A.-2.

(2.) The total amount of such unclaimed balances and securities disclosed up to the 31st day of January, 1910, in each of such colonies or dominions respectively. 2. 1 shall be much obliged if your Ministers will be so good as to furnish me as soon as possible with a report giving the information desired so far as it is available for New Zealand. I have, (fee, CREWE. Governor, the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., X.C.V.0., &c.

No. 139. New Zealand, No. 46. My Lord, — Downing Street, 11th March, 1910. With reference to my despatch No. 36, of the 17th February, I have the honour to transmit to you copies of the correspondence noted in the margin with regard to the selection of a President and Public Prosecutor for the Joint Court in the New Hebrides. I have, &c, CREWE. Governor, the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., X.C.V.0., &c. Enclosure. Xo. 17. (6773.) Sm,— Madrid, 22nd February, 11*10. With reference to my despatch No. 14. of the Kith instant, I have the honour to report thai Sefior Garcia Prieto spoke to me on the 18th instant about the selection of a Judgv , and Public Prosecutor for the New Hebrides. His Excellency said he was happy to think he had at last found a suitable person to act as Judge. He belonged to the Judicial Department of the Spanish Navy, and the Foreign Minister expected to be able to give me his name in the course of the next few days. As regards the Public Prosecutor, he feared lie might have to look for candidates abroad, as he had failed to find the proper person in Spain. I regret to state that, on inquiry this morning at the Ministry Tor foreign Affairs, I was informed that the intended Judge had finally refused the offer. In spite, therefore, of the good will shown by successive Spanish Governments in the matter, no success has as yet attended their efforts to liinl the judicial officers who are to be nominated by King Alfonso. I have, &c, Sir Edward Grey, Hart.. &c. Kvknyn Grant Duff. 6502 k>lo. Sin.— Downing Street, 11th March. 1910. lam directed by the Earl of Crewe to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (Xo. 6773 10), of the 4th instant, with regard to the selection of a Judge and Public Prosecutor for the Joint Court in the New Hebrides. 2. I am to suggest that, if Sir E. Grey sees no objection, His Majesty's Ambassador at Madrid should U' instructed to thank the Spanish Government for their previous efforts, and to inquire what steps are now being taken: and also to say that, if the Spanish Government think such a course necessary in order to enable them to find suitable candidates. His Majesty's Government are prepared to consider, in consultation with the French Government, whether it would be possible to raise the salaries offend. 3. 1 am to add that it is of importance that the appointments should be made at the earliest possible date. 4. Sir E. Grey will no doubt consider whether it would be desirable for the French Government to lie informed of the tenor of the communication proposed above. I am, &c, The Under-Secretarj of State, Foreign Office. .T. W. Just.

H.M. AmbaF sadcr, Madrid, lo F. 0., 22nd February ; CO. to F. 0., 11th March.

No. 140. New Zealand, No. 47. My I.oki). Downing Street, 11th March, 1910. With reference to my despatch No. 226, of the 23rd December, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, copies of the minutes of evidence taken before the Law of Copyright Committee. I have, &c, CREWE. Governor, the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., X.C.V.0., &c.

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