25

A.—2

No. 22. (Circular.) My Loed, Downing Street, 30th August, 1892. I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Ministers, the accompanying despatch, which I am addressing to the Governors of colonies not possessing Eesponsible Government, relative to the exemption of the United States consular officers in British colonies from Customs duties in respect of official goods imported for the use of their consulates. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government EIPON. of New Zealand.

Enclosure. (Circular 2.) g IE; _ Downing Street, 30th August, 1892. It has been brought under my notice that Her Majesty's consular officers in the United States of America enjoy the privilege of exemption from Customs duties in respect of official goods imported for the use of their consulates ; and I am of opinion that, as a matter of courtesy, it would be desirable that a corresponding privilege should be granted to United States consular officers in the British colonies with regard to bond fide official supplies sent to them for the use of their consulates by their Government, and on the understanding that such an indulgence is not to be construed as admitting any claim on the part of the Consuls to exemption from Customs duties generally. 2. You should therefore introduce such legislation as may be necessary for this purpose, and for extending a like exemption to the consulates of other foreign countries, where now, or at any future time, a similar treatment may be accorded to British consular officers. The Officer Administering the Government. I have, &c, Eipon.

No. 23. (New Zealand, General.) My Lord, Downing Street, Bth September, 1892. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Sir J. Prendergast's a.Despatch, No. 27, of the 6th of June, respecting the proposed appointment of No Chinese Consuls in British colonies; and, although I have no reason to suppose that the Chinese Government have any immediate intention of proposing the appointment of a Chinese Consul in New Zealand, yet it may be desirable that I should observe, for the information of your Ministers, that the Governments of the Australian Colonies, who are quite as strongly opposed to Chinese immigration as that of New Zealand, have made no objections to the proposal. 1 have, &c, EIPON. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

■lα, 1802, . 5.

No. 24. (New Zealand, No. 43.) My Loed, Downing Street, 9th September, 1892. • I have the honour to acquaint you that an application has been received from the German Ambassador at this Court on the subject of the appointment of M. Carl Seequer, of Auckland, as Acting-Consul at that place (during the absence of the Consul, who has been granted a year's leave from 6th July). As this gentleman appears to be resident in the colony under your Government, I have to request you to report whether you are aware, or not, _ of any objection to this acting appointment; and, if not, you will recognise him in that capacity. I have, &c, * E, H. MEADE (For the Secretary of State). The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. 4—A. 2.