Enclosure 4 in No. 1.

From His Excellency the Governor to the Honourable the Premier.

(Telegram.)

The Governor has received the Premier's telegram informing him that the Cabinet recommend him to call Messrs. Whyte, Ormond, Johnston, C. C. Bo wen, Fulton, and Downie Stewart, to the Council. In view of the Premier's memorandum of I7th December to the effect that, having regard to the uncertainty of the strength of parties in the House of Representatives since the general election, it is desirable that Parliament shall be summoned at the earliest possible date, the Governor, before taking action on the recommendation tendered, requests the Premier to advise him whether the names that are suggested are in his opinion best calculated to strengthen the efficiency of the Upper House; and, further, whether they arc the six names, if not. in New Zealand, at least from among the supporters of the Government, best calculated to effect that object.