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A.—2

The Committee propose to consider two main subjects —viz., (1) means for directly encouraging trade, and (2) means for removing hindrances to trade. There appears to be room for the judicious advertising of British live-stock in foreign countries, and for the organization of our trade in such a way as to bring a larger number of foreigners into this country as purchasers at our live-stock sales. With regard to the second point, various representations have been made officially during the past few years as to various causes which adversely affect the export of live-stock — e.g., uncertainty respecting the methods of registration of pedigree animals, transit charges by sea, conditions of entry in the colonies and foreign countries, the tuberculin test, &c. It is the duty of the Committee to obtain information on these subjects from reliable sources.

No. 36. New Zealand, No. 134. My Lord, — Downing Street, 30th June, 1910. With reference to your predecessor's despatch, No. 43, of the 9th July, 1906, T have the honour to request that you will inform your Ministers that His Majesty's Government is desirous of obtaining a further report on the subject of the taxation of land-values in New Zealand. 2. The information which is desired is a report from the Government officers concerned, and also, if possible, from important municipalities, on land valuation and taxation for State and municipal purposes : showing, firstly, the form and practice of valuation cf lands apart from improvements ; secondly, abstracts of the legislation now in force on this matter, and of any proposed amending legislation ; thirdly, abstracts of the totals of such valuations when completed ; and, fourthly, the effect of the taxation on breaking up large estates, on speculation, on the building trade, on rent, and with regard to the convenience of raising local revenue. 3. I shall be grateful to your Ministers if they could supply me with a report of the nature indicated. I have, &c, CREWE. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Islington, D.5.0., &c.

No. 37. New Zealand, No. 136. Sir,— Downing Street, 30th June, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Lord Plunket's despatch, a.-i, ion No. 30, of the sth May, and bo request that you will inform your Ministers that INol No - 2/ - have forwarded to the addressees the letters from the honorary secretary of the New Zealand Anti-Opium Association which accompanied that despatch. 2. I shall be glad if you will cause the honorary secretary of the association to be informed that T have duly received the letter addressed to myself. J have, &c, CREWE. The Officer administering the Government of New Zealand.

* No. 38. New Zealand, No. 138. My Lord, — Downing Street, 4th July, 1910. T have the honour to transmit to you, to be laid before your Ministers, a A.-1, 1911. copy of a note addressed to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by the Danish No ' 68 ' Minister, asking for certain information and documents respecting agricultural instruction in New Zealand. I shall be glad if yoxir Ministers will be good enough to furnish me with the required information as far as possible. I have, &c, CREWE, Governor the Right Hon. Lord Islington, D.5.0., &c.