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No. 5. (No. 115.) Sik, — Government House, Wellington, 6th October, 1885. With reference to my Despatch No. 112, of the 26th ultimo, forwarding an application from Colonel Rookes (late Captain in Her Majesty's 2nd West India Regiment, and Colonel Commandant of Militia and Volunteers, West Coast of Africa) for a decorative distinction, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of another letter which I have received from Colonel Rookes, with enclosures, on the same subject. I have, &c, Wm. E. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Right Hon. Colonel Stanley, M.P.

No. 2 supra.

Enclosure. Colonel Rookes to Sir "William Jervois. Sir, — Remuera, Auckland, 30th September, 1885. In a letter I did myself the honour to address the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and which I had the pleasure of forwarding through your Excellency's hands, I mentioned that I had received the thanks of both Houses of the New Zealand Legislature for the part I was fortunate to have taken, under Sir George Grey, at the capture of an important position from the Maoris in 1865. I felt that such an assertion required to be vouched for when written to so high an authority, and I should have attached the documentary evidence in support thereof, which I had not by me at the time : I do so now, and hope that the omission may not be to my prejudice. I have underlined Sir George Grey's assertion in his speech, and the affirmation of the New Zealand Parliament, relating to my receiving the thanks. I also stated that I had taken several slavers at sea when in Her Majesty's military service on the West Coast of Africa. As this statement might appear somewhat paradoxical from a military man, I support it by enclosing the authority under which, as " Governor's Deputy," I was permitted to act. Under similar license from Governor Kennedy, returning along the shore from a cruise off the Galenas, I chased and captured off the Plantain Islands (Itokelle River) a Mandingoe slaver, which I sent into Sierra Leone, where it was condemned by the Mixed Commission Court, and the prize- and head-money paid to me through the Admiralty Proctor, Mr. Rothery, at Somerset House, in 1855. Another slaver I chased and compelled to run ashore through the surf, where it was lost and destroyed. During the time I held my commission in the service I was employed on two special and important missions : The one, in 1843, from the Governor of the Gambia to the French Governor of Albrida, requesting him to desist from making, and to destroy, certain defensive works he was erecting contrary to treaty. Although I had only the moral support of a few colonial men-of-war sailors, Governor Ingram's demand was at once complied with : Successful. Another from the Governor of the Bahamas to General O'Donnell, Governor of Cuba, demanding restitution of certain British subjects the Cuban authorities had seized and sold into slavery. Before I left the Havana the men were set free and sent in a steamer (the " Trent") to Nassau: Successful. Your Excellency will, I trust, pardon my being somewhat prolix; but, as I know at my age I shall never get a chance of distinguishing myself for decoration again, I am anxious to place before Colonel Stanley all my services in a career that was somewhat eventful until 1865. I have, &c, His Excellency Sir W. Jervois, &c. Charles Cecil Rookes. P.S. —I will not trouble your Excellency to direct the return of the documents sent, 1 and 2.— C. CR.

No. 6. (No. 117.) Sin, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd October, 1885. I have the honour to transmit to you copies of all Acts passed by the General Assembly during their late session, together with a synopsis of the same prepared by the Solicitor-General. 2. "The Administration Act 1879 Amendment Act, 1885," has been reserved for Her Majesty's assent, as it may affect the estates of persons residing out of the colony. I have, &c, Wm. c. drummond jeryois. The Right Hon. Colonel Stanley, M.P.