A.—l

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colony. No statement of accounts is required to be furnished except the total amount of premiums as aforesaid. (See sees. 7, 8, 9, "Stamp Act Amendment Act, 1885;" sec. 22, "Property Assessment Act. 1885;" and sec. 2, " Property-Tax Act, 1885.") The objection made in the letter enclosed in the despatch affects only life assurance companies, and not marine companies, the latter not being liable to taxation on their capital or required to furnish statements of accounts. 19th December, 1885. J. Sferrey.

No. 23. (No. 7.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 14th January, 1886. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt this day of a telegram from the Foreign Office, of which a copy is enclosed herewith. The telegram will be forwarded by the first mail to the British Consul at Samoa. I have, &c, Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. Colonel Stanley, M.E.

Enclosure. Transmit following telegram to Consul Powell, Samoa: — Referring to telegram of 31st December, German Ministry surprised at contents, having received telegram from commander of "Albatross" of same date reporting all well, and no mention made of incident. German Ministry give assurance they will maintain all previous agreements until alteration of status quo ante agreed to by Her Majesty's Government. Salisbury.

No. 24. (No. 8.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 13th January, 1886. I have the honour to state that I have this day transmitted a telegram to you, of which a copy is enclosed herewith. I have, &c, Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. Colonel Stanley, M.E.

Enclosure. Two Samoan chiefs paying visit to me to-day urged on behalf of King and people of Samoa that Great Britain should undertake government of their country, and stated that all troubles would then cease.

No. 25. (No. 9.) Snt, — Government House, Wellington, 15th January, 1886. I have the honour to state that I have this day transmitted a telegram to you, of which a copy is enclosed herewith. I have, &c, Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. Colonel Stanley, M.E.

Enclosure. Referring to telegram of 13th January from Foreign Office, two Samoan chiefs paid visit to me to-day, and stated the occurrences reported by British Consul took place immediately after departure of last German mail.

No. 26. (No. 10.) SIB, — Government House, Wellington, 18th January, 1886. I have the honour to state that I have this day transmitted a telegram to you, of which a copy is enclosed herewith. I have, &c, Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. Colonel Stanley, M.E.