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of the Quinquennial Congresa the various parts of these dominions should be specially represented. I know from the opinions which have been expressed to me from my colleagues on the International Commission that the adhesion of representatives of our great colonies would be warmly welcomed, and no one would welcome them more warmly than myself, who am the only British representative (although the subject-matter — i.e., penal law and penal administration, and the general treatment of prisoners—is one that must most closely and intimately concern and interest those responsible for prison-administration in our dominions over the seas). The movement is inspired by a lofty humanity; it is directed by earnest and competent men, representing most of the States of Europe; and I can say with sincerity, from an experience extending over several years, that it has a real public utility in the opportunities which it affords for comparison of the various laws and institutions of different countries, and of the various modes of thought prevailing in the different countries on all matters relating to the treatment of crime. E. Kugoles Brise.

No. 109. New Zealand, No. 222. My Lord, — Downing Street, 20th December, 1909. I have the honour to transmit to you', for the "information of your Ministers, the accompanying copies of Orders in Council of the 22nd November, made under section 4 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1896, exempting Swedish and French vessels respectively from the provisions of the Imperial Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, relating to life-saving appliances. I have, &c, CREWE. Governor, the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., X.C.V.0., &c.

No. 110. New Zealand, No. 224. My Lord, — Downing Street, 23rd December, 1909. With reference to my despatch No. 137, of the 9th July, 1909, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, two copies of a circular instruction issued by the Board of Trade with regard to the examination of engineers in the Mercantile Marine. I have, &c, CREWE. Governor, the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., X.C.V.0., &c.

No. 111. New Zealand, No. 226. My Lord,— Downing Street, 24th December, 1909. With reference to my despatch No. 180, of the 24th September, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, copies of the report of the Committee appointed to consider in what respects it would be necessary to amend the existing law of copyright in this country so as to enable His Majesty's Government to give effect to the revised International Copyright Convention signed at Berlin on the 13th November, 1908. 2. The appendices to the report will be forwarded as soon as they have been issued. I have, &c, CREWE. The Officer administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 112. Dominions. —Circular. Sir,— Downing Street, 29th December, 1909 With reference to my circular despatch of the 27th August last, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers and of the medical officers concerned with the transmission of specimens to the Imperial