29

H.—23

New Zealand. /a of No of hxhibits. Contributors. Auckland ... ... ... ... 5 2 Taranaki ... ... ... . . 95 4 Wellington ... ... ... 123 11 Nelson ... ... ... ... 41 15 Canterbury ... ... ... 206 25 Otago ... ... ... ... 5 5 Westland ... ... ... ... 36 1 Total from Colony ... ... ... 511 London ... ... ... 467 America ... ... ... 136 Total ... ... .. 1,114 It is not fitting that I should attempt to anticipate the reports of the Judges on the different articles shown from New Zealand by discussing the merits of any ot the articles exhibited, as from the careful and exhaustive manner in which they conducted their examination their reports will no doubt afford critical comparisons of our exhibits in certain sections that will be useful in the colony. I may, however, say that, judging from the great interest that was shown in the natural products of this country, such especially as wool and grain, it is much to be regretted that the Exhibition was not more ample in these particular classes. Nearly the whole of the grain, beyond those samples exhibited under glass, was given away in small parcels as seed grain at the urgent solicitation of representatives of agricultural societies and other persons interested in such pursuits. In the same manner, samples of wool were eagerly asked for, and great interest was manifested in this section of the exhibits, doubtless owing to the circumstance that the question of remitting the duty on Australian wools was then under discussion in Congress. In conclusion, I have to state, that during my stay at Philadelphia, as representative of this colony, I experienced the greatest courtesy aud attention both from the Centennial and British Commissioners, and likewise received great assistance in carrying out my various duties in connection with the Exhibition and otherwise, from Mr. 11. W. Cameron, and Mr. R. W. Forbes, of New York. I have, &c, James Hectoh, Special Commissioner.

Enclosure No. 1. -

INSTKUCTIONS TO THE SPECIAL COMMISSIONER.

Philadelphia Exhibition Commission. ~W. H. Letin to De. Hectob. Sie, — "Welington, New Zealand, 13th December, 1875. I have the 'honor to inform you that 1 have this day, received copies of a Commission appointing you to represent the colony at the PhiladelphiaExhibition, and further to act in conjunction with the Hon. Mr. oisborne and Messrs. Levin, Mclntyre, and the chairman, who previously received a Commission to make arrangements for the representation of the colony at Philadelphia. The Colonial Secretary, in forwarding copies of the Commission issued to yourself, " presumes that the Commissioners here will make known to you their views with regard to the performance of the important duties entrusted to you." I have therefore the honor to inform you that the Commissioners, thinking it necessary that an agent should be despatched in charge of the exhibits, and also for the purpose of making such arrangements as may be necesssary before your arrival at Philadelphia, have appointed to that oifice Mr. A. T. Bothamley, who is now acting as Secretary to the Commissioners. The Commissioners have decided to retain Mr. Bothamley's services till 31st May, and he will, subsequently to his arrival at Philadelphia, act under instructions from you. It is hoped that this arrangement will be satisfactory to you. The space allotted to New Zealand, in the main Exhibition Building is 2,000 feet, information to that effect having been received from the Secretary of State; and in a further telegram, Lord Carnarvon adds, that " additional limited space can be applied for in other building." The exhibits will be despatched from Wellington by the mail steamer advertised to leave on 14th January. They will thus arrive at Philadelphia towards the end of February. It is believed that all exhibits will be sent then, with the exception, perhaps, of a large collection of photographs, to be contributed by the Minister of Public Works. Instructions have already been sent you by the Colonial Secretary, at the suggestion of the Commissioners to the Agent-General, to procure such exhibits of those that were sent to the Vienna Exhibition as you may deem desirable; and the Commissioners would call to your notice, that they should be despatched in time to allow of their reaching Philadelphia before the end of March, as, by a regulation of the Centennial Commission, no exhibits will be admitted after that date. If necessary, you will instruct Mr. Bothamley to receive them on their arrival at New York. The Commissioners thinlc it desirable, in the interests of the colony, that you should reach Phila--B.—H. 23.