H.—52

2

The frame of the cereal trophy had been designed in the hope of its serving to display a thoroughly representative exhibit of the best New Zealand grain in the sheaf ; but, unfortunately, the sheaves of wheat, barley, and oats sent to me were all of an inferior kind, and arrived in poor condition. Bound the cereal trophy a number of glass jars are ranged, containing grain and seeds of various sorts, while grain is also shown in bulk. The separate show-cases sent by the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, the Auckland Boiler Mills, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, and other exhibitors, are placed in as good positions as the space allowed. In this court also are shown all the preserved meats and fish of the various companies carrying on that industry. These exhibits have been the subject of frequent inquiries. Professor Kirk's framed specimens of New Zealand foliage have been divided between the two coufts. New Zealand, as a separate "country," was entitled to two jurors, and one supplemental juror, on the International Jury. I nominated Professor Eoberts-Austen as juror in the mineral class; but after consenting to act he found that his position as juror to the British section wduld prevent his also acting for us; whereupon I nominated Mr. Malfroy in his stead. Mr. Bowman, whose report on wools at the Colonial Exhibition you will remember, was kind enough to consent to act as our juror in the textile class ; but I fear he will not be able to be in Paris when the jury in that class begins its labours. I have not nominated any supplemental juror. The work of the International Jury will be rather complicated. First there is the "juries of classes," then the " juries of groups," and, lastly, the " Superior Jury." The juries of classes will examine all the exhibits, classifying in order of merit, and without distinction of nationality, the exhibitors to be rewarded ; the juries of groups will then, recommend to the Superior Jury how the rewards should be distributed ; and the Superior Jury will decide in the last resort according to order of merit. The juries of classes are now engaged in visiting the various courts, and the jurors in the mineral and cereal classes have already expressed great interest in the New Zealand exhibits. There are many points on which* it will be necessary for me to ask for instructions, especially as to the disposal of the exhibits at the close of the Exhibition ; but on these it will be time enough to address you later on. In the meantime I think I may say that your courts look as well as might have been expected, considering the exhibits that were sent to me. An amount of interest which was quite unexpected by me has, in fact, been expressed by a large number of visitors who have seen the courts ; and I have often felt great regret that, since New Zealand was to be represented at Paris at all, the colonists, who are so deeply concerned in her industries and varied resources, did not combine to insure a much more effective and attractive display than the materials I had enabled me to make. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

No. 2. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetary. Sik,— 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 12th July, 1889. I now beg to send you some copies of the catalogue of New Zealand exhibits at Paris, in its final shape. I propose to strike off an edition of five hundred, and a supply will be sent in the next mail-box for distribution among the mining companies and exhibitors, and otherwise as you may direct. Several of the juries of classes have visited the New Zealand Courts—especially the juries for minerals, wools, and cereals —and have expressed favourable opinions ; and I have reason to think you will be satisfied with their awards. One of the students from the School of Mines has assisted Mr. Malfroy in translating the cards on the mineral exhibits into French, so that the right terms may be used. Professor Kirk's valuable work on the forest flora, referred to in your letter No. 65, of 9th May, will be carefully exhibited. I was very glad to get your telegram of the Ist instant, approving of Mr. Malfroy's services being retained. Both he and Mr. Lloyd, the Superintendent of the Courts, have done all their work extremely well. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure in No. 2. UNIVERSAL INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION AT PARIS, 1880.—NEW ZEALAND COURTS. CATALOGUE. New Zealand Commission. —Sir Francis Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., C.8., Executive Commissioner; Hon. Sir John Hall, K.C.M.G.; Hon. Morgan Stanislaus Grace, M.L.C.; George Beetham, Esq., M.H.E.; William Montgomery, Esq.; Edward "Withy, Esq., M.H.E.; Thomas Peacock, Esq., M.H.E.; Henry Brett, Esq.; Philip Eobinson, Esq. ; Patrick Comiskey, Esq. Officer in Charge of Minerals. —Gamille Malfroy, Esq. Superintendent of the Courts. —E. H. Lloyd, Esq. Introduction, General Description. The insular Colony of New Zealand consists of two principal Islands, called the North and South Islands, and a small island at the southern extremity, called Stewart Island. There are also several small islets, such as the Chatham and Auckland Isles, that are dependents of the colony. The entire group lies between 34° and 48° S. lat. and 166° and 179° E. long. The two principal