Hagley, Stourbridge,

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 298, 8 September 1855, Page 5

Hagley, Stourbridge,

27th Jan.nary. 1855. Sir, —I have the honor to forward some communications I have received from Sir George Farmer, Bt., on the subject of the Phormium Tenax of New Zealand. His name probably needs no recommendation from me, but I may state that I had formerly some acquaintance with him, and that he is highly spoken of by persons on whom I can. depend. I shall be glad if you should see fit to forward these papers to the Government of New' Zealand, and request their attention to them, or in any other way further Sir G. G. Farmer'! object. I am, &c, (Sigued) Lyttei/ton. The Secretary oi State for the Colonies.

Bidefoi'd, January 24th, 1855. My Lord, —I have the honour to inform your Lordship that Mr. Husband duly intimated to me your Lordship's kiud assent to present to the Colonial Secretary a statement of what I can do to render New Zealand flax fit for manufacturing purposes. I have the honour to enclose a brief statement on the subject addressed to Sir George Grey with a request that I may be placed in a position to instruct the natives in the use of, and how to make my machines. I also forward for your Lordship's perusal a more extended view of the results likely to accrue from the introduction into New Zealand of efficient machinery for th s purpose; fearing it might be deemed too prolix if inserted into the official statement. If your Lordship thinks it desirable it can be presented to Sir George Grey with the other.—l lost near £3000 by the failure of the machines sent to New Zealand in 1842, and have no means left of going there, or I would proceed thither without loss of time. When your 'Lordship did me the honour to bring my tin vention under notice of the Canterbury 4ssociatioti, I was informed by the Secretary that owing to the non-commercial character of the Association, it could not be entertained.

Independent of thead vantages that I presume to think the colony would derive from my humhie services, I may be permitted to add that I hare some favour to claim from Government for my services and sufferings during the Peninsular war, when 1 belonged to the 23rd B.W. Fusiliers,in which corps I served upwards of seven years until rendered unfit for active duty. My friend and brother officer the late Mr. Half Dare, M.P. for South Essex, recommended me to the notice of Lord Aberdeen in 1835, for a Colonial situation; my name stood third upon his Lordship's private list for an appointment when a change of ministry occurred. I teg leave to enclose Lord Aberdeen's letter to my friend on the occasion. Through |other interest Mr. Dare had me nominated as candidate for the Resident Land Commissionership of South Australia on the formation of that colony. Seven of the nine commissioners voted in my favour, but as I was liot gazetted to the office when the change of ministry took place, Lord' Gleuelg appointed a Mr. Fisher to the situation. I have, &c, (Signed) Geoege B. Fabmeb, Bt. Lord Viscount Lyttelton.

Downing Street, 20th February, 1855. My Lobd—l am directed by Mr. Secretary Herbert to acquaint you, that Sir George Grey has referred to him a letter which your lordship addressed to him, under date of the 27th ult., in favour of an application from Sir George Farmer who is desirous of receiving the assistance of Government in carrying out a project for the manufacture of New Zealand flax, and I am directed to transmit for your Lordship's information a copy of the reply which has been returned to that application. I have, &c, (Signed) H, Mebivale. To Lord Lyttelton.