31

A.—9

may ever be thought a felicitous circumstance that the jubilee year of a reign remarkable in the history of industry was commemorated by founding an institution full of promise for our industrial future.

No. 38. The Agent-General to the Colonial Treasurer. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 21st January, 1887. Since writing to the Hon. the Premier on the 14th instant (No. 30), I have received the commands of the Prince of Wales to join the temporary committee formed by His Eoyal Highness in connection with the proposed Imperial Institute. I annex a copy of Sir Francis Knollys' letter. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Treasurer, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure in No. 38. Dear Sir F. Dillon Bell, — Sandringham, Norfolk, 20th January, 1887. I am desired by the Prince of Wales to express a sincere hope that you will be so good as to afford him the benefit of your services by kindly consenting to join the temporary committee which he has formed in connection with the proposed Imperial Institute. His Eoyal Highness hopes he may receive a favourable reply from you. Believe me, &c, Francis Knollys.

No. 39. The Agent-Genebal to the Colonial Treasurer. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 27th January, 1887. Since writing to the Premier on the 14th instant (No. 30), I have received your telegram of the 21st, directing me to correspond with the Treasury on questions relating to the Imperial Institute. I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th December. The letters you will have since received from me will have kept you informed of all that has been done during the last three months in connection with the Institute ; and I now enclose copy of a circular letter from Sir Francis Knollys, K.C.M.G., C.8., by desire of the Prince of Wales, suggesting that the time has come when serious efforts should be made for collecting contributions in all the colonies. I also enclose several copies of a pamphlet just issued by the Prince's committee, containing the official report of His Eoyal Highness's meeting at St. James's Palace, and of the Lord Mayor's meeting, the Times account of which I sent by last mail. It is difficult to form any correct opinion yet on the question whether sufficient money will be subscribed to give full effect to the scheme. I confess I am surprised that no greater response has been made to it here up to the present time; but, I hearon all sides that people are hanging back to see what will be subscribed by the colonies possessing responsible government. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Treasurer, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure 1 in No. 39. Sir,— Marlborough House, Pall Mall, S.W., 24th January, 1887. I am directed by His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales to inquire of you whether, in your opinion, that time has not arrived when you could, with prospect of advantage to the Imperial Institute, communicate with the Government of New Zealand, suggesting that steps should at once be taken for setting on foot an organization in that colony for the purpose of collecting contributions from the inhabitants towards the national memorial of the Queen's Jubilee. I may perhaps be allowed to suggest that this object might probably be most effectively promoted by the adoption of some such system as that which is at the present moment being set in motion in the United Kingdom for the systematic collection of contributions simultaneously in the various counties or districts, through the agency of district or general committees, who will co-operate with local committees presided over by the heads of townships or the chairmen of local governing bodies. I am to add that Sir Frederick Abel, the Organising Secretary of the Imperial Institute, will be prepared to furnish you, on application, with copies of a pamphlet comprising the report of the Organising Committee, the address delivered by His Eoyal Highness at the St. James's Palace meeting, the speeches made at that and the Mansion House meeting, and instructions relating to subscriptions; and will be happy to afford you any further information which you may desire. I have, &c. Sir Francis Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., C.8., Francis Knollys. Agent-General for New Zealand.

« Enclosure 2 in No. 39. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 26th January, 1887. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th instant, asking, by desire of His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales, whether I thought the time had not arrived when I could communicate with my Government with respect to setting on foot an organization in New Zealand for collecting contributions towards the national memorial of the Queen's Jubilee.