Gt.—jSo, 4.

G-. F. Bowex, Governor. Victoria, by the Grace of G-od, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, and so forth: To Our Trusty and Loving Subjects, James Hector, Theodore Minet Haultain, and John Kebbell, Esquires. "Wiiebeas the House of Eepresentatives did, on the tenth day of September, one thousand eight hundred and seventy, adopt certain Eesolutions, which were as follows: — " Ist. That a Commission be appointed consisting of three members resident in New Zealand, such Commission to have power to appoint one or two Agents in England to be in correspondence with the Commission, and generally to carry out their instructions. " 2nd. That the duty of the Commission shall be — "(1.) To visit the chief districts in the Colony where Flax fibre is prepared. To institute or to assist mechanical experiments on New Zealand Flax, with a view to cheapen the cost of manufacture and to improve the quality of the fibre produced. To collect samples of all kinds of fibre produced in quantity and by processes not precluded by their expense from being generally adopted; and to carefully collate full particulars as to the variety of the plant from which the fibre has been prepared, and the process of dressing, including Maori-dressed Flax. "(2.) To send a portion of the samples so collected to the Agents before mentioned, with a view to their obtaining from the best authorities a report on the misroscopic structure and chemical composition of the New Zealand Flax leaf and fibre as compared with Irish Flax, Eussian and Manilla Hemp. "(3.) To ascertain if possible the reason why Manilla Hemp made into rope resists the action of sea water better than the Phormium tenax. "(4.) The relative capacity of tho New Zealand Flax fibre and Eussian Hemp to absorb tar. " 3rd. That the Agents shall act under the instructions of the Commission, not only with regard to the above named points, but also ascertain— "(1.) The market value of the fibre, and the reason for the different prices obtained. "(2.) To place in the hands of manufacturers supplies of the various kinds of Flax fibre, with the view of ascertaining by practical tests to what purposes it can be profitably applied. "(3.) To procure samples (say two or three hundredweight each) of the various fibres that compete in the English market with the Phormium tenax, viz, Eussian, Manilla, and Italian Hemp, Jute, and Irish Flax, so as to afford information to New Zealand Flaxdressers as to the quality of fibre which it is desirable should be produced by them. "(4.) To submit to makers of Flax Machines in the mother country samples of our prepared Flax, and invite suggestions as to the improvements of the machines usually employed in the Colony. "(5.) Generally, to ascertain what can be done to extend the use and increase the market value of the Flax fibre. " 4th. That properly qualified officers (if possible in connection with the Customs) should be appointed at each port, who, on application by shippers, should sample the various bales, and place an official brand thereon, showing its quality as compared with standard sanrples issued to them by the Commission; such classification to be similar to the manner in which ' foreign-grown Hemp or Flax is classified, viz, first, second, and third qualities:" Now know ye that We, reposing especial trust and confidence in your knowledge and ability, have authorized and appointed, and do by these presents authorize and appoint, you the said James Hectoe, Theodore Mestet Haui/tain, and Join* Kebbell, to be, during pleasure, Our Commissioners for the purposes hereinafter mentioned, with power to appoint one or two Agents in England, as you may think fit, to be in correspondence with you, and generally to carry out your instructions. And it is Our will and pleasure that you should do and perform the following acts, functions, and duties: — (1.) To visit the chief districts in the Colony where Flax fibre is prepared. To institute or to assist mechanical experiments on New Zealand Flax, with a view to cheapen the cost of manufacture and to improve the quality of the fibre produced. To collect samples of all kinds of fibre produced in quantity and by processes not precluded by their expense from being generally adopted; and to carefully collate full particulars as to the variety of the plant from which the fibre has been prepared, and the process of dressing, including Maori-dressed Flax. E

COMMISSION.