A.—2

16

I observe that Colonel Rooke's services in New Zealand met with high commendation at the time; but I cannot, at this date, attempt to compare them with those of other claimants of honorary recognition. I have, &c, FEED. STANLEY. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

No. 29. (Circular 1.) Sin, — Downing Street, sth December, 1885. I have the honour to transmit to you, for information and publication in the colony under your government, a copy of an Act passed during the late session of Parliament, entitled "An Act to amend the Law relating to taking Evidence by " Commission in India and the Colonies, and elsewhere in Her Majesty's Do--11 minions " (48 and 49 Viet., cap. 74). The necessity for this measure was brought by the Indian Government to the notice of Her Majesty's Government; and I transmit to you a copy of a memorandum by Sir Eichard Garth, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Calcutta, dated 26th June, 1883, in which he points out the inconveniences which were found to arise from the state of the law as then existing. The Act which I enclose has accordingly been passed, amending the provisions of the Act 22 Victoria, cap. 20. As the Act is an enabling measure, and one which relieves the Judges of colonial Courts from certain duties imposed by an Act of the Imperial Parliament, my predecessor did not think it necessary to delay the introduction of the Bill into Parliament until the Colonial Governments had first been consulted. I have, &c, FRED. STANLEY. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Published in Neiv Zealand Gazette, No. 11, 4th March, 1886.

No. 30. (Circular.) Sin, — Downing Street, 30th December, 1885. I have the honour to acquaint you that I have received information from the Foreign Office that it has been reported to that department by telegrams, dated respectively the 24th and 26th instant, that cases of cholera existed at Trieste and Venice. I have, &c, FEED. STANLEY. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Authority: George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBG.