies having an Agent-Genoral should instruct, by telegram, their Agents to consult, and make one more united effort with Lord Derby, or even the Premier. Colonies not having an Agent, but concurring, to authorize one of the other colonies to speak for them in this matter. To leave the matter where it is, would be an impotent conclusion to our efforts; but, more than that, we should be letting slip an opportunity that may never recur. James Seevice, Chairman of Convention Committee. Melbourne, September 17.

No. 8. The Peemiee, New Zealand, to the Peemiee, Victoria. Pacific Islands. Quite concur. Will instruct Agent-General as you suggest. Telegraph me terms your cablegram to Agent-General, and we will send one in accordance. Will reply next week respecting New Guinea and High Commissionership. Eobeet Stout. Wellington, Sept. 18.

——————— No. 9. The Peemier, Victoria, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Pacific Islands. Form of telegram to our Agent-Genoral will be simply instructing him to consult and zealously co-operate with Agents-General of other colonies, in" making one more effort with Lord Derby, or even Mr. Gladstone-, if necessary, to establish as speedily as possible a Protectorate over these Islands and New Guinea. James Seevice, Premier. Melbourne, Sept. 23,