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there is any opening for the Irish cured-mackerel trade in the colony under your Government; and I request that I may be furnished with information on the subject. I have, &c, EIPON. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

Enclosure. Sir,— Office of Irish Fisheries, Dublin Castle, 13th June, 1894. , The Inspector of Irish Fisheries, having had under consideration the question of the best means of developing the Irish cured-mackerel trade by opening up other markets, would feel obliged if the Secretary of State for the Colonies would cause inquiries to be made at Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, and Capetown as to whether they would be likely to afford an opening for the Irish trade in this branch of the industry, and what steps could be suggested to further this object. The importance of the matter depends upon the fact that the United States of America offer the only outlet at present for Irish cured mackerel, and in the event of a revival of the American mackerel fishery this trade would be destroyed. Owing to the steps that have been taken to secure a better system of fish-curing in this country, Irish mackerel can now maintain their place in the market, the fish being well cured and securely packed (two hundred to three hundred to the barrel) in barrels similar to those used for herrings. The Inspectors, in co-operation with the Congested Districts Board for Ireland, would be prepared to arrange for the despatch of suitable samples to firms of good standing in the places named. This class of goods is not ready for despatch before August in each year, the curing season lasting from about the first of that month to the middle or end of the November following. The prices obtained in America are from 10 dollars to 25 dollars a barrel, according to quality and state of the market. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. M. P. Dowling, Secretary.

No. 5. Sib, — Downing Street, 23rd June, 1894. With reference to my circular despatch of 18th instant, I have the honour to inform you that an arrangement has been made with Messrs. Garrard, 25, Haymarket, S.W., to supply the Volunteer officers' decoration to colonial Governments, complete, in cases, at the price of £1 for each decoration. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government of EIPON. New Zealand.

No. 3.

No. 6. (Circular.) Sib, — Downing Street, 25th June, 1894. It is my pleasing duty to announce to you that on Saturday, the 23rd instant, at ten o'clock p.m., Her Eoyal Highness the Duchess of York was safely delivered of a prince. Her Eoyal Highness and the infant prince are doing well. I have, &c, The Officer Administering the Government of EIPON. New Zealand.

No. 7. (New Zealand, No. 28.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 27th June, 1894. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 8, of the 20th of April last, reporting your visit to the Cook Islands. I have read your report with interest, and I approve of the replies which you returned to the petitions sent to you from the people of Eaiatea and Huahine. I shall communicate "with you in a subsequent despatch on the question of the jurisdiction over the Cook Group to which you allude in your despatch. I have, &c, EIPON. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c.

A.-l, 1894, No. 26,