H.—23

ABSTRACT OF COMMISSIONERS' CORRESPONDENCE. 26th July, 1875. 1. The Hon. "W". B. D. Mantel] to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, asking for any papers relating to Exhibition, and a paid secretary. 31st July, 1875. 2. To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, requesting him to transmit information to the Secretary of State, aa to the impossibility of complying with regulations, owing to their late arrival, and to secure the floor space required. 2nd August, 1875. 3. To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, asking what provision will be allowed for expenses of the Commission, and whether any local agents have been previously appointed. 4th August, 1875. 4 To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, requesting that publicity be given to the appointment of the Commission, and that letters and telegrams on Commission business may be made free. Oth August, 1875. 5. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to the Hon. AV. B. Mantell, announcing the gazetting of Commissioners; and that ho, as chairman, can frank letters and telegrams. 10th August, 1875. 6. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, informing the Chairman that Superintendents of Provinces Tiave been asked to collect, and names sums authorized already to local committees ; wants estimate of expenses ; sends printed copy of correspondence re Philadelphia and Melbourne Exhibitions. llth August, 1875. 7. To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, asking if the Hon. the Speaker of the Legislative Council would have any objection to Mr. Bothamley becoming their Secretary. 8. From the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, stating that the Hon. the Speaker of the Legislative ■Council is willing that Mr. Bothamley should act as Secretary to the Commissioners. 12th August, 1875. 9. To Mr. Bothamley, AVellington, offering him the appointment of Secretary to the Commission. 10. From Mr. Bothamley, accepting the appointment. 11. To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, requesting that the power to frank letters and telegrams be extended to Chairman of Local Committees. 12. To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, intimating that the Commissioners' estimate of expenses is £3,500. 13. To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, acknowledging the receipt of letter, with Mr. Bothamley's appointment as Secretary. 13th August, 1875. 14. From the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, informing the Chairman that he can send and receive telegrams and letters free. 15. From the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, asking for details of estimate of Commissioners' expenses. lGth August, 1875. 16. To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, giving details of estimate of expenses. 17. From the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, acknowledging estimate, and informing the Chairman that Government will place a vote on the supplementary estimates for the sum applied for. 18. To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, suggesting that the exhibits from New Zealand remaining from the Vienna Exhibition, and now in care of the Colonial Museum, London, should be applied for, for the Philadelphia Exhibition, and that Dr. Hector should make the selection. 19. To the lion, the Colonial Secretary, suggesting that Dr. Hector be sent as Special Commissioner to Philadelphia. No. 20 omitted. llth August, 1875. 21. Telegrams to the Deputy Superintendents of Auckland, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, AVestlaud, Nelson, and Marlborough, asking whether any Local Committee had been appointed. 12th August, 1875. 22. To the Deputy Superintendents of Provinces, requesting their co-operation in publishing the enclosed particulars for the Exhibition. 23. Telegram from the Deputy Superintendent of Westland, stating that the Institute are collecting. 24. Telegram from the Deputy Superintendent of Nelson, stating that the Local Committee had appointed Dr. Irvine chairman. 12th and 13th August, 1575. 25. Telegrams from the Deputy Superintendents of Marlboroujh, Auckland, Otago, Tararnki, saying that no Local Committee had been appointed. 18th August, 1875. 2(!. Circular sent to the Deputy Superintendents of Auckland, Otago, Taranr.ki, Marlborough, and Westland, recommending the formation of Local Committees.

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