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In view, however, of the reported dearth of candidates in the United Kingdom for commissions in the Regular Army, I would respectfully suggest that His Excellency may be pleased to represent the matter of increasing the number of commissions in eacli half-year in favour of New Zealand candidates who have fulfilled the necessary requirements, but may not have obtained first or second place. The number of young officers applying for nomination from New Zealand may be expected to increase in the future by reason of the stimulus and facilities to undergo military training afforded under the reorganized system to be presently put into operation throughout the Dominion, and it would, I am of opinion, be an encouragement to young officers desiring to enter the Imperial service to know that a place may be found for them by special arrangement, even though unsuccessful in obtaining first or second place in the half-yearly examination. J. G. Wabd, Prime .Minister.

No. 45. New Zealand, No. 146. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 24th November, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith, for your information, two copies of each of the undermentioned Ordinances passed by the Fenrhyn Island Council on the 2nd July, 1910 :— (1.) An Ordinance concerning the Leper Island of Morokai. (2.) An Ordinance to regulate the village life within the Island of Penrhyn. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 46. New Zealand, No. 147. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 25th November, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith, for your information, first and second reading copies of the Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1910, recently introduced by my Ministers. 2. The main object of the Bill is to compel the owners of vessels engaged in the New Zealand trade and employing Asiatic labour to pay the current rate of wages for the time being ruling in the Dominion. The Bill is aimed at the P. and 0. Company, in order to protect New Zealand shipping companies, such as the Union Steamship Company. 3. The Bill has passed its third reading in both Houses, and is now reserved for the signification of the Royal assent. I have, &c, ISLINGTON The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1911 No. 118.

No. 47. New Zealand, No. 149. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 1st December, 1910. I have the honour to transmit herewith, for the consideration of His Majesty's Government, resolutions protesting against the growth and manufacture of opium in India for export to China, passed by various associations in New Zealand. I have, &c, ISLINGTON. The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-!, 1911, No. 21.