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time, and that Sir Joseph Ward formed the impression that a definite agreement had been arrived at on the point. 4. Their Lordships recognize that it may be a convenience that a particular port in New Zealand should be regarded as the ordinary headquarters of the ships maintained in those waters, and they will be prepared later on, when the new arrangement comes into effect, to consider the wishes of the New Zealand Government in the matter. I have, &c, L. HAECOURT. Governor the Eight Hon. Lord Islington, K.C.M.G., D.5.0., &c.

Enclosures. The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. (Telegram.) Statements have appeared local Press that Imperial naval base in Australasian waters is to be removed to Auckland, 1912. Prime Minister asking is there any truth in statement. Dudley. The Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. (Telegram.) Your telegrams 21st October 17th November. Statements in Press presumably refer to fact that when Australian fleet unit is completed in 1912 Commonwealth Government will take over dock at Sydney, and be responsible for all work in connection with unit, while some of smaller vessels of China unit will have New Zealand waters as headquarters (see pages 26 to 28 report Conference Xaval Defence, 1909). So far as known, Auckland has not been specially mentioned as base for vessels which will be kept in New Zealand waters. Harcourt.

No. 124. New Zealand, No. 29. My Lord, — Downing Street, 27th January, 1911. With reference to my despatch, No. 292, of the 16th December last, I have the honour to.transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, the accompanying copy of a Proclamation of the King, dated the 23rd January, determining new designs for silver coins. I have, &c, L. HARCOURT. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Islington, K.C.M.G., D.5.0., &c. Enclosure. At the Court at Windsor Castle, the 23rd day of January, 1911. Present: The King's Most Excellent Majesty in Council. The following draft Proclamation was this day read at the Board and approved. Almerio Fitzßoy. By the King. A Proclamation. Determining New Designs for Silver Coins. Whereas under section 11 of the Coinage Act, 1870, We have power, with the advice of Our Privy Council, from time to time by Proclamation to determine the design of any coin : And whereas it appears to Us desirable to determine new designs for the silver coins hereinafter specified, being some of the silver coins mentioned in the First Schedule to the Coinage Act, 1870: We, therefore, in pursuance of the said enactment and of all other powers enabling Us in that behalf, do hereby, by and with the advice of Our Privy Council, proclaim, direct, and ordain as follows :— 1. The designs for the said silver coins shall be as follows : — (1.) Half-crown. —Every half-crown shall have for the obverse impression Our effigy with the inscription " georgius v dei gra : bbitt : omn : rex" and for the reverse the ensigns armorial of the United Kingdom contained in a shield surmounted by the Royal Crown and surrounded by the Garter bearing the motto " honi soit gui mal y pense," with the inscription " fid : def : IND : Isi}' : " together with the words " half crown," and the date of the year, with a graining upon, the edge.