H.—25

8

Under these circumstances, I trust that you will be able to move the Premier of New Zealand to take steps for securing the early addition to the Imperial Institute funds of some instalment of the contribution which the Governing Body of the Institute were led, in 1887, to hope they would receive from New Zealand. I am, &c, Albeet Edwaed, P. Sir Francis Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., C.8., Agent-General for New Zealand.

No. 8. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Peemiee. (No. 1840.) Westminister Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sic,— 12th December, 1890. Continuing my letter of 29th November, No. 1758, I have to state that the meeting to which I then referred was held at the Canada Office en the 2nd instant, when Sir Frederick Abel, the Organizing Secretary of the Imperial Institute, explained the proposal that had been under consideration by the Governing Body of the Institute for holding a special Mining and Metallurgical Exhibition at the opening of the Institute in May, 1892. The colonial representatives felt that more detailed information was required before going any further, especially on the question of the space that would be available within the Institute buildings and galleries, and what further space could be obtained for additional temporary buildings; also, what would be the probable cost of putting up such temporary additions, and what other calls might be made upon the colonies in the way of expenditure. It was, therefore, agreed to have a meeting with the Organizing Committee of the Institute, in order to discuss these points and ascertain more clearly the nature and extent of the scheme. A conference accordingly took place on the 9th instant between Lord Herschell, Sir Lyon Playfair, and Sir Frederick Abel on behalf of the Institute, and the High Commissioner for Canada and Agents-General for Australasia and the Cape ; when Sir Frederick Abel read a memorandum containing most of the particulars we had asked for at the Canada Office meeting. After a long discussion, it was agreed that this memorandum should be put into type at once, so that the earliest information on the matter might be sent out to the various Governments; and I have just received the print from Sir F. Abel, with a letter, of which copy is enclosed, calling attention to its strictly confidential character. After describing the nature and scope of the scheme for the Exhibition, Sir Frederick Abel mentions the resources that can be provided by the Institute for carrying it out. You will observe that the organization and general superintendence of the Exhibition would be undertaken by the Institute, but no funds could be granted for it. There will be about 44,000 square feet of floorspace, and 38,000 square feet of wall-space available, besides about 92,000 square feet more on which temporary buildings could be erected. Further, the Institute will most likely be able to occupy for the Exhibition a large piece of ground in immediate proximity to the Institute buildings, containing about 152,000 square feet. The scheme indicates approximately the probable division of the space between Canada, Australasia, the Cape, and the Crown colonies. With regard to the expenditure which any colonies taking part in the Exhibition would be called upon to incur, it is calculated that three galleries might be put up within the quadrangle of the Institute for a little over £3,000. Other financial considerations of a general kind are explained in the memorandum, together with suggestions for the guidance of such colonies as may be disposed to take part in the Exhibition. I have, &c, The Hon the Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure in No. 8. Sir F. A. Abel to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. .) Imperial Institute, 1, Adam Street, Adelphi, Deab Sic Feancis Dillon Bell, — 12th December, 1890. With reference to the conference recently held concerning the proposal to hold a special exhibition in connection with the Imperial Institute in the spring of 1892, I beg to send you herewith copies of the confidential memorandum which I submitted at the conference held here on Tuesday last, which I have amended and have caused to be printed. I send the copies of the memorandum, hoping that they will reach you in time to enable you to transmit them to your Government by to-day's mail, and I have to request that you will be so good as to direct attention to the circumstance that, being purely preliminary, it is of a strictly confidential character. I have, &c, Sir Francis Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., C.8., F. A. Abel. Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

No. 9. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Peemiee. (No. 755.) Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sib,— 11th May, 1891. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth March, informing me that it was not the intention of the Government to propose a vote in aid of the funds of the Imperial Institute.