CORRESPONDENCE.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 291, 18 August 1888, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

Under no circumstances is the Editor responsible i'or tiio matter contained in correspondence.

(To thr Editor). Str, — I enclose letter received by me from 'Colonial Secretary in reply to one from me in which, in view of the possible retirement of the Agent-General, I suggested that as Mr Gisbourne lived in London, took a groot interest in aM concerning the welfare of New Zealand, had had great experience of the Colony's affairs, and from his ability and urbanity and the long high standing which his family had held in England, that he would be well suited for the position ; and further as he now draws a pension from New Zealand probably a few hundred pounds more would be all that he would want, and thus save about a thousand pounds yearly to the Colony ; besides under him the Agency- General would be a place where colonists could meet colonists and take people to receive full and reliable infoimation about the Colony, see maps, photographs, and papers, ami could do this as their right, and not as at present., be simply tolerated politely as bores interfering with the reading of some recent and interesting book or periodical. You see how these civil servants,officials,and ruling powers favour their class I am, etc., Wm. Arch. Murray, Mount Pleasant, Piako, August, 14th, 1888.

[copy of letter refbrrkd to above]. Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, New Zealand, 11th July, 1888. Sir, — " I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the date quoted in the margin (25th June), suggesting that the office of the AgentGeneral for New Zealand in London should be recognised as a place of resort for Colonists to meet one another and to take others for the purpose of obtaining information regarding the Colony, and pointing out that by the appointment of the Hon. Mi* Gi3borne, as Agent-General, a saving of £1000 per annum could be effected. In reply lam directed by the Colonial Secretary to thank you for the sugge9tiors made by you. As regards the appointment of Agent General I am to inform you that Sir Francis Dillon Bell has been reappointed to that office. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most; obedient servant, G. S, Cooper."' W. A.Murray, Esq , Mount Pluas.int, Piako, Auckland.