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transport by railway was £6 per ton across the Continent; and Laving ascertained that the goods could be taken via Panama at £2 per ton in almost as short a time, he had shipped them by that route, and that on the representation of Mr. Bothamley, of the excessive cost of living, he had increased his pay to £2 2s. per day, after consultation with the officers of British Commission ; that the Catalogue is in the hands of the printer, and that he had received notice from the Agent-General of the £500 transmitted for purchases and transport of exhibits, and that he starts in three weeks' tims for America. 25th March, 1876. 244. From the Special Commissioner, London, sending proof copy of Catalogue. 4th April, 187G. 245. From the Special Commissioner, London, stating the despatch of goods for Exhibition, and enclosing memoranda of packages sent, and statements of charges incurred to date, and enclosing and replying to the three letters received from Mr. Bothamley as to sums credited to them in London and Philadelphia. 4th May, 1576. 246. To the Special Commissioner, Philadelphia, introducing Mr. S. McLeod, who had offered his services while at Philadelphia. 247. To the Special Commissioner, Philadelphia, introducing Mr. John Chew, of Wellington. 248. To the General Agent of the Pactfjp Mail Steam Shipping Company, San Francisco, thanking him for his assistance to the Secretary. 249. To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, requesting that £500 be remitted to Mr. Bothamley, Philadelphia, to meet current expenses, and recommending the balance remaining to be placed on next estimates. Gth May, 1876. 250. Copy of Telegram given to Mr. McLeod to be sent on his arrival at San Francisco to Dr. Hector, relative to his letters there. 4th May, 1876. 251. To Mr. McLeod, enclosing letters of introduction to the Special Commissioner. 252. To Mr. John Chew, Wellington, enclosing letter of introduction to the Special Commissioner. sth April, 1876. 253. From the Secretary, Philadelphia, regarding a Maori, required at Exhibition, with copies of telegrams. 17th'April, 1876. 254. From Mr. E. N. Cameron; forwarded by Mr. Bothamley, regarding the Maori. Ist June,^S76. 255. To the Hon. Sir Donald McLean, Native Minister, relative to procuring a Maori, and whether he could defray expenses of a companion from Native funds. sth June, 1876. 256. Telegram from the Hon. the Native Minister, promising to obtain a Maori. 257. From the Secretary, Philadelphia, acknowledging letters. 14th May, 1876. 258. From the Secretary, Philadelphia, regarding Catalogues. 258a. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, to Dr. Hector, Chief Commissioner, enclosing a letter from his Honor the Superintendent of Westland, covering one from Messrs. Arthur and Doherty, the discoverers and owners of a photographic limestone quarry in that province, and requesting him to obtain information respecting the working of quarries of this stone in Germany. 258b. Answer, see 306. 2nd June, 1876. 259. To the Special Commissioner, Philadelphia, acknowledging receipt of letters, and that an uncorrected copy of printed Catalogue of exhibits had been received. 21st June, 1876. 260. To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, stating that the Chairman will not press his resignation (see No. 155), but postpone the application until Dr. Hector's return. 23rd June, 1876. 261. From the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, stating that the Hon. Mr. Mantell's post of Chairman to the Commission being honorary, it does not disqualify him from other.duties. 22nd June, 1876. 262. Telegram from Dr. Hector, Philadelphia, stating that the New Zealand Court was in order and much frequented, and that Keport cannot be sent until another mouth, and acknowledging receipt of instructions, and referring to other instructions received regarding Nevada mines as not received. 22nd June, 1576. 263. To the Special Commissioner, pointing out some probable mistake in the number of advances received by him from the Agent-General, and copies of enquiries on the subject enclosed. 264. To the Special Commissioner, enclosing copy of letter to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, containing Mr. Mantell's application and postponed resignation. 24th May, 1876. 2GNS. From the Special Commissioner, reporting arrival in Philadelphia, and that the arrangements made by the Secretary are mentioned in his report.

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