A.—2

16

The Treatment of Potatoes in the Colonies. Information is desired upon the following points : namely,— 1. The variety of potatoes usually grown. 2. As to the changes of seed—whether these are frequent or infrequent. 3. As to whether the tubers for seed are planted whole or cut in pieces ; and, if cut, what sized pieces are used for seed. 4. As to how frequently potatoes are grown in the same land. 5. The methods of cultivation adopted, and particularly as to the practice of earthing. 6. The manures used generally. 7. 'As to the prevalence of the potato-disease caused by the fungus Phytaphthora infestans. 8. Precautions (if any) taken against this potato-disease, such as destruction of infected haulm and tubers, caustic dressings to soil, &c. 9. Direct measures to prevent the spores of the fungus from getting a habitat upon the plants. For example, the application of sulphate of copper, sulphate of iron, and other substances, in the form of bouillies, solutions, or powders. With regard to these, particulars are desired concerning (a) the composition, strength, and nature of the bouillies, solutions, or powders so applied; (b) the quantity put on per acre;, (c) the number of applications and the dates; (a) the machines employed for the application of the bouillies, solutions, or powders; (c) cost per acre of the treatment. 10. Eemedies adopted when the fungus has made its appearance upon the potato-plants, with particulars as detailed above in (a), (b), (c), (d), (c). 11. The result of any such treatment, comparative if possible.

No. 23. (New Zealand, No. 41.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 31st August, 1891. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch No. 49, of the 13th July, transmitting reports from Mr. Moss respecting affairs in the Cook Islands. I have read these reports with interest. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Onslow, &c. KNUTSFOED.

A.-l, 1892, No. 9

No. 24. (General.) My Lord, Downing Street, 7th September, 1891. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch No. 35, of the 23rd May, respecting the recovery from life insurance companies in. the United Kingdom of the moneys assured by policies effected by persons dying domiciled in a colony. The Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, to whom your despatch has been referred, consider that the best way of meeting the wish of your Government would be to permit areseal in this country of the probate or letters of administration granted in the colony, without requiring the payment of duty in. respect of the moneys to be recovered on the policy, provided that the deceased who effected the policy died domiciled elsewhere than in the United Kingdom. I concur in this view, and I accordingly propose to embody a provision to this effect in the Colonial Brobates Bill which it is hoped to introduce in the next session of Barliainent. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Onslow, &c. KNUTSFOED.

A.-i, 1891, Sess. ri., No. 24.

No. 25. (New Zealand, No. 42a.) My Lord, —■ Downing Street, 25th September, 1891. With reference to your Despatch No. 43, of the 25th of June last, I have the honour to transmit to you, for your information and for that of your Government, a copy of a letter from the Admiralty showing the arrangements which the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty are willing to make for the admission into the Eoyal navy of men and boys of Australian and New Zealand birth. I have, (fee. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Onslow, &c. KNUTSFOED.

A.-l, 1892, No. 5.