A.—3

2

and to inform you that I last night presented it to Parliament. I may inform you that a Committee is now sitting, to consider the question of the relation of the Pacific Islands to this colony; and I will not fail to send you a copy of their report. I have, &c, F. H. Prichard, Esq., Eobeet Stout. Hon. Secretary, Annexation Committee, Levuka, Fiji.

No. 5. " The Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. Samoa : What amount purchase German interests, including land claims'? 18th August, 1885. Eobeet Stout.

No. 6. The Agent-Geneeal to the Peemiee. Samoa : Amount roughly stated by Germans £200,000 ; but this absurd. Therefore, supposing entertain principle at all, next step would be define reasonable terms. This could only be done Conference Berlin, would take time, keep question open. 18th August, 1885. F. D. Bell.

No. 7. The Agent-Geneeal to the Peemiee. Sic,— 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 20th August, 1885. After writing to you on the 12th instant, No. 1,034, I received your telegram of the 18th, inquiring what would be the amount required to buy out the German interests at Samoa, including claims to land. I had understood from Dr. Krauel and Mr. Sahl that it would take about £200,000, including everything ; so I replied to you to that effect, stating, however, that I thought such a sum absurd. I added that, supposing the principle (of buying out the German interests) to be first admitted, I thought the next step would be to define in some proper way what would be " reasonable terms; " but that this could not be done without conferences at Berlin, which would require time, and so give opportunity for full consideration, while the Samoan question would be kept open meanwhile. If I should hear that the Government and Parliament are disposed to entertain the matter any further, I shall be glad to submit my idea of the best way to arrive at a fair method of ascertaining the real value of the German interests. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

No. 5.

No. 6.

No. 8. F. H. Peichard, Esq., to the Peemiee. Sic, — Levuka, 3rd September, 1885. I have the honour, by direction of the Committee, to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated 23rd July and 18th August, with enclosure. I am instructed again to tender you the thanks of the Committee, and to assure you that the report of the Committee will be looked for with special interest. Herewith I have the honour to forward a further supplementary sheet, closing the petition. I have, &c, The Hon. Eobert Stout, Premier, Wellington. F. H. Peiohaed.

A.-4a*,'85,N0.6,

No. 9. The Pkemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. Parliament resolved expedient to establish closer relations Fiji, Samoa, without incurring serious pecuniary liability. Essential Eapa should be under British control. Urge Colonial Office. 10th September, 1885. Eobeet Stout.

No. 10. The Peemieb to the Agent-General. Sir, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 10th September, 1885. I have this day cabled to you the substance of the report of the Pacific Islands Committee, which was referred to the Government by the House on the 4th instant; and I now enclose the full text for your information and guidance. I do not deem it necessary to add anything to the report, because you have already anticipated it by your action, further than that the Government fully relies on your endeavours, and thanks you for what has been already done in reference to the matter. I have, &c, Sir F. Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., Agent-General. Bobeet Stout.

No. 9.

1.-8,1885,