A.—2

4

of Trade relative to the return of cancelled certificates of competency as masters, mates, or engineers in the mercantile marine, or the issue of new certificates in their stead. This regulation applies only to the United Kingdom, but the Board of Trade have suggested that, as it is desirable that the practice in British possessions abroad should not differ from that of the Board, a similar regulation should be adopted in the colony under your Government. I transmit also a copy of the Order in Council of the 19th August, 1889, relative to colonial certificates of competency, and of instructions issued under it by the Board of Trade to superintendents of mercantile marine offices. I have, &c, KNUTSFOBD. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. EeguTjAtion concerning Cancelled Certificates of Competency as Masters, Mates, or Engineers in the Mercantile Marine. Peesons who once held certificates of competency as masters, mates, or engineers in the mercantile marine, but who from any cause have had them cancelled, shall, as a rule, be re-examined before they are again allowed to hold a certificate of the same grade, and upon their passing the examination a new certificate shall be issued to them and the old one destroyed. In those exceptional cases where re-examination is dispensed with the original certificate shall be returned.

No. 6. (New Zealand, No. 19.) My Lobd,— Downing Street, 25th April, 1890. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 12, of the 31st January last, enclosing a communication from Major Kemp, takingoccasion of the jubilee of New Zealand as a fitting opportunity to express his wish that the union of New Zealand to Great Britain as at present existing should be confirmed for ever. Your Lordship will be so good as to inform Major Kemp that his communication has been laid before the Queen, who was pleased to receive it very graciously, and was much gratified by the loyal sentiments by which it was prompted. I have, &c, KNUTSFOBD. Governor the Bight Hon. the Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G., &c.

A.-1,1890,N0.43

No. 7. (Circular.) Sib, — Downing Street, 29th April, 1890. I have the honour to transmit to you herewith a copy of an address, presented by the House of Commons to the Queen, praying for a return to be laid before Parliament giving certain information as to taxation on land and taxation of buildings in European countries, in the United States of America, and in British colonies ; and I have to request that you will obtain and transmit to me, at your earliest convenience, as full and accurate information as possible upon this subject as regards the colony under your government, in order that it may be laid before Parliament with the return as regards foreign countries to be prepared by the Foreign Office. I have, &c, KNUTSFOBD. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. House op Commons.—Tuesday, Ist April, 1890. Eesolved, That a humble address be presented to Her Majesty that she will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be laid before this House a return showing, — 1. Taxation on land: (a) The percentage on the annual value which the rate levied amounts to; (6) the total amount raised, the total for local and national purposes being stated separately ; (c) the percentage which the amount raised by taxation of land bears to the total taxation.