A.—l

8

Nothing further was, however, done in the matter, and the lands still remain in the legal possession of theHmperial Government. •• I have therefore to ask that you will recommend His Excellency to embody the above particulars in a despatch to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, requesting him to transfer the two areas described in the accompanying Schedule to the Governor of New Zealand. Plans of the., areas in question are also attached hereto. Robert McNab,

Minister of Lands. No. 19. No. 70. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 11th September 1908. In reply to your despatch, No. 117, of the 2nd July 1908, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that I have received a communication from my Ministers stating that " the representations made by the Association of Chambers oi Commerce of the United Kingdom will receive consideration when shipping legislation is being dealt with, but that the Government of the Dominion cannot promise that restrictions beyond those imposed upon British ships by the Imperial Merchant Shipping Act will not be imposed upon British ships owned in the United Kingdom and not engaged in the New Zealand coastal trade." I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 20. No. 74. My *Lord, Government House, Wellington, 29th September 1908. In reply to your predecessor's circular despatch of the 30th December 1907, with reference to the collection of specimens of blood-sucking flies, fleas, ticks, etc., I have the honour to inform your Lordship that I have how received from my Prime Minister the enclosed copy of a memorandum upon this subject. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

Enclosure. Department of Agriculture, Wellington, 19th September, 1908. The Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister. Referring to Government House papers No. 112/1908 attached hereto, in reference to the collection in New Zealand of specimens of blood-sucking insects for the British Museum, and for the Professor of Biology at Cambridge, I regret that it has not up to the present been found possible to arrange for this work being undertaken. An additional entomologist has, however, been appointed to the Department of Agriculture, and when he takes up his duties on Ist prox. one of the first purposes for which his services will be utilised will be the making of the required collection of blood-sucking insects, and as soon as the work is completed I shall notify you in order that His Excellency may be informed. Robert 'McNab, Minister of Agriculture.

No. 21. No. 76. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 4th October 1908. I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship the enclosed ten copies of the Report on the Defence Forces of New Zealand by the Council of Defence for the year ending 29th February 1908. I have etc., The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor,