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to that of the other colonies. Before deciding on this matter, however, which involves a principle for the future, having by no means exclusive reference to the small sum now to be paid, His Excellency would be glad to have the views of your Committee on the subject. With regard to the law for preventing the introduction of foreign criminals, which Mr. Griffith, the Premier of Queensland, has suggested for general adoption, His Excellency desires me to say that though he has not yet had an opportunity of giving it careful consideration in detail, he is, nevertheless, of opinion that its ably-drafted provisions are generally such as to meet the object desired ; and that he will be prepared to recommend to the Legislature of this colony an Ordinance framed on a similar basis, should events, unhappily, render such a precaution necessary on the part of united Australasia. I have, &c. The Hon. the Premier, Victoria. John B. Thurrton.

Enclosure 2. The Premier, Victoria, to the Colonial Secretary, Fiji. Sir, — Premier's Office, Melbourne, 19th September, 1884. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd August, and to request that you will be good enough to express to His Excellency Sir G. William Dcs Voeux my gratification at noticing His Excellency's cordial co-operation in the matters of general Australasian interest referred to in your letter. 2. I beg, also, that you will thank Sir William for his compliment to myself and the other members of the Convention's Committee, who are watching over matters which formed the subject of consideration by the Convention. 3. With regard to the question of tho mode of determining Fiji's contribution to the expense of the New Guinea Protectorate, I will send a copy of your letter for the consideration of the other members of the Committee. As the participation of your colony in the expense will, I think, be chiefly valued as an expression of Australasian unanimity, there can be little doubt that whatever sum His Excellency deems equitable will be accepted. I have, &c. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Suva, Fiji. James Service, Premier.

No. 33. The Premier, New Zealand, to the Premier, Victoria. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 11th October, 1884. I have received, and desire heartily to thank you for, your circular letter of the 25th September, No. 2757, enclosing copy of correspondence between the Government of Fiji and yourself, as to the readiness of the Government of that colony to recommend that Fiji should bear its share in the payment of the £15,000 asked for by tho Imperial Government as a New Guinea Protectorate Subsidy, and expressing general approval by His Excellency Sir William Dcs Vcaux of the Foreign Criminals Bill, drafted by the Premier of Queensland, Mr. Griffith. I am sorry to bo unable, as yet, to inform you of the decision of the New Zealand Parliament respecting those matters, but they will be submitted for discussion and decision as soon as the state of the public business permits. I have, &c. The Hon. the Premier, Victoria. Robert Stout. r

No. 34. The Premier, New Zealand, to His Excellency the Governor. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to the Governor, and has the honour to ask that His Excellency will inform Lord Derby that, because of the state of the public business, consequent upon the recent general election, it has not yet been possible to submit to the House the question of New Zealand contributing to the proposed New Guinea Protectorate Subsidy : but that tho Government are in favour of contribution, and that the question as a whole will shortly be submitted for the decision of Parliament. Eobekt Stout. Wellington, 10th October, 1884.

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Authority: Geobge Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4.