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Dbaft of Instructions to Acting-Consul Exham, Earotonga. Sik, — .*. Foreign Office, February, 1890. The High Commissioner for the Western Pacific has reported to Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies the importation into Tonga of some natives of the Hervey, or Cook's Group, recently placed under British protection. It appears from Sir J. Thurston's report that these natives entered into an agreement, which was countersigned by you in your official capacity, and are to be employed on certain plantations belonging to the Tongan Government. lam directed by the Marquis of Salisbury to point out to you that there are grave objections to giving the sanction of British authority to such an engagement ; and I am to instruct you not to sanction such a proceeding in future, nor to issue any licenses except in respect of vessels carrying labourers to be employed by British subjects. You will in no case grant a license to the master of any vessel who might have conveniently made application for it to the Governor of one of the Australian Colonies.

The Colonial Office to the Foreign Office. Sib,— Downing Street, 14th February, 1890. I am directed by Lord Knutsford to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant, relating to the importation into Tonga of some natives of the Hervey or Cook's Islands, recently placed under British protection. Lord Knutsford desires me to request that you will inform the Marquis of Salisbury that he concurs in the terms of the instructions which His Lordship proposes to address to Mr. Acting-Consul Exham relating to the engagement of natives of the Cook's Group. I am, &c, The TJnder-Secretary of State, Foreign Office. John Bramstox.

No. 49. (Circular.) My Loed,— Downing Street, 12th March, 1890. I have the honour to request that you will draw the attention of your Government to my circular despatch of the 14th of August last year, requesting to be supplied with information as to the working of the liquor laws in the colony under your Government. It is very desirable that this information should be furnished as soon as possible, with a view to its being laid before Parliament during the present session. I have, &c, KNUTSFOED. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. r>o. (New Zealand, No. 17.) My Loed, — Downing Street, sth April, 1890. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 13, of the Ist of February, respecting the celebration of the completion of fifty years since the foundation of the Colon)' of New Zealand. I have read with interest your account of the proceedings, and am pleased to learn that the well-considered arrangements described were rewarded by complete success. I have, &c, KNUTSFOED. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Onsknv, G.C.M.G., etc.

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No. 51. (New Zealand, No. 18.) My Loed,— Downing Street, 15th April, 1890. I have received and laid before the Queen the Address to Her Majesty which accompanied your Lordship's Despatch No. 9, of the 22nd of January, from the Mayor, Councillors, and citizens of Wellington, on the occasion of the Jubilee of the colony, and I am commanded to request that you will convey to them Her Majesty's thanks for their good wishes, and the expression of her gratification at the sentiments of loyalty and attachment contained in their address. I have, &c, i KNUISFOEI). Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G., &c. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,325 copies), £19 ;is.]

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By Authority : George Didsbubv, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9o.