9

H.—23

APPENDIX B.

ABSTRACT OF CORRESPONDENCE PREPARATORY TO COLLECTING EXHIBITS.

4th August, 1874. 1. His Honor, Sir Kedmond Barry, Chairman of the Victorian Commissioners for the Philadelphia Exhibition, to the iron, the Colonial Secretary, stating that Sir G-eorge Bovven had given tho Commissioners authority to ascertain whether united action should bo taken by all the Australian Colonies for representation at the Exhibition, and proposing that there should be a preliminary Exhibition at Melbourne. 4th April, 1875. 2. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary acknowledging the letter, and stating that the Superintendents will be consulted in the matter. 22nd December, 1874. 3. Memorandum by Dr. Hector, observing that New Zealand would have only nine months to prepare for the Exhibition at Melbourne. sth January, 1875. 4. Circular from the Hon. the Colonial Secretary to their Honors the Superintendents of Provinces asking their views on the matter. 11th to 29th January, 1875. 5. 6, 7, 9. Their Honors the Superintendents of Canterbury Westland, Marlborough, Nelson, promising support and approving of the suggestions. 20th January, 1875. 8. His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland promising support, but recommending that the exhibits be sent direct to Philadelphia. 31st March, 1875. 10. His Honor the Superintendent of Otago, stating that he feared Otago would not contribute much. Ist October, 187-1. 11. Memorandum of the Hon. J. Vogel, Sydney, approving of tho Philadelphia Exhibition, with remarks on the nature of articles that should be sent. 15th April, 1875. 12. Circular from the Hon. the Colonial Secretary to the Superintendents of Provinces, stating that the Grovernment had decided on sending exhibits direct to Philadelphia, and suggesting the most suitable exhibits for the Exhibition. 29th April, 1875. 13. His Honor the Superintendent of Westland to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, stating that he is causing enquiries to be instituted in order to obtain full information on the subject alluded to in No. 12. 7th-May, 1875. 14. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to his Honor the Superintendent of Westland, thanking him for No. 13. 15. His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, staling that the Chamber of Commerce will render material assistance, and enquiring the limit of .time for receiving exhibits, and as to their character. 16. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to his Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury, stating that Government wishes to discourage miscellaneous exhibits, and exhibits to be chiefly composed of raw products. 18th May, 1875. 17. His Honor the Superintendent of Westland to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, stating that £50 will be sufficient for Westland, and asking authority to purchase specimens of timber. 25th May, 1875. 18. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to his Honor the Superintendent of Westlaud authorising him to purchase the specimens of timber. 15th June, 1875. 19. His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, stating Committee had met and recommended certain weights of samples of wool and grain, and enquiring as to authority to purchase collections and cost of collecting. 29th June, 1875. 20. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to his Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury. Telegram stating that it is not wished to limit his discretion absolutely as to size of samples, but recommending small quantities. 3.—H. 23.