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not only accuracy, but separate attention and time, which the Agent-General himself cannot give without neglecting the larger things he has to look after. The Government may rely on my doing what is fairly possible to keep the expense down ; but, so long as there is an Agent-General here at all, I am sure the House will not ask me to do more. I have, therefore, to request that you will be pleased to put down a vote of £3,500 for the financial year 1881-82, and I will do my best not to spend it all. As soon as I get a little leisure, I shall send you full details to guide you in any explanations you may be asked for in Supply I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, &c. F "D. Bell.

No. 7. The Hon. the Colonial Secketaey to the Agent- Geneeal. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, 4 "Wellington, 15th July, 1881. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th May last, stating that after due consideration you have concluded that it is not possible to carry on the Agent-General's Office for £3,000, and requesting that a sum of £3,500 may be placed on the estimates for that purpose. In reply, I have the honor to inform you that the Government have increased the amount placed on the estimates for your department from £3,330, at which it was originally put, to £3,500, in accordance with your request, having full reliance on your judgment that you will act with a due regard to economy of the public funds. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Thomas Dick.

Authority: Geobge Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBl.