Sir,—I have the honour to convey to you the undermentioned reply from the "Department of State," Washington, in answer to the Chamber's Memorial regarding the reduction of duty on New Zealand Wools:—

"Referring to your despatch No. 52, of the 15th January last, transmitting a letter from the Chamber of Commerce of Dunedin, asking a reduction on the duty of New Zealand Wool, I have now to inform you that the Secretary of the Treasury, to whom a copy of your despatch was referred, states in a letter of the 12th inst. that, when the proper time arrives, the subject will be referred to the Committee of Ways and Means at the House of Representatives for its consideration."