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A.—l

in respect to abrogation of the Queen's prerogative, and the right to appeal to the Privy Council; and, whilst admitting that in respect to some commercial disputes for limited amounts the delays and expenses form reasons in favour of a Federal Court, that, in the best interests of the Empire, one of the strongest links that bind us to the Mother-country—viz., the right of appeal to the Privy Council on constitutional grounds, and in important commercial suits in which British subjects outside the colonies are interested —should not be tampered with as proposed; and it should not be forgotten that New Zealand as an outstanding State, and other colonies, are interested; and should the Imperial Government give way to the demands of the delegates of the Australian Federated States, the same privileges could not reasonably be denied to other States if demanded. As showing the advantages of maintaining the present position, there is the Midland Bailway case. Nothing less than the decision of the Privy Council would have proved satisfactory to the shareholders and investors in the Mother-country ; whilst at the same time the people of this colony were well pleased that such a tribunal should finally settle the legal position. Premier's Office, Auckland, Ist May, 1900. E. J. Seddon.

No. 13. (No. 31.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 11th May, 1900. I have the honour to inform you, in further reply to your despatch (No. 32/99), and in continuation of my despatch (No. 10) of the 23rd February, 1899, that I have received the following returns of gold and silver entered for export:— Year ending Kil. . Value. 31st December, 1898 .... 280,175 oz. gold = 8,714-62 .... £1,080,691 31st December, 1899 .... 389,558 oz. „ =12,116-89 ....£1,513,173 31st December, 1898 .... 295,255 oz. silver = 9,183-69 .... £33,500 31st December, 1899 .... 349,858 oz. „ =10,882-05 ... £40,288 I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1899, No. 37. A.-l, 1899, No. 29.

No. 14. (No. 35.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 19th May, 1900. With reference to your despatch circular dated the 2nd April, 1900, requesting information as to the treatment of Irish pharmacists in this colony, I have the honour to inform you that under the pharmacy law of New Zealand Irish pharmacists are equally entitled to recognition with British pharmacists. vide subsection (3) of section 27 of " The Pharmacy Act, 1898." I have, ifec, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2,1901, No. 13.

No. 15. (No. 42.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 2nd July, 1900. I have the honour to request that Mr. John McKenzie may receive Her Majesty's gracious permission to retain the title of " Honourable." Mr. McKenzie has just retired from office, having severally been member of the Executive Council and of the Ministry for over nine years. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 16. (No. 43.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd July, 1900. In conformity with a circular despatch of the sth May, 1882, I have the honour to inform you,— 1. That Arthur Eeginald Wolfe was convicted of murder and sentenced to