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the principal matters in which, by the law of this colony, provision is made respecting the authentication of signatures to documents executed out of the colony, with a view of making such documents receivable in its law Courts, or by public officials or others. There is no general law on this subject, and I have only indicated in this memorandum those enactments or rules which are of chief importance, and which would be useful to persons in England who might desire information as to the state of the law in this colony. There are many special enactments which contain provisions applicable only to the matters dealt with by them, and I have not attempted to set those out in detail: —■ Deeds and Documents kelating to Peopeety. "The Property Law Consolidation Act, 1883," No. 29, s. 5. Admissible, if attested by one witness and proved,— If executed in British dominions, according to "The Statutory Declarations Act, 1835," attested by a notary, or Mayor, or Provost: If in a foreign country, verified by affidavit sworn before British Consul or Vice-Consul. " The Land Transfer Act, 1870," No, 51, s. 100. Under Land Transfer Acts instruments are admissible, — If attested by one witness and proved in the United Kingdom before the Mayor or other chief officer of any Corporation, or before a notary public : In any British possession, before the Chief Justice or any Judge of any Supreme Court therein, or the Governor, Government Eesident, Chief Secretary, or a notary public: In any foreign place, before the British Consular Officer thereat or a notary public. Documents genebally. Acknowledgments of Married Women. "The Commissioners of the Supremo Court Act, 1875," No. 82; "The Property Law Consolidation Act, 1883," ss. 83, 85. Commissioners appointed abroad, by the Judges oi the New Zealand Supreme Court, have same powers as Commissioners at Home under 3 and 4 Wm. IV., c. 72, for taking acknowledgments, and in the same manner, of certifying thereto. Affidavits. " The Commissioners of the Supreme Court Act, 1875," No. 82; " The Supreme Court Act, 1882," No. 29. Schedule of Code of Civil Procedure .Rules, 185, 208. Commissioners appointed abroad, under the authority hereinbefore stated; and affidavits taken before them have same effect as if taken in the colony, provided the affidavits are framed according to the Supreme Court Eules of New Zealand. Births, Deaths, and Marriages. " The English Acts Act, 1854," No. 1. Extracts of registers to be evidence in accordance with 14 and 15 Vict., c. 99, s. 11. Many other documents are admissible under the provisions of the following Acts of the Imperial Parliament which have been adopted within the colony:— 8 and 9 Vict., c. 113 : Official documents. 14 and 15 Vict., c. 99, except s. 12 thereof. Merchant Shipping. Eegistration proved under 17 and 18 Vict., c. 104, s. 107. Crown Law Office, 20th June, 1884. W. S. Eeid.

No. 7. (No. 42.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 21st June, 1884. I have the honour to transmit herewith copies of the Speech with which, on the sth instant, I opened the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament of New Zealand, and of the Addresses in Eeply which have been presented to me by the Legislative Council and the House of Eepresentatives respectively. 2. As your Lordship will perceive from these papers, an amendment to the Address had been carried in the Assembly, to the effect that the Government did not possess the confidence of the House. In consequence of this, my Ministers recommended me to dissolve Parliament; and, after most careful consideration of all the circumstances of the case, I decided to accede to their request. The dissolution will accordingly take place in a few days. I have, &c. Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.