11

A.—2

5. Her Majesty's Government feel that they are justified in hoping that the effects of this exceptional military gathering will be permanent, and that the Imperial and national interests which have been by this means so forcibly illustrated and brought home to the minds of all classes of Her Majesty's subjects, will now be realised in a manner that has been scarcely possible before. They can hardly doubt that the events of the last few weeks will have done much to knit closer the bonds of union between the colonies and the Mother-country, and to this end the presence of the colonial troops will have largely contributed. 6. I will only add, in conclusion, the expression of my hope that the troops will carry with them to their homes pleasant memories of their visit, and that their stay in this country will have proved not only agreeable but instructive, and I feel confident that in years to come it will be a source of pride and satisfaction to those who are now leaving our shores to think that they have taken part in this great and important national demonstration. 7. I shall be glad if you will publish this despatch. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Eanfurly, &c.

No. 16. (No. 33.) My Lobd, — Downing Street, 15th July, 1897. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Sir James Prendergast's despatch No. 29, of the 12th May, transmitting a joint address to the Queen passed by both Houses of the Parliament of New Zealand, and to inform you that the address has been presented personally to Her Majesty by the Eight Hon. E. J. Seddon, to whom Her Majesty was pleased to make a gracious reply. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., &c.

A.-1, Sess. 11., 1897, No 23.

No. 17. (No. 34.) My Loed,— Downing Street, 16th July, 1897. I have the honour to acquaint you, for the information of the National Council of the Women of New Zealand, that I have duly laid before the Queen the address to Her Majesty which was enclosed in Sir J. Prendergast's despatch No. 30, of the 13th May last. I am commanded by Her Majesty to express to the Council her thanks for their congratulations and kind wishes for the future, and I shall be obliged if your Lordship will cause the Council to be informed accordingly. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight. Hon. the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., &c.

No. 18. (No. 36.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 23rd July, 1897. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Sir J. Prendergast's despatch No. 26, of the 27th April, forwarding an illuminated address from the New Zealand Veterans' Association, congratulating Her Majesty on the completion of the sixtieth year of her reign. The address has been laid before Her Majesty, who much admired the taste and skill with which it has been executed, and was graciously pleased to command that her thanks should be conveyed to the New Zealand veterans for this manifestation of their loyalty. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., &g.