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Government calling attention to the supposed omission in " The Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act, 1890," and suggesting, for the reason stated, that a declaratory Act should be passed on the subject. I referred this question to the Law Officers of the Crown, observing that I apprehended that the Governor of the colony could legally appoint such officers as might be required for the effective exercise of the Admiralty jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, and I am advised that the course pursued by you was quite legal, and that there is no necessity for a declaratory Act. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Onslow, &c. 'KNUTSFOED.

No. 29. (New Zealand, No. 53.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 14th November, 1891. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 53, of the 19th August last, enclosing a petition addressed to the Queen by Maoris resident in the Hot Lakes District of New Zealand, praying that Her Majesty will authorise the constitution of a Eepresentative Council of Maoris to deal with matters affecting the Natives. I request that you will inform the petitioners that their petition has been laid before the Queen, who was pleased to receive it very graciously, but that, Eesponsible Government having been conceded to the people of New Zealand, and representatives of the Maori race having seats in the Colonial Barliament, Her Majesty cannot interfere in the manner prayed for by them. You will add that Her Majesty has full confidence that the interests of the Maori race and their welfare are matters of deep concern to the Government and Barliament of New Zealand, as they are and will continue to be to Her Majesty herself. I have, &c, KNUTSFOED. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Onslow, &c.

A.-1,1892,N0.12,

No. 30. Telegram from the Secretary of State to the Governor. The Queen has received your resignation with regret, in which I fully concur. 19th November, 1891.

A.-1,1892,N0.21,

No. 31. (New Zealand, No. 54.) My Lord,' — Downing Street, 19th November, 1891. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 67, of the 7th October, in which you request me to submit to the Queen your resignation, on account of urgent private affairs, of the office of Governor of New Zealand. Her Majesty, to whom I made the desired submission on your behalf, expressed much regret that you had found yourself under the necessity of taking this course, and I myself am very sensible of the loss which the colony and the public service will sustain through your retirement. I will bear in mind you wish to be relieved of your duties not later than the end of next February. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Onslow, &c. KNUTSFOED.

A.-1,1892,N0.21

No. 32. (New Zealand, General.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 20th November, 1891. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch No. 24, of the 18th of May, 1889, I have the honour to request that you will be good enough to inform me, for the purposes of the Statute Law Eevision Committee, whether sections 75, 77, and 78 of the Imperial Act 15 and 16 Vict., cap. 72, are spent, and may be

A.-l, 1890, No. 4,