A.—2

10

No. 17. (New Zealand, No. 63.) Sir,— Downing Street, 21st October, 1885. "With reference to my despatch of the 10th ultimo, and to previous correspondence respecting the granting of commissions in the Imperial army to candidates from local military forces, I have the honour to inform you that the Secretary of' State for "War has pointed out that it will be necessary for Governors of the respective colonies, in nominating candidates for commissions, to transmit in each case, with their recommendations, a birth certificate, as well as a certificate from a medical man (a military medical officer when practicable) stating that the candidate is in all respects fit for military service. I have, &c, FRED. STANLEY. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

No. 12, supra,

No. 18. (New Zealand, No. 65.) Sin,— Downing Street, 22nd October, 1885. With reference to your telegram of the 23rd ultimo, and to my reply of the 14th instant, I have the honour to transmit to you, for your information, a full copy of the telegram recently sent by the Admiralty to the Commander-in-Chief on the Australian Station, directing him to send a ship of war to Samoa. I also enclose a copy of a letter from the Admiralty on the subject. I have, &c, FEED. STANLEY. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

Enclosure 1. Copy of Telegram sent in Cipher to the British Admiral at Sydney, New South Wales, on the 9th October, 1885. Send vessel to Samoa to report state of affairs, and. to co-operate with commander of German ship of war there. Must not interfere in politics, or assert British authority beyond protecting interests of British and European settlers. Visit to be as short as possible.

Enclosure 2. Sir,— Admiralty, 16th October, 1885. Referring to your letter of the Ist instant, and to mine of the 10th, I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request you will inform Colonel Stanley that a telegram, dated at Sydney the 14th instant, has been received, saying that the " Miranda" would leave the following day for Samoa, and that the " Opal" had probably called there recently. I have, &c., The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Evan Macgregor.

No. 19. (New Zealand, No, 67.) Sift, — Downing Street, 31st October, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 107, of the 12th ultimo, enclosing a memorandum from your Ministers, with reference to the contribution of New Zealand towards the expenses of the New Guinea Protectorate. I have, &c, FRED. STANLEY. Governor W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., 0.8.

A.-la, 1885, No. 72.

No. 20. (New Zealand, No. 68.) Sir, — Downing Street, sth November, 1885. In reply to your Despatch No. 99, of the 15th of August, respecting the remuneration to be given to Major-General Steward for his services in connection

A.-U, 1885, No. 68.