G.~No, 4,

COMMISSION.

6

(2.) Te send a portion of the samples so collected to the Agents before mentioned, with a view to their obtaining from the best authorities a report on the misroscopic structure and chemical composition of the New Zealand Flax leaf and fibre as compared with Irish Flax, Eussian and Manilla Hemp. (3.) To ascertain if possible the reason why Manilla Hemp made into rope resists the action of sea water better than the Phormium tenax. (4.) The relative capacity of the New Zealand Flax fibre and Eussian Hemp to absorb tar. And it is Our further will and pleasure that you issue to the Collector or other Chief Officer of Customs at such ports or places as you may think necessary standard samples of Flax, such standards to be of classes similar to those into which foreign-grown Hemp is divided, that is to say, first, second, and third classes: And it is Our further will and pleasure that the said Agents shall act under your instructions, not only with regard to the above named points, but shall also ascertain — (1.) The market value of the fibre, and the reason for the different prices obtained. (2.) To place in the hands of manufacturers supplies of the various kinds of Flax fibre, with the view of ascertaining by practical tests to what purposes it can be profitably applied. (3.) To procure samples (say two or three hundredweight each) of the various fibres that compete in the English market with the Phormium tenax, viz, Eussian, Manilla, and Italian Hemp, Jute, and Irish Flax, so as to afford information to New Zealand Flaxdressers as to the quality of fibre which it is desirable should be produced by them. (4.) To submit to makers of Flax Machines in the mother country samples of our prepared Flax, and invite suggestions as to the improvements of the machines usually employed in the Colony. (5.) Generally, to ascertain what can be done to extend the use and increase the market value of the Flax fibre. And it is Our further will and pleasure that you, from time to time as you may think fit, report to Us what you have done in the premises, together with such recommendation in relation to the premises as you may think fit to make. In testimony whereof We have caused these our Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of Our said Colony to be hereunto affixed. Witness our Trusty and Well-beloved Sir George Ferguson Bowen, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Our Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, and Vice-Admiral of the same; and issued under the Seal of the said Colony, at Wellington, this nineteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy, and in the thirty-fourth year of Our reign. W. Gisborne. Donald McLean, Presiding. Approved in Council, Forster Goring, Clerk of the Executive Council.