13

A.—9

They do not fail to remember that the scheme which your Eoyal Highness indicated in your letter of the 13th September last, to the Lord Mayor of London, had its origin in the remarkable interest excited by the recent Exhibition, by which not only the material products, resources, and manufactures, but the loyal feeling of the great colonies and possessions of Her Majesty's Empire were illustrated in a most signal manner. The object, therefore, which naturally suggested itself to the committee was the development, with some necessary modifications, of your Eoyal Highness's idea of creating a permanent representation of the resources and progress of the colonies and India. On pursuing, however, the consideration of the subject, the committee became persuaded that . memorial really worthy of the Jubilee year of Her Majesty's reign could not be confined in its objects to any one part or parts of Her Majesty's Empire, and that it must in some form and degree also comprehend a representation of the United Kingdom. Their desire, therefore, in the following outline of the scheme which they recommend, is to combine in a harmonious form, and with a view to some practical and useful purpose, a representation of the colonies and India on the one hand, and of the United Kingdom on the other. They submit that this object will be best indicated by giving to the memorial the title of the Imperial Institute of the United Kingdom, the Colonies, and India. They think that the Institute should find its home in buildings of such a character as worthily to commemorate the Jubilee year of the Queen's reign, and to afford accommodation suitable for an institution combining the important objects which they now proceed to describe. It is obvious that several departments of the Institute, such as the hall, conference rooms, &c, which will be found described under the colonial and Indian section and the United Kingdom section respectively, will be common both to the colonies and India and to the United Kindom; but as others have special relation to a particular portion of Her Majesty's dominions, it will be found convenient to make the following division : — A.—Colonial and Indian Section. The object of the colonial and Indian section will be to illustrate the great commercial and industrial resources of the colonies and India, and to spread a knowledge of their progress and social condition. To this end provision should be made for—(l.) The display in an adequate manner of the best natural and manufactured products of the colonies and India, and in connection with this the circulation of typical collections throughout the United Kingdom. (2.) A hall for the discussion of colonial and Indian subjects, and for receptions connected with the colonies and India. (3.) The formation of colonial and Indian libraries, and establishing in connection therewith reading, news, and intelligence rooms. (4.) The incorporation in some form into the proposed Institute of the Eoyal Colonial Institute and Eoyal Asiatic Society, if, as is hoped, it be proposed to bring about such a union. (5.) The collection and diffusion of the fullest information in regard to the industrial and material condition of the colonies, so as to enable intending emigrants to acquire all requisite knowledge. Such information might be advantageously supplemented by simple and practical instruction. An emigration officer of this character should be in correspondence with the provincial towns, either through the free libraries or by other means, so that information may be readily accessible to the people. These objects would be greatly facilitated if, as may be hoped, the Government should consent to the transfer to the buildings of the Institute of the recently formed Emigration Department, which would, by a close connection with the institute, largely increase its usefulness. Facilities might be afforded for the exhibition of works of colonial and Indian art. It is also considered desirable that means should bo provided, not for a general exhibition, but for occasional special exhibitions of colonial and Indian produce and manufactures. At one lime a particular colony or portion of the Empire may desire to show its progress ; at another time a general comparison of particular industries may be useful. Whilst the permanent galleries would exhibit the usual commercial or industrial products of the several colonies and India, the occasional exhibitions would stimulate and enlist the sympathies of colonial and Indian producers, and keep up an active co-operation with the industrial classes of this country. B.—United Kingdom Section. The leading objects of this section will be to exhibit the development during Her Majesty's reign and the present condition of the natural and manufactured products of the United Kingdom, and to afford such stimulus and knowledge as will lead to still further development, and thus increase the industrial prosperity of the country. We submit that these objects may bo carried out by making provision for the following purposes: (1.) Comprehensive collections of the natural products of the United Kingdom and of such products of other nations as are employed in its industries, with full scientific, practical, and commercial information relating thereto. (2.) Illustrations of manufactured products, typical of their development and present condition, of trades and handicrafts and their progress during the Queen's reign, including illustrations of foreign work when necessary for comparison ; together with models illustrating naval architecture, engineering, mining, and architectural works. (3.) A library for industrial, commercial, and economic study, which should contain standard works and reports on all subjects of trade and commerce. It will be desirable also to include a library of inventions of the Empire, and as far as possible of the United States and other countries. (4.) Beading and conference rooms supplied withFnglish, colonial, and foreign, commercial, and technical periodicals, and a fully-equipped map-room for geographical and geological reference. The conference rooms would be of value for meetings of chambers of commerce and other bodies of a kindred nature. (5.) The promotion in affiliation with the Imperial Institute of commercial museums in the City of London and in the commercial centres of the provinces. To these the Institute would contribute