A.—sa.

1881. NEW ZEALAND.

THE AGENT-GENERALSHIP: PAPERS RESPECTING THE APPOINTMENT OF SIR F. DILLON BELL.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis Excellency.

No. 1. The Premier to Sir F D. Bell. Sir P D. 'Bell, Paimerston, Otago. Wellington, 19th October, 1880. After careful consideration, the Government desire to offer to you the appointment of Agent-General, feeling assured that not only would the duties be efficiently discharged by you, but that the appointment would give satisfaction throughout the colony In view of the necessity for the strictest economy, the Government have decided to fix the salary at the same amount as that of a Cabinet Minister, namely, £1,250, but without deduction. They think the office should be held for a limited term, say four years; and that the expenses of the Agent and his family, to and from England, should be paid. In case it should be decided to proceed with the Inscription of Stock, the Agent-General would be expected to give his services for that purpose, without additional remuneration. I shall feel much obliged if you will give this offer your early consideration; and it will be gratifying to me to learn that you find yourself able to give to the colony the benefit of your services in this important position. John Hall.

No. 2. Sir F D. Bell to the Premier. Hon John Hall, Wellington. Paimerston, 25th October, 1880. I now answer formally your telegram of Tuesday, offering me the appointment of AgentGeneral, which I accept with cordial thanks to yourself and Ministers for the very handsome terms in which your offer is made. You have long known that your views and mine entirely agree, both as to the office being held for a term, and as to no separate pay being given for any services, including stock inscription, which Government require to be performed. Dillon Bell.

No. 3. The Premier to Sir F D. Bell. Sir, —■ Government Offices, Wellington., 9th December, 1880. I have the honor to forward to you, herewith, the warrant, signed by His Excellency the Governor, and approved in Executive Council, appointing you to be Agent-General for the colony 2. The warrant requires that, within one week after your arrival in London, you shall give notice to Sir Julius Vogel that you are ready to enter upon the duties of the Agency Sir Julius Vogel has (by letter dated the -ith instant) been informed that your appointment would be so framed, and His Excellency the Governor has accepted Sir Julius VogeFs resignation as from the day upon which you shall give such notice. 3. The salary attached to the office, from the date of your assumption of it, will be £1,250 a year This reduced amount, as compared with that hitherto paid, includes the deduction of 10 per cent, applied to Civil Service salaries by the House of Representatives last session. The allowance for the expenses of removing yourself and family to England will be £500. 4. In offering to you the appointment, the Government stated that they thought the office should be held for a limited term, say four years ; and, in accepting it, you expressed your entire agreement as to that limitation. It is also an understood condition of the appointment that,