A.—2

50

The minutes of the second meeting were read and approved. The Commission proceeded to consider draft forms of questions to be circulated in connection with the subject of migration from the United Kingdom to the self-governing dominions, and, after discussion, approved them in the form appended, Form A for circulation to Government Departments and Form B for circulation to private organizations interested in the question, a list of which was before the Commission. The Secretary was instructed to exercise discretion so as to secure adequate circulation. The Chairman pointed out that County Councils in England, Wales, and Scotland had certain statutory powers to assist migration by means of loaned moneys, which powers have not been exercised. It was thought advisable that inquiry should be made as to the precise reasons why the powers had not been exercised, and the Secretary was instructed to do so. It was decided that the Commission might with advantage endeavour to obtain from Australia and New Zealand answers to the questions as to migration from Government Departments and private organizations in those dominions by the 30th November. The form of questions as to trade approved at the second meeting was amended by inserting after " Dominions Royal Commission," in the first line, the words " appointed in pursuance of the 20th resolution of the Imperial Conference, 1911, and representing the United Kingdom and the self-governing dominions " ; and after " information may be sent," in the first line of the last paragraph, the words " together with a precis of points on which it is desired to tender oral evidence, and a copy of materials proposed to be laid before the Commission, if any." It was decided that, in addition to being circulated in the United Kingdom, this form should be sent as soon as practicable to Australia and New Zealand, answers to be made returnable by the 30th November, so that the Commission might have the opportunity of perusing them before starting for Australia and New Zealand and on the voyage out. It was decided that despatch of the form to the other dominions should be postponed for the time and adjusted later, so as to produce the same result. It was pointed out that the decisions taken by the Commission necessitate the writing of despatches to the dominions explaining the work proposed to be undertaken, and inviting the co-operation of their Governments. It was agreed that the draft of these despatches should be approved by the oversea members of the Commission, and that a meeting of the Chairman and those members should be held on the 28th June for the purpose. The representative of Canada raised the question whether information as to the natural resources of the United Kingdom should not be included in the statistical materials to be prepared. Though the preparation of such information is not contemplated by the terms of reference, he pointed out that a summary statement of the natural resources in question would be of value as completing the materials to be collected under this head for purposes of information and comparison, and could probably be put together without excessive difficulty from published materials. After discussion the matter was remitted for consideration by the Statistics Sub-committee appointed at the second meeting of the Commission. The Commission adjourned at 4.45 p.m., having completed the consideration of the interpretation of its terms of reference and of the general procedure to be adopted to carry out the work intrusted to it.

No. 63. New Zealand, No. 205. My Lord,— Downing Street, 12th July, 1912. With reference to my despatch, No. 155, of the 24th May, I have the honour to request you to inform your Ministers that His Majesty's Government will be represented at the International Exhibition to be held at San Francisco in 1915 to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal. I have, &c, L. HARCOUKT. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Islington, K.C.M.G., D.5.0., &c.

No. 64. New Zealand, No. 207. My Lord, — Downing Street, 12th July, 1912. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of the 6th instant, reporting that the Ministry under the Hon. T. Mackenzie have been defeated, and have resigned, and that Mr. Massey, the Leader of the Opposition, has accepted the responsibility of forming a new Ministry. I have, &c, L. HARCOURT. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Islington, K.C.M.G., D.5.0., &c.