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No. 3. Cablegram from Secretary of State, Colonial Office. 7th February, 1879. Celebration of Queen's reign : Premiers will be in time if arriving not later than 21st June. Colonial troops must arrive earlier.

No. 4. Telegram received from Secretary of State, Colonial Office. 14th February, 1897. Referring to my telegram of 25th July, committee of Royal Military Tournament, 27th May to 10th June, arranging special displays and prizes for colonial forces; also National Rifle Association offer special prizes, Bisley, 12th July to 24th July (May ?), and that proposed visit of Premiers excites greatest interest in this country. If able to accept invitation arrangements will be made for visiting chief towns and places of interest.

Minute. His Excellency the Administrator. The Premier notes the contents of the telegram from the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and begs to inform His Excellency that the matter is receiving the earnest attention of the Government. John Mackenzie, 16th February, 1897. Acting-Premier.

No. 5. Cablegram from Secretary of State for the Colonies. 16th March. Celebration of Queen's reign : Barracks, rations, horses provided free.

No. 6. Cablegram from Secretary of State to Administrator of the Government. 21st March, 1897. I hope I may shortly hear that the Premier can accept the invitation to the celebration of the Queen's record reign, and, as I am anxious to make arrangements for the Premiers during their visit, it would be convenient to know when he may be expected. Nine of the colonies have already accepted the invitation with thanks.

Minute by the Premier. His Excellency the Administrator. Very much regret that I am as yet unable to reply in the affirmative to the invitation. Will His Excellency be good enough to inform the Secretary of State accordingly ? 25th March, 1897. R. J. Seddon.

No. 7. Cablegram to the Secretary of State from Administrator of the Government. 27th March, 1897. In answer to your telegram of 21st March, Premier regrets that cannot yet accept in the affirmative the invitation.

No. 8. Cablegram from Secretary of State to Administrator of the Government. 31st March, 1897. Referring to your telegram of 27th March, regret invitation not answered in affirmative, but hope decision not final.

By Authority: John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB97.