A.—2

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New South Wales, do hereby, in the exercise of the authority for that purpose conferred on me by the said Acts, license the said vessel to employ in the said industry not more than six native labourers from the first day of June, 1890, to the thirty-first day of December, 1893. Should this vessel be found to answer the subjoined description, and appear to be strictly engaged in the lawful pursuit of the above-mentioned object, it is the direction of Her Majesty's Government that she shall not be obstructed in the prosecution of her present voyage, nor in the shipment, employment, or landing of her native hands. This license shall not be transferable, and shall be only available for the period aforesaid. Description of the vessel above referred to. —Tons: 12. Eig: Fore-and-aft schooner. How painted: Black, yellow streak. Name painted on stern: "Myrtle, Sydney." Number of officers and crew (including surgeon, if any) : Two. Whether any poop: No. Whether any quarter galleries : No. Whether a top-gallant forecastle : No. Name of chief officer : John Olson, or whoever may lawfully succeed from time to time as per articles of agreement. Bound from Sydney to Solomon group, and intending to call at Stewart Island and adjacent group. To the respective flag officers, captains, and commanding officers of Her Majesty's ships, and to all others whom it may concern. Given under my hand and seal at Sydney, New South Wales, this thirty-first day of May, 1890. Carrington, Governor.

No. 3. (Circular. New Zealand, No. 14.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 20th April, 1891. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 12, of the 7th February, transmitting a copy of a message which .you addressed to the Fremier of New Zealand, arising immediately out of the commutation of the death-sentence passed on a Native named Mahi Kai, together with a copy of Mr. Ballance's memorandum in reply. The question of exercise of the prerogative of pardon in capital cases was, as your Lordship is aware, fully discussed at the Colonial Conference in 1887, and considerable difference of opinion was found to exist on the subject among the Australian delegates. Having regard, however, to the representation now made by your Advisers, Her Majesty's Government will consider whether and how far it would be right and desirable, in the case of New Zealand, to substitute for the present instruction on this subject an instruction similar to that now given to the Governor-General of Canada, and whether there would be inconvenience in making this change applicable to only one Australasian Colony. I am not aware whether this point was discussed at the recent Convention in Sydney, and, having regard to the probability that this question may have to be dealt with in connection with federation, it will be desirable that I should await a full record of the debates of the Federation Conference before inviting Her Majesty's Government to come to a final decision upon it. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Onslow, &c. KNUTSFOED.

A.-1, 1891, Sess, 11., No 8.

No. 4. (New Zealand, No. 17.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 9th May, 1891. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 16, of the 11th of March, forwarding copies of a petition from the New Zealand Alliance for the Suppression of the Liquor Traffic respecting the liquor traffic in the Cook Islands, together with copies of correspondence on the subject. I llrlVP (YP The Bight Hon. the Earl of Onslow, &o. KNUTSFOED.

A.-1, 1891, Sess, 11., No. 12.

No. 5. (New Zealand, No. 18.) My Lord,— Downing Street, 12th May, 1891. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch. No. 15, of the 10th of March last, reporting the appointment of Mr, Frederick James

A.-l, 1891, Sess, 11., No. 11.