A.—l.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments, and transmits herewith a petition addressed to His Excellency by John and M. A. Tasker, for the remission of the remaining portion of the sentence of twelve months' imprisonment passed upon their son, No. 3561, Trooper Charles Borland Tasker, for sleeping at his post at Wonderfontein. In the Premier's reading of the laws and regulations, the trooper in question ought to have been imprisoned either in South Africa or the colony in which he was domiciled. Whilst frankly admitting that the offence of which he was found guilty is a very serious one, still it must be borne in mind that he is a mere youth and not a trained and experienced soldier. Moreover, the fact of his being allowed to resume duty for six weeks subsequent to being sentenced would go to show that the offence was not looked upon so seriously by those in command. Further, it will be gathered from the petition that there are extenuating circumstances. The lesson intended has no doubt borne fruit, and the Premier would recommend him for the clemency of the authorities. I have, &c, Premier's Office, Wellington, 12th October, 1901. R. J. Seddon.

No. 57. (No. 111.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th October, 1901. I have the honour to forward herewith " The Eoyal Visit Expenses Act, 1901," which I have considered best to reserve for His Majesty's pleasure. The Solicitor-General does not consider that this Bill required to be reserved under clause 6, section 2, of the Instructions passed under the Eoyal Sign Manual and Signet, as the Bill is for the purpose only of repaying to me certain sums disbursed by myself at the request of my Ministers, and is in no way a grant or donation, nor do I receive any personal benefit thereby. The circumstances, however, are of such an exceptional character, that I consider the course I have adopted of reserving it necessary, for had I sanctioned the same it might have formed an undesirable precedent. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 58. (No. 112.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 19th October, 1901. I have the honour to forward you herewith, with much pleasure, a memorandum from my Premier testifying to the services of Colonel Pole-Penton whilst holding the appointment of Commandant of the New Zealand Forces, and to request that the same be forwarded to the War Office for their favourable consideration. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency, and desires that he should convey to the War Office the appreciation of the New Zealand Government for the services rendered by Colonel Pole-Penton whilst holding the position of Commandant of the New Zealand Forces. The improved position of our Defence Forces, harbour defences, and defence matters generally, speaks for itself, and the change for the better is due in a great measure to the efficiency of the services rendered by Colonel Pole-Penton, who has ever been painstaking, energetic, and assiduous in the discharge of his duties. I have, &c, Premier's Office, Wellington, 17th October, 1901. B. J. Seddon.

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