A.—2

and colonial Governments, increased during the last few years to such an extent that an expansion and reorganization of the staff can no longer be postponed. 5. The present income of the Bureau is approximately £5,000 per annum, and is wholly derived from annual contributions from Dominion and colonial Governments and the Governments of India and the Sudan. If, therefore, the scheme is to be adopted an additional income of £1,500 per annum will be required. 6. Abundant evidence is forthcoming that the work of the Bureau is proving of the greatest value in connection with the important problem how best to combat crop diseases successfully, and I am anxious that every effort should be made to establish the Bureau on a secure and permanent basis, and to obtain for it a stable income of the amount which both the Managing Committee and the Mycological Conference regard as essential to its efficient maintenance during the next five years. I have had no hesitation, therefore, in asking Governments which already contribute to the funds of the Bureau to continue their contributions, and in requesting contributions from others which have not hitherto been invited to participate in its upkeep. I hope by this means that the greater part of the additional income required will be obtained, the balance being raised by an increase in the amounts contributed by those Governments whose payments at present seem hardly commensurate with the help which the Bureau is in a position to supply. 7. The present contribution of your Government is £250 per annum. In view of the great interest which, I understand, is taken in mycological problems in New Zealand and of the bearing which the successful solution of such problems is likely to have on the general prosperity, I earnestly hope that, in common with the Governments of Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Union of South Africa (to which a similar request is being addressed), your Government will see its way to increase its contribution to £300 per annum, and to continue to contribute on the increased scale for the next five years. 8. I should be glad if you would be good enough to reply to this despatch by telegram, as it is desired that an assurance as to the future position of the Bureau should be conveyed to the Managing Committee at as early a date as possible. I have, &c., J. H. THOMAS. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. Statement. 1. The Committee expressed their unqualified agreement with Resolutions Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 13, and 14. 2. With regard to Resolution No. 4, it was suggested that the facilities offered should not be confined to applicants in the Dominions and colonies which contributed to the Bureau. It was considered, however, that other applicants could reasonably be charged a small margin of profit, and with this reservation the resolution was adopted. 3. It was explained that effect had been given to Resolution No. 6, and attention was drawn to the paragraph on page 6 of the report, headed " The Interchange of Scientific Staffs." Before considering the matter further the Committee decided to await the issue of the report of the Imperial Botanical Conference. 4. It was agreed that consideration of Resolutions Nos. 7 and 12 should be deferred to the next meeting of the Committee. With regard to Resolution No. 8, it was decided to appoint a special sub-committee to consider and report to the Committee at the next meeting whether action could usefully be taken in the direction suggested in the resolution. 5. With regard to Resolution No. 10, the Committee again examined the scheme of expenditure, now printed in Appendix lie to the report. There seemed some doubt whether the provision made for the establishment of a Provident Fund was adequate, and it was decided that this item should be re-examined when the position with regard to the future income of the Bureau was clearer. With this reservation the Committee, after a close scrutiny of the proposed scheme, unanimously endorsed the view that its adoption was essential to the efficient maintenance of the Bureau during the next five years.

27