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panied by the text of the Convention agreed on between the Government. I have assured myself that the text is in conformity with our common intentions, and I give my approbation to it. It shall therefore be understood that the two Governments will take their measures that the regulations destined to guide the Mixed Naval Commission contemplated by Article No. 11. should be elaborated and approved within a maximum period of four months, to date from the signature of the Convention; and I take the engagement, in the name of the Government of the Eepublic, to cause the evacuation of the New Hebrides by the French military posts at the expiration of this term, if it be not possible to do so earlier. Accept, &c, Floueens.

No. 10. The Seceetaey of State for the Colonies to the Offices Administering the Government. Sie, — Downing Street, 31st December, 1887. With reference to my circular despatch of the 28th October, enclosing a draft of the New Hebrides Convention, I have the honour to transmit to you copies of the Convention in French and English as actually signed. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. H. T. Holland.

Enclosure. Mr. Egerton to the Marquis of Salisbury. My Lord, — Paris, 16th November, 1887. I have the honour to transmith herewith to your Lordship the New Hebrides Convention, which, under the authority conveyed in your Lordship's Despatch No. 61, Treaty, of the 14th instant, I have this day signed with M. Flourens, in duplicate, one copy remaining in his Excellency's hands. I have, &c, Edwin H. Egerton.

Sub-Enclosure. Convention relative to the New Hebbides, signed at Paris, 16th November, 1887. The Government of Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Government of the French Bepublic, being desirous to abrogate the Declaration of the 19th June, 1847, relative to the islands leeward of Tahiti, and also to make provision for the future protection of life and property in the New Hebrides, have agreed upon the following articles :— Article I. The Government of Her Britannic Majesty consent to proceed to the abrogation of the Declaration of 1848 relative to the Islands to the leeward of Tahiti as soon as the agreement hereinafter contained for the future protection of life and property in the New Hebrides by means of a Joint Commission shall have been carried out. Aeticle 11. A Joint Naval Commission shall be immediately constituted, composed of British and French naval officers on the Pacific station, charged with the duty of maintaining order and of protecting the lives and property of British subjects and French citizens in the New Hebrides. Aeticle 111. A Declaration to that effect shall be signed by the two Governments. Aeticle IV. The regulations for the guidance of the Commission shall be drawn up by the two Governments, approved by them, and transmitted to the commanders of the British and French ships on the Pacific naval station within a period not exceeding four months from the date of the signature of the present Convention, should it be impossible to do so earlier. Article V. Immediately on the approval of those regulations by the two Governments, and the consequent withdrawal of the French military posts from the New Hebrides, the Government of Her Britannic Majesty will proceed to the abrogation of the Declaration of 1847. It is understood that the assurances relating to trade and to convicts, which are contained in the note verbale of the 24th October, 1884, communicated by M. de Freycinet to Lord Lyons, shall remain in full force. In witness whereof the undersigned, duly authorised for that purpose, have signed the present Convention, and have affixed thereto their seals. Done in duplicate at Paris, the 16th November, 1887. (1.5.) Edwin Heney Egeeton. (1.5.) Floueens.