A.—3d

5

No. 10. The Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal for New Zealand. Pacific Islands. Co-operate zealously with Agents-General, induce Imperial Government establish speedily Protectorate Islands generally, and New Guinea. Victoria desires representation be made direct to Ministers. We concur. Stout. Wellington, Sept. 25.

No. 11. The Agent-Geneeal to the Pbemiee,, New Zealand. Youes yesterday. Position requires extreme care, because Sydney Agent-General been instructed not to press Colonial Office. Advise your urging Sydney allow concerted action here. Bell. London, Sept. 26.

No. 12. The Peemiee, New Zealand, to the Peemiee, Victoria. Please cable how £15,000 contribution, High Commissioner, stands. Do you still want our assent ? Have other colonies assented ? Eobeet Stout. Wellington, Sept. 26.

No. 13. The Peemiee, Victoria, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. . All other colonies have agreed to contribute. I wrote you letters three days ago, explaining the whole position, which please see. James Seevice. St. Kilda, Sept. 26.

No. 14. The Peemiee, Victoria, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Sib, — Premier's Office, Melbourne, 17th September, 1884. On the 22nd July I addressed a circular to the other Australasian Governments respecting the proposal made by Lord Derby in his despatch of the 9th May last, that these colonies should guarantee a subsidy of £15,000 towards the expenses of the Imperial Government with regard to a protectorate of a part of New Guinea. 2. I addressed this circular fro forma to the then Premier of New Zealand, but the Hon. Major Atkinson had previously informed me that political circumstances prevented his dealing with the matter. As the subject thus falls to be decided upon by your Cabinet, I beg to ask that you will favour me with your views regarding it. 3. I transmit herewith, for your information, a printed copy of correspondence relating to this matter, from which you will perceive that, on the 30th June'last, having received the assent of a majority of the colonies to the proposal of Lord Derby, the Government of Victoria, in conjunction with that of Queensland, undertook, on behalf of those colonies which had not pronounced on the matter, to guarantee the whole of the proposed subsidy of £1.5,000. 4. As the political circumstances of your colony no longer preclude a decision, and as the whole of the other Australasian Colonies have agreed to contribute, I beg to inquire whether your Government will now be pleased to express its concurrence, and so relieve Queensland and Victoria of the slight responsibility temporarily assumed by them. I have, &c. The Hon. ltobert Stout, M.H.E., James Service, Premier of New Zealand, Wellington. Premier.

No. 15. The Pbemiee, Victoria, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Sib, — Premier's Office, Melbourne, 19th September, 1884. While congratulating you upon the accession of your Ministry to office, I take the opportunity of inquiring whether your Cabinet has yet taken into consideration the important matter of Australasian Federation, as formulated by the Convention which met in Sydney in November and December last. 2. With the proceedings of the Convention you will, doubtless, be already acquainted, and you will probably also be aware that, since then, the conclusions arrived at by the Convention have been indorsed by the Legislatures of— Queensland —unanimously. Tasmania—unanimously. Western Australia —unanimously. South Australia—with only seven dissentients. Victoria—with only five dissentients.