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Enclosure 2 in No. 6. The Dieectoes, New Zealand Agricultural Company (Limited), to the Agent-Geneeal. Deae Sie Julius Vogeij,— 110, Cannon Street, London, E.C., 16th June, 1879. The directors learn with the greatest regret that a question has arisen between the New Zealand Government and yourself with regard to this company. The directors are of opinion that the New Zealand Government cannot be aware of the real state of the case, or of the great importance to the company of your retaining your connection with it; and they beg that you will urge upon the Government the following reasons for changing their decision. The directors sincerely trust that these representations will have the desired effect. They are as follow : (1.) That the shareholders may consider they have cause to complain if you retire, as much of the support given to the company was due to the fact that you were to be a member of the Board. (2.) That the directors certainly hold the opinion that your now leaving the board would be prejudicial to the company. (3.) That the company, having for ics principal object the purchase of large estates for the express purpose of immediately cutting them up and making them available for settlement, and is now taking steps to secure settlers of a superior class, deserves every assistance at the hands of the Government, as it is in direct accordance with the principles of the public works and immigration policy, which has proved of such value to the colony. (4.) That the late Dr. Peatherston, whilst acting as Agent-General for New Zealand, was also a director of the National Bank of New Zealand. We trust that, upon the above grounds, the Government may see fit to reconsider the matter of your continuing a member of the board, and request you to urge this appeal as strongly as possible. We are, &c, Eich. C. Mayne. W. Clakk. Thos. Selby Tancred. E. M. Eobeetson. W. J. M. Laenaoh. P. Maxwell.

No. 7. The Hon. the Pbemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. Vogel, London. From Wellington, 20th September, 1879. Goveenment considered letter June seventeen. Still holds former opinion. Now requests you resign director Agricultural Company at once. Eeply Yes or No by telegram. Government cannot allow Agent-General take part in any politics at Home or in private business. Geey.

No. 8. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Pbemiee. London, Bth October, 1879. Soiie members Government knew I was assisting organize company, and I find shareholders would not think it fair me to resign for some time to come. Vogel.

No. 9. Extkact from a Telegbam received from the Agent-Geneeal in reply to one directing him to "Wire Names of late Government who knew of his Intention to join the New Zealand Agricultural Company." Stout certainly, and, best my belief, Macandrew and Ballance.

No. 10. The Hon. the Peemiee to Mr. Stout. Robert Stout, Esq., Dunedin. In reply to inquiry to Vogel, made in compliance with demand in House, as to what members of late Government knew of his joining Agricultural Company, he telegraphed as follows : " Stout certainly, and, best my belief, Macandrew and Ballance." Before we lay this before the House, would you wish to send any explanation to accompany the telegram ? Wellington, 22nd November. J. Hall.

No. 11. Mr. Stout to the Hon. the Peemieb. The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Julius Vogel'k telegram is correct. I knew, and thought other members of the Ministry were aware, that he intended to join company. I believed then, and still believe, company, in its effort to settle people on land, must be beneficial to colony. I saw no objection to Agent-General being connected with the company, believing he was benefiting the colony by so acting. Dunedin, 22nd November. Eobebt Stout.

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