S..—l

18

The evidence against the prisoner was of a purely circumstantial character, and, .though very strong, did not seem to me to be sufficiently complete to exclude all doubt as to his guilt. -After going fully into the case, I have, with the full concurrence of my Executive Council, decided to commute the sentence to one of penal servitude for life. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Lord Knutsford, &c. ONSLOW.

No. 16. Telegbam to the Seceetaey of State.—Wellington, 22nd August, 1889. (No. 43.) Eefeebing to my Despatch No. 39, Bth July—Bill passed General Assembly. GOVEENOE OF NEW ZEALAND.

No. 9.

No. 17. Telegeam to the Seceetaby of State.—Wellington, 27th August, 1889. (No. 45.) Much disappointment in the colony abandonment Edwards' visit New Zealand. Inform general officer commanding whether I may announce that visit will be deferred till no later than in the early part of next year.

No. 18. (No. 47.) My Lobd,— Government House, Wellington, 31st August, 1889. With reference to your Lordship's circular despatch of the 30th April, respecting the passing of an Act of Parliament to govern the treatment of vessels breaking revenue laws, I have the honour to inform you that my Government are not aware of any objection to such an Act being passed, and, further, that their legal advisers do not see how there could be any objection to the principle of the proposed measure. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Lord Knutsford, &c. ONSLOW.

A.-2, 1890, No. 10.

No. 19. (No. 49.) My Lobd,— Government House, Wellington, 17th September, 1889. I have the honour to inform you that in consequence of a correspondence between himself and a Judge, which was adversely commented on by Committees of both Houses of the General Assembly, Mr. Hislop, the Colonial Secretary, thought it proper, on the 9th instant, to resign his office as an Executive Councillor and also his appointment as Colonial Secretary. This resignation I, with the advice of the Premier, accepted. I may add that, since that, Mr. Hislop has resigned his seat as a member of the House of Eepresentatives, and is now seeking re-election at the hands of the same constituency. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Lord Knutsford, &c; ONSLOW.

- No. 20. Telegram to the Seceetaey of State.—Wellington, 24th September, 1889. (No. 51.) Eefebbing to your telegram of 24th August, Government of New Zealand cannot undertake to pay Consul unless they nominate to the appointment.

A.-2, 1890, No. 2i.