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it is not proposed to embody the clause in the New Zealand articles of agreement, as the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1908, makes sufficient provision for dealing with absence without leave. I hav*e, &c, ISLINGTON, The Eight Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 34. New Zealand, No. 118. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 31st August, 1911. in reply to your despatch, No. 235, of the 14th July, forwarding copies of the parliamentary paper containing the minutes of the proceedings at the imperial Conference, 1 have the honour to state that fifty copies of the report and papers will be sufficient for my Government. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 35. New Zealand, No. 119. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 31st August, 1911. Referring to your despatch, No. 201, of the 15th June, on the subject of the importation into foreign countries of food-products from His Majesty's dominions and colonies, I have the honour to state that the action taken by His Majesty's Government is much appreciated by my Ministers, and that the information obtained will be of great interest. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912, No. 42.

No. 36. New Zealand, No. 122. Sir,- — Government House, Wellington, 6th September, 1911. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 244, of the 21st July, informing me that His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to intimate his intention of presenting seventy portraits of himself and Her Majesty the Queen to the primary schools of this Dominion. Will you be good enough to convey to His Majesty the thanks and appreciation of the Government and people of New Zealand for his gracious intention. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 37. New Zealand, Honours. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 6th September, 1911. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, Honours, of the 28th July, transmitting Warrant, insignia, and badges in connection with the honours recently conferred by His Majesty the King upon certain New Zealand gentlemen.