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death. Sentence was commuted to imprisonment with hard labour for the term of his natural life, on the 15th February, 1900. 2. Also that John Deighton was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Sentence was commuted to imprisonment with hard labour for the term of his natural life, on the 15th June, 1900. 3. In both cases the jury recommended the prisoners to mercy, and the Chief Justice concurred. I have, <&c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 17. (No. 44.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 4th July, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that the first session of the fourteenth Parliament was opened by Commission on the 21st June, 1900, for the purpose of electing a Speaker, and was formally opened by me on the following day. 2. Copies of the Speech which I read on the occasion, and the Address in Eeply from both Houses are forwarded herewith. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 18. (No. 48.) Sic, —• Government House, Wellington, 12th July, 1900. In reply to your despatch (No. 17) of the 6th April, 1900, relative to the question of a Court of Appeal for the Cook Islands, my Government consider that it is better to leave this question over, pending Her Majesty's decision as to the annexation of this group, and the possible extension of New Zealand boundaries to include these islands. ' . I have, <fee, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1901 No. 15.

No. 19. (No. 51.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 21st July, 1900. I have the honour, at the request of my Premier, to forward you the scheme in use since 1894 in New Zealand for the benefit of struggling settlers in this colony. My Premier considers that perhaps a scheme which has proved successful in New Zealand might be of service in modifying or extending the scheme now under trial in Egypt. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 20. (No. 52.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 26th July, 1900. I have the honour, at the request of my Premier, to forward, you herewith two copies of his outline of a defence scheme, embracing the formation of an Imperial Eeserve Force. 2. He has further asked me that two copies might be sent respectively to the First Lord of the Admiralty, the Commander-in-Chief, the War Office, the Joint Naval and Military Committee on Defence, and the President of the Colonial Defence Committee. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies. [For Enclosure, see Parliamentary Paper H.-19A, 1900.]