A.—2a.

with like results. In the despatch which contained this information I also stated that it was considered advisable that, in place of any awards being granted by juries, as has been the case in previous Exhibitions, commemorative medals only should be given to each exhibitor. The object in suggesting this change was that, as some colonies, from their age and circumstances, were more advanced than others, those in their infancy should not be placed at an undue disadvantage in an Exhibition from which all thoughts of trade rivalry should be excluded. lam pleased to say that answers have been received which show that the suggestions made on this and other matters have been favourably accepted, and to inform you that the project of holding the Exhibition has been everywhere received with the utmost cordiality. I trust that these preliminary arrangements may meet with your approval. I have also to submit for your consideration the general method of administration which I recommend should be adopted. As President of the Eoyal Commission it is my intention personally to take the same active part in the work as I did at the Paris Exhibition of 1878. The details of the executive duties will devolve on Sir Philip Cunliffe-Owen, whose ability and experience have so often been tested with satisfactory results, and who has also been intrusted by the Indian Government and certain of our colonies with executive duties on their behalf. I have also thought it desirable to nominate a Finance Committee for the purpose of controlling and regulating the expenditure of the Commission and guarding the interests of the guarantors. This Committee, it is proposed, shall consist of the following members of the Commission, who have kindly placed their services at my disposal, viz.: Sir John Bose, Bart. (Chairman), Sir George C. M. Birdwood, Mr. Edward Birkbeck, Sir Barrow Helbert Ellis, and Sir William Charles Sargeaunt. I will ask you to confirm the appointment of these gentlemen. As arrangements advance, it may be necessary for me to recur in matters of special importance to your counsel and aid. "While no effort will be spared to render the Exhibition worthy of the primary objects it is intended to promote, as well as to insure its attractiveness to the community, the guarantors may be assured that, subject to the attainment of these ends, no needless outlay will take _ place, but that, on the contrary, the expenditure will be kept within proper and legitimate limits. As an earnest of this endeavour I have directed full and detailed estimates of the different heads of proposed expenditure—guided by the experience of former Exhibitions—to be prepared for submission, first, to the Finance Committee, and subsequently for my own approval. Though it is impossible to foresee what eventualities may arise, I trust no obstacles may occur to prevent this Exhibition from being, not only self-sustaining, but as sucsessful, financially, as those of late years have been. It has been suggested that advantage should be taken of the great numbers who will doubtless visit England during the Exhibition from the colonies and from India, to procure for them special facilities for visiting the great manufacturing centres and chief places of interest in Great Britain, not only as an expression of welcome, but that they and we may profit by a comparison of their own with the more matured commercial systems of the Mother-country, and that, by bringing manufacturers, producers, and consumers together, an impetus may be given to the general extension of industry and trade. Negotiations are in progress to effect this object, which I hope may result not only in mutual advantage, but in proving to our fellow-subjects that they are as welcome elsewhere in Great Britain as I am sure they will be in the metropolis. In conclusion, let me express the hope that this great undertaking and the many occasions for friendly intercourse with our fellow subjects from India and the colonies which it will afford, may convey to them the assurance that, while we are deeply moved by the spirit of patriotism they have lately shown in desiring to bear their share in the graver trials of the country, we on our part wish to participate in every effort to further and develop their material interests, interests which we feel to be inseparably bound up with the prosperity of the Empire. We must remember that, as regards the colonies, they are the legitimate and natural homes, in future, of the more adventurous _ and energetic portion of the population of these islands. Their progress, and their power of providing all that makes life comfortable and attractive, cannot, therefore, but be a matter of serious concern to us all. And, as regards India, the increasing knowledge of that vast Empire and the rapid and easy means of communication to all parts of it which now exists, render its remarkable and varied products and its social and political condition a source of yearly increasing interest and importance to us. For the attainment of the purposes I have indicated, lam sure I may rely on your friendly co-operation and assistance, in your several localities, and within the sphere of your individual influence. Although it has been impossible from the pressure of their duties elsewhere for some members of the Commission to be present at this meeting, I am gratified by the assurance from them that we may none the less rely on their practical and earnest assistance on every occasion in furthering the work which has been intrusted to us, and achieving the important ends which I trust may flow from its successful accomplishment. It only remains for me to express my cordial thanks to you for your kindness in attending here to-day, and my confidence that I shall continue to receive the same measure of support which it has been my good fortune to obtain from many of you on former occasions. Sir Philip Cunliffe-Owen then read the correspondence relating to the appointment of the Commission and the participation of the various colonies, all of which were most willing to take advantage of this opportunity of displaying their resources and progress, and gaining a larger knowledge respecting their sister colonies. A preliminary list of guarantors was also read, the amount of the guarantee fund being already £128,600. The Earl of Deeby said, —I have been asked to move a resolution, and Ido it with great pleasure, but also very briefly, because argument is superfluous where I presume we are all of one mind, and it would be a mere waste of time to relate the circumstances, with which you are no doubt familiar, which should induce you to accept this resolntion. There was a time, a few years a"0, when it was said Exhibitions were played out, and that it would be well, for a time, "at least, to discontinue them. Ido not know whether that feeling was ever justified by the facts; it may have represented a passing phase of opinion in London, but it is not the.

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