7

A.—3d

(7.) That the Convention expresses a confident hope that no penal settlement for the reception of European criminals will long continue to exist in the Pacific, and invites Her Majesty's Government to make to the Government of France such serious representations on this subject as may be deemed expedient; records its entire approval of the said resolutions. 2. That an address be presented to His Excellency the Governor informing him of the foregoing resolution. Debate ensued. Question put and passed.

Motion caeeied in Queensland Paeliament on 22nd July, 1884. "That a humble address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that Her Majesty may be graciously pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of constituting a Federal Council of Australasia, upon the basis of the draft Bill adopted by the Convention held in Sydney in the months of November and December, 1883."

No. 16. The Peemiee, New Zealand, to the Peemiee, Victoria. Afteb considering telegram from New Zealand Agent-General, copy subjoined, cable whether you think we can be of use in inducing Sydney take concerted action. Also, whether Sydney's defection will not prevent concerted action being of use. This Government desires act with other Governments unitedly. Eobebt Stout. _^__________________ Wellington, Sept. 29.

See No. 11

No. 17. The Pbemiee, Victoria, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. The attitude of New South Wales greatly to be regretted; and I thank you much for offering to assist in inducing Stuart to co-operate. Kindly do so in the way you think best, and inform of result. All the other colonies are heartily united, and should persevere, even if we cannot have the assistance of Sydney. Jas. Seevice, Premier. Melbourne, Sept. 29.

No. 18. - The Prbmieb, New Zealand, to the Peemiee, New South Wales. Wish you could see your way to instructing your Agent-General co-operate with others in pressing Lord Derby re Protectorate Guinea and other islands. We have agreed to join, but are very reluctant to appear in disunion with New South Wales. Hope you will excuse my urging you, in memory of long amity with this colony, to join in the representation. Delay is dangerous. Several countries undoubtedly, disposed place difficulties in way, and these will increase the longer decision delayed. Eobeet Stout. Wellington, Sept. 30.

No. 19. The Pbesiieh, New South Wales, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. This Government's desire is, to carry out Convention's resolutions, which were, Annexation or Protectorate of New Guinea, and leaving Imperial Government entirely free to take its own course with regard to the other islands, with only the expression of our opinion, that their Annexation by Foreign Powers would be inimical to welfare of these colonies. Alex. Stuaet. " Sydney, October 3.

No. 20. The Agent-Geneeal to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Pacific Islands. Necessary know following, before concerted action possible. Firstly, Whether co-operate Victorian Agent-General, Federation; secondly, Whether you contribute share of £15,000. Obviously, cannot press Colonial Office take action, without sharing. Bell. -^^^^^^___^^^^^__ London, Sept. 29.

No. 21. The Peemiee, Victoria, to the Peemieb, New Zealand. Übgent. Newspaper telegram, this morning, says that Bell has declined to co-operate with other Agents-General, unless Samuel, for New South Wales, also joins. I presume there is some error here, and shaU-be glad to be in a position to contradict. Kindly raply promptly. Tasmania has now joined in the movement, and asks our Agent-General to act for her. The Australian concert is thus complete, only excepting New South Wales. James Seevice, Premier. Melbourne, Oct. 2.