A.—2.

18

2. The Managing Committee of the Imperial Bureau of Entomology accordingly propose to make arrangements for the next Conference to be held in London in the summer of 1930. In the absence of unforeseen circumstances, the Conference will open early in June of that year, and no doubt, as in 1925, it will last for about ten days or a fortnight. 3. The Managing Committee have requested that an invitation may be conveyed to His Majesty's Government in New Zealand to be represented at this Conference. The experience of the previous two Conferences has proved that such meetings of members of the entomological services in all parts of the Empire are of the utmost value, and the Managing Committee are anxious that the Conference to be held in 1930 shall be as successful as its predecessors. In this connection reference may be made to the recommendation (see paragraph 215 in the report) of the Imperial Agricultural Research Conference held in London in October, 1927. For convenience, the recommendation is quoted in full : — " 215. Quinquennial Conferences. —In view of the importance of obtaining adequate representation of entomologists at the quinquennial conferences of entomologists of the Empire arranged by the Imperial Bureau of Entomology, this Committee very strongly recommend that each entomological service in the Empire should be represented by an entomologist at every such Conference, and that sufficient delegates should be sent from the larger entomological services to represent their various activities." 4. It is not practicable at this stage to indicate in detail the agenda which will be placed before the Conference, but there will be included, as before, entomological questions of economic and scientific importance. In addition, the Director will make a statement on the work of the Bureau since the last Conference (including the Parasite Laboratory established under its auspices in 1927) and the question of the financing of the Bureau for the period subsequent to 1930 (1930-31) will also be considered. It may be added that the Managing Committee have suggested that the question of holding subsequent Conferences at more frequent intervals, and at centres other than London, might be included in the agenda. 5. I shall be glad to learn whether His Majesty's Government in New Zealand intend to be represented at the Conference ; and, if so, what officer or officers will be nominated for the purpose. 6. The Director of the Bureau will also be grateful if suggestions as to technical subjects which it may be desired to place on the agenda, may be communicated direct to him. These should be addressed to him at the Head Office of the Bureau, which is situated at the British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London S.W. 7. I have, &c., L. S. AMERY. Governor-General His Excellency General Sir C. Fergusson, Bart., LL.D., G.C.M.G., K.C.8., D.5.0., M.V.0.,' &c.

No. 24. New Zealand, No. 94. Sir, — Downing Street, 26th March, 1929. With reference to my despatch, No. 121, of the 25th June, 1928, I have the honour to state that the Forestry Commissioners have been informed by the delegates from the United Kingdom to the recent Empire Forestry Conference that the complete success which attended the discussions and tours of inspection was in a great measure due to the care and attention shown to the delegates by the Australian and New Zealand Forestry authorities both in connection with the preliminary arrangements for and the carrying-out of the programme. 2. The delegates are deeply appreciative of the cordiality and warmth of the welcome which they received, of the hospitality everywhere extended to them, and of the kindness and consideration shown to them on all occasions. They are also profoundly grateful for the readiness with which much valuable and interesting information was placed at their disposal.