H.—25

17

nominate members to serve on the Council of the Institute, notwithstanding their decision not to propose any vote in aid of the Institute funds, seeing that such a considerable amount of private subscriptions were contributed by New Zealand colonists. Sir Frederick Abel also stated that the Governing Body still propose to reserve space for any New Zealand collections that may be sent to the Institute. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

No. 11. Memoeandum from the Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Peemiee. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., 9th December, 1891. (No. 1784.) Plans of Imperial Institute. In mail-box No. 23, going by the " Euapehu," I have enclosed two copies of the plan of the Imperial Institute, which have just been handed to me. Waltee Kbnnaway. One copy of plan handed to Sir W. Buller, 28th April, 1892 ; one copy with records.

No. 12. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Peemiee. (No 484 ) Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., SlE ,_ " 14th April, 1892. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your cablegram (copy herewith) instructing me to inform Sir F. Abel that the Government have appointed Sir Walter Buller and myself members to -represent New Zealand on the Governing Body of the Imperial Institute. I take the opportunity of informing you that, at the invitation of Sir F. Abel, I have recently been in communication with him on several points connected with the Imperial Institute, and that a letter has been drafted relating thereto which will go to you by next mail. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. B. Peeceval.

Enclosure in No. 12. (Telegram.) Agent-General, London. Eeceived 14th April, 1891. Infoem Abel, Sir Walter Buller and yourself appointed Governors Imperial Institute. Wellington, dated 14th,

No. 13. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Peemiee. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., (No, 615.) 19th April, 1892. g IB Imperial Institute. I beg to inform you that having been invited by Sir Frederick Abel to attend on the 30th ultimo an informal meeting of the representatives of the Australian Colonies on the Governing Body of the Imperial Institute, held for the purpose of discussing some matters connected with the arrangements for representing the natural resources of the colonies, and for equipping the Australasian Conference-room, I deemed it desirable, notwithstanding that New Zealand was not then represented upon the Governing Body, and had made no official contribution to the funds of the Institute, to accept the invitation and to be present without taking part in the proceedings, in order that I might acquaint myself, so far as possible, with the proposed working of the Institute, and thus be able to report to you on the matter. . I enclose herewith a copy of the minutes of the proceedings at the meeting m question by which it will be seen that a provisional allotment of space has been made for the purpose of displaying the sample collections of produce, &c, that are expected to be exhibited on behalf of the various colonies. „ _ ~ .. ...,, , 0r .,. The space thus proposed to be allotted to New Zealand measures, I understand, 41ft. by 30ft., New South Wales and Victoria having 46ft. by 30ft. each. , The meeting also considered the question of furnishing and fitting the Australasian Oonferenceroom and it was estimated that £1,000 would be required for that purpose; and it was agreed that that amount be expended, subject to the approval of the Governments of the colonies concerned. It was also recommended that a principal curator, with sufficient staff, be appointed, whose duty would be to take charge of the whole of the Australasian Section. I have since received your cablegram informing me of Sir W. L. Buller and myself being appointed members of the Governing Body, and I assume, therefore, that your Government has determined to join with the other colonies in contributing towards the expenses incurred m establishing the Imperial Institute, and to accept the space allotted for the exhibition of the Colony s productions. I accordingly enclose for your information, in connection with this part of the subject, a statement showing the amounts of the official contributions and private donations made by the United Kingdom, India, and the Colonies. 3—H. 25.