H.—s

2

The timbers, coal, and ores will be bulky, and as striking as possible. The wools and fibres, in bulk, will also require much room. All fine fibres and fleeces of wool should be put under glass. A considerable extent of wall space will be required for the maps and plans. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Henet Sewell.

No. 3. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Westminster Chambers, Sib, — Victoria Street, Westminster, 22nd August, 1872. I have the honor to bring under the notice of the Government the enclosed printed letter from Mr. Owen (Secretary of the Vienna Exhibition Committee) to the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies. In this letter the Secretary says : —" lam directed to point out that the limited period which now remains renders it doubtful whether the Colonies, especially the more remote ones, would bo able to make competent arrangements themselves, or to organize and send to Europe special Representative Commissioners. Should this be found impracticable, or if they desire to avail themselves of the services of the existing organization here, the Committee would be willing not only to take charge of the interests of such Colonies, but, generally, to promote to the utmost of their power a worthy representation of Colonial productions at the Exhibition." I have to state for your information, that I was unavoidably absent from the meeting of Committee when this course was decided on. As Agent-General of the Colony of New Zealand, I intend, however, subject to the approval of the Government, to give the following answers to the questions contained in Mr. Owen's letter : —■ 1. That it is the intention of the Colony to be represented at the Vienna Exhibition. 2. That ample space will be required, of which due notice will be given. 3. That the Colony intends to send a special representative of its own, instead of availing itself of the services of the Committee. 4. That it is not proposed to place any portion of the grant to be made by the Colony at the disposal of the Committee. I need hardly say that I am anxiously awaiting instructions from the Colony on this subject, as it is important that New Zealand should retain its distinctive characters in the proposed collective representation of the Australasian groups. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. W. Gisborne, Colonial Secretary. Agent-General.

No. 4. The lion, the Colonial Secretae* to the Aoent-Geneeal. Colonial Secretary's Office, Sib,— Wellington, New Zealand, 28th October, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd of August last, upon the subject of the Vienna Universal Exhibition, 1873. The Government approve of the action reported in your letter, which is in accordance with their own views and in harmony with what is being done in the Colony. Mr. Sewell's letter of the 23rd September will have given you a preliminary intimation of the views of the Government, and I now enclose a copy of the Neiv Zealand Gazette, 100 copies of which have also been sent to you under separate cover. This Gazette will show you the steps which are being taken to hold a Preliminary Exhibition at Christchurch, where exhibits will be selected for transmission to Vienna. A sum of £500 will be at your disposal for the purpose of providing the necessary fittings in the Exhibition building, for expense of carriage between London and Vienna, and of repacking, returning, and disposing of the articles exhibited in accordance with instructions which will be forwarded with the invoices. Arrangements have been made with the Bank of New Zealand for the supply of specimens of gold from the various gold fields in the Colony, to be collected and arranged by the Bank, and delivered to your order in London. Instructions will be sent to you as to the ultimate disposal of these specimens. The Government will communicate further with you as to the appointment of a Commissioner to represent the Colony at Vienna. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. J. Hall.

No. 5. The Hon. the Colonial Secbetaby to the Agestt-Geneeal. Sir, — Colonial Secretary's Office, "Wellington, 21st November, 1872. I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter of instructions to the Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, Wellington, relative to the exhibition of gold specimens at Vienna, and to request that you will take the necessary steps to have cases prepared for the proper exhibition of the samples. I liave, &c, (for the Colonial Secretary,) The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. . G. 8. Coopee.