A.—9

6

Difficult as it may be to signalize in a commensurate way the feelings which are thus naturally emphasised at the approach of the Jubilee of Her Majesty's reign, I am convinced that the proposal which your Eoyal Highness indicates, and which has the support of your influence, will be considered singularly appropriate. It will, therefore, give me much satisfaction to open a fund at the Mansion House for the receipt of contributions, as suggested by your Eoyal Highness. I have, &c, John Staples, His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales, K.G. Lord Mayor.

The Prince of Wales to all Governors of Colonies, to Viceroy of India, and to Governors of Madras and Bombay. (Telegram.) With reference to my suggestion as to permancy of present Exhibition, papers concerning which were transmitted to you on the 21st July, I now propose that memorial of Queen's Jubilee should take the form of a permanent Imperial institution of the colonies and India, which would comprise display of colonial and Indian resources. Contributions in aid of institution to be solicited from the Governments and public, both here and in all parts of Empire. Funds to be vested in Board of Trustees appointed by Sovereign. Institution to be under permanent presidency of heirapparent to Throne. Shall be glad to be favoured with your views on this subject by cable, and to hear whether your Government is prepared to recommend an annual grant for certain number of years, or, if preferred, a sum down.

No. 21. The Agent-Genebal to the Colonial Tbeasueee. Treasurer, New Zealand. Exhibition. Cunliffe Owen accepts charge behalf Prince Wales whatever exhibits, either given or lent, and colonies relieved further working expenses ; shall therefore make temporary provision accordingly. London, 6th November.

No. 22. The Agent-Genebal to the Colonial Teeasueee. Treasurer, New Zealand. London, 18th November, 1886. Institute. Position suddenly changed. Prince now decides no reopening June, and new committee cannot receive exhibits. Am therefore arranging until instructions received. Information necessary to enable Government to decide is being sent by to-clay's mail.

No. 23. The Agent-General to the Premier. To Premier, New Zealand. London, 3rd December, 1886. Institute. Joint Agents-General telegram gone Adelaide for repetition. " Prince's committee in communication with Agents-General, and concurrence of Prince have remodelled basis of Institute. Name, ' Imperial Institute for United Kingdom, Colonies and India.' Half entire space in no way inferior to other half reserved for colonies and India. Each colony to have control of its section, and colonies to have fair share in general management. Also contemplated to have from time to time exhibitions of specific industries and products. Buildings constructed before opening. We have stated colonies contributing lump sum no further grant for administration can be expected from them. On your approval being received scheme will be definitely adopted."

No. 24. The Premier to the Agent-General. To Agent-General, London. Wellington, 14th December, 1886. Institute modifications approved.

No. 25. The Agent-General to the Colonial Treasurer. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 2nd November, 1886. The Prince of Wales assembled the Executive Commissioners of the Exhibition on the 24th October and delivered^an address to them, of which a report is enclosed herewith. I also send some notes of the first meeting of the Commissioners, held to consider the address; a second meeting was held yesterday, the report of which is not yet in print; and a third meeting will be held at the end of this week. The proposal for the creation of the Imperial institution has now reached a somewhat embarrassing stage. When His Eoyal Highness called the Executive Commissioners together last