13

D.—2

5. The translator requires to be not only thoroughly acquainted with the grammar and idioms of both languages, but also should be possessed of genuine literary capacity, for, the introduction and historical parts of the book, written as they are in plain but fluent English, would be mutilated if the translator bo not possessed of the above-mentioned qualifications. A few pounds more or less would be well spent if the translation did justice to the original; but the mutilation of a book to which so much importance attaches, by an incompetent translator, would be regretted both by you, Sir, and the eminent editor and authors, and would completely nullify the desired object. With regard to time, I undertake to deliver any number of Swedish and German copies withiu four months from the date of contract. Printing. —lf agreeable to you, Sir, I should be happy to contract with you for the printing of both the Swedish and German copies, and feel confident that I can get it done at as low a figure as any publishing firm in London or abroad; at the same time I could undertake the reproduction of the map and photographs at a remarkably low price. Should I be intrusted with the translation of this important work, the same shall, like all former commissions which I had the honor of executing for the New Zealand Government, have my best, sole, and undivided attention, be in every respect perfect—entirely taken off your hands —and be promptly executed. Trusting that my application will be received favourably, and awaiting your further instructions, I have, &c., The Hon. Dr. Peatherston. Heney Naidley. Estimate. Translating a Handbook on New Zealand into German, revising the same through the press, £350 to £400. Translating into Swedish, and revising same through the press, £400 to £450. Henry Naidiey.

No. 30. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 7th August, 1874. I have to express my regret at not having been able ere this to forward copies of the charter parties of the ships hereinafter named, owing to the three contracting firms refusing to sign those documents with the 3Gth clause as drafted by the Attorney-General, or even as subsequently modified by Mr. Mackrell. At the very last moment I have procured the signature of the New Zealand Shipping Company to the charter parties of ships despatched by them as per margin, but their representative here refused his signature until the substantial part of the 36th clause had been struck out by themselves after my signature had been affixed; and I have great doubt whether the other firms will sign the contract, although they were assenting parties to the clause as revised. 1 should add that I have reason to know that these firms are acting under legal advice, and that Mr. Mackrell had more than one interview with their solicitor, who had assented to the clause after it had been revised. A list of ships which have sailed, and for which charter parties have not been signed, is subjoined. I have, &c, - I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 31. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Ministeb for Immigbation. (No. 1508.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S."W., Sib,— 7th August, 1874. In continuation of a former letter in reply to yours of the 4th June (No. 150,1874), directing the publication of an edition of the New Zealand Handbook in England, I have the honor to inform you that I have directed tenders to be taken for its printing from Messrs. Spottiswoode, Messrs. Eobson, and Messrs. Wyman, three of the most efficient printing establishments in London. I hare reason to think that an edition of 15,000 may be printed at an expense of about a shilling a copy. 2. I have*not yet fully decided as to the best means of publishing and circulating the work, but I am in communication with Messrs. "W. H. Smith and Son on the subject. It has occurred to me that their opportunities of circulating it, as proprietors of the railway bookstalls throughout England and Ireland, far exceed those of any other medium of publication, and Messrs. Smith have expressed their willingness to undertake the work. I have, Ac, I. E. Feathebston, The Hon. Julius Voge], C.M.G-., "Wellington. Agent-General.