A.—9

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which we can make no pretension, and with every prospect of soon possessing that cheap labour by which they may be effectually utilized. Many circumstances tend to justify the hope that we may hold our own if we are careful to ' organize victory.' But to those who reflect seriously on the prospects of the population of Lancashire and Yorkshire—should the time ever arrive when the goods which are produced by their labour and their skill are to be had cheaper elsewhere—to those who remember the cotton famine, and reflect how much worse a customer famine would be, the situation appears very grave. I thought—l still think—that it was the intention of the Prince of Wales and his advisers—recognizing the existence of these dangers ahead—to make a serious effort to meet them, and it was in that belief that I supported the proposed Institute." It is unnecessary to add anything to this lofty conception of what the Institute as a whole may be capable, but a few words may be devoted to the consideration of the value of the Institute from a New Zealand point of view. I take it that whatever may be decided as to the general management of the Institute, it will be open to each colony to manage the details of its own portion of the building, and to renew its exhibits as it sees fit. On this assumption it would be constantly possible to place before an enormous number of people samples of what the colonists can produce and maufacture. As a means, then, of making known the resources of the colony it will be of great value ; but, in my opinion, oven yet greater benefit may in time arise from the aid it will give to improving the manufactures and productions of the colony. The day is rapidly approaching when a visit to Europe, both as respects the cost and the time it will occupy, will be open to persons of very moderate means. The Institute is therefore likely to bo visited by a large number of New Zealand colonists. The information they will gather as to the progress of industrial pursuits in other parts of the Empire will be of great service. The climate and water-power of New Zealand, combined with the general education of the people, must in time give the colony exceptional advantages in the way of producing and manufacturing. It cannot, then, be a matter of indifference to this distant portion of Her Majesty's possessions that the memorial of the Queen's Jubilee is to take a shape which will give those engaged in industrial pursuits opportunities and advantages which Great Britain, the colonies, and India have never before enjoyed. You will observe that the pamphlet treats of various sorts of donations. It will rest with you how far you may wish to adopt the distinctions suggested. In my opinion it is not the amount only, but the number of subscribers, which will attest the desire of the colonists to do honour to an object so acceptable to our gracious Sovereign. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, Colonial Treasurer. P.S.—I forward some copies of the pamphlet; more can be sent you if you require them.

No. 41. Extract from the New Zealand Gazette of 24th March, 1887. "Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 16th March, 1887. " His Execllency the Governor directs it to be notified that he has received a telegram from His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales, who hopes that the Governor will organize measures for collecting, in the colony, contributions for the Imperial Institute in London. The organization is proceeding throughout the United Kingdom, and Her Majesty the Queen has published her approval of the scheme. " In reference to the above, it is hereby notified for general information that subscriptions for the object in question will be received by the Postmasters throughout the colony. "P. A. Buckley."

No. 42. The Agent-General to the Colonial Treasurer. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 11th February, 1887. The Organizing Committee appointed by the Prince of Wales in connection with the Imperial Institute were anxious that His Eoyal Highness should telegraph to the Governors of colonies inviting them to take steps for beginning the collection of contributions in India and the colonies, and I have now the honour to enclose a copy of the telegram sent on the 3rd instant by His Eoyal Highness to the Governor of New South Wales for communication to the Australasian Governments. You will see that the Queen's approval of his scheme is announced. I am glad to say that fair progress is being made here, a number of meetings having been held in support of the Institute. There was some difficulty about the City of London, but this has fortunately been settled. It was desired, by many intending city subscribers, to make a condition that a part of the general fund should bo devoted to the erection of a museum in the city, besides other concessions ; and a deputation met the Organizing Committee to discuss these proposals, when we came to an arrangement allowing city subscribers to designate some part, not exceeding 30 per cent, of their subscriptions as being specially dedicated to the city museum. A sub-committee has been appointed to obtain designs for the Institute. Sir Frederick Leighton, President of the Eoyal Academy, was good enough to propose that I should serve on this sub-committee, but I did not think I could be of enough service in a matter requiring such professional knowledge and artistic taste. Other sub-committees are busily engaged in a variety of details requiring careful attention. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Treasurer, Wellington. F. D. Bell. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,400 copies), _522 12b, Od.J

Authority: Geobge Didsbuky, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB7.