D.—s

2

also a high one, would not give up his prospects for less than £3,000, and perhaps not for that. An opportunity of finding a fit man willing to take £2,500 might, of course, come at any moment, but it might not come for a long time, and we think it will never come without power to offer the appointment on the spot. Now, this is exactly the responsibility I have so much wished to avoid; and yet, although I should never think of deciding without the advice of such men as Sir E. Watkin and Mr. Findlay, they will not take the entire responsibility for making any appointment now that they realise what the Chief Commissionership in New Zealand means; so that if an appointment has to be made in England at all the chief responsibility for it must rest with the Agent-General. At this moment I am doubtful as to what I ought to advise, though I know very well what I should personally like to advise, which is simply this : that, while you cannot get the man you really want for £2,500, it is too much for the only kind of man you are likely to get. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure 1 in No. 2. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) Ist May, 1888. Bailway Board.—Watkin, Findlay, myself unanimous against taking responsibility recommend any applicants. Our opinion is none possess combination qualities necessary. Quite clear men of that kind will not compete. We believe only way take time and endeavour find such man. Please instruct. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure 2 in No. 2. The Hon. the Pbemieb to the Agent-Geneeal. (Telegram.) Wellington, 4th May, 1888. Message of Ist May received. Endeavour find such man. H. A. Atkinson

No. 3. The Hon. the Pbemiee to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 3rd September, 1888. Eailway Commissioners. —Any prospect ? H. A. Atkinson.

No. 4. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) London, 4th September, 1888. Bailways.—Cannot say prospect any better. F. D. Bell.

No. 5. The Hon. the Premier to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 20th September, 1888. Bailway.—Can you get suitable man for £3,000 ? H. A. Atkinson.

No. 6. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) London, 21st September, 1888. Youe message received. Will reply soon as possible. F. D. Bell.

No. 7. The Hon. the Pbemieb to the Agent-Geneeal. (Telegram.) Wellington, 16th October, 1888. Bailway.—Awaiting reply. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 8. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) London, 16th October, 1888. Bailways.—There was first-rate man, but could not persuade him accept £3,000. Am now negotiation another. Hope telegraph particulars soon. F. D. Bell