H.—s.

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upon the understanding that such exhibits should be admitted in that space. I have, however, explained to them that any such suggestion must of course depend upon the arrangements that His Itoyal Highness and the Commissioners may see lit to make under the circumstances. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, &c. Normanby.

Enclosure in No. 7. Memorandum for His Excellency. Ministers present their respectful compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and beg to inform him that they have taken into careful consideration the circular letter of 2-lth September last, from His lloyal Highness the Prince of Wales, forwarded by Lord Carnarvon, relative to the approaching International Exhibition, to be held at Paris during 1878. 2. Ministers regret that, owing to the fact that they took office late in the session, and that no steps had been taken by their predecessors to give effect to the intended participation of this colony in the Exhibition, the subject has been left in abeyance up to a date which renders it hopeless to collect and send to England sufficient exhibits to make a creditable appearance at Paris. By the circular of March last, it appears that all articles for exhibition must be in Paris by the 31st March next, and Ministers have ascertained that, with the utmost efforts to expedite the collection and transmission of exhibits, it would be absolutely impossible for them to be prepared within two months of that time to fill up the space allotted to this colony. 3. It is with disappointment that Ministers have come to the conclusion that they cannot avail themselves of the gracious consideration shown to this colony by His lioyal Highness, and that they must therefore ask His Excellency to express their grateful sense of the kind solicitude for the interests of this colony shown by the Royal Commissioners, and their deep regret that they are unable to avail themselves of the advantages offered to New Zealand. 4. From a communication received this day from the Government of New South Wales, it appears that the space allotted to that colony is insufficient for its requirements. Ministers would respectfully suggest that, if the space intended for New Zealand was handed over to the sister colony which has been associated with us in so many enterprises, it is probable that she would admit any private exhibits from this colony that have been sent Home in anticipation. 5. Should His Excellency favour this proposal, Ministers would advise the Government of New South Wales, and obtain their views; and Ministers will gladly incur the expense of cable communication with England, to ascertain if the proposal can be carried into effect. G. S. Whitmore, Wellington, loth December, 1877. (in the absence of the Premier.)

No. 8. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand. (Telegram.) 14th December, 1877. The spaces allotted to the Australasian Colonies in the Paris Exhibition being wholly insufficient, I have been requested to invite the Governments of the Australian Colonies and New Zealand to join with New South Wales in giving authority to their representatives in Paris to act together in obtaining permission to erect an Australian House, separate from the Exhibition buildings, for the display of the wools and such other exhibits as cannot, under present arrangements, be properly shown. The cost proportionate to population would not be great to each colony. It is very desirable, if this suggestion receives approval, that instructions should be sent by the outgoing mail of this month. Colonial Secretary, Sydney.

No. 9. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand, to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales (Telegram.) 15th December, 1877. New Zealand exhibits late owing to delays, and we propose surrendering space Paris Exhibition, if allotted to New South Wales, will you give space to private exhibits from this colony already prepared or transmitted ? This in reply to your yesterday telegram. Please reply. Colonial Secretary, Wellington.

No. 10. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales, to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand. (Telegram.) 19th December, 1877. Tee Commissioners of New South Wales gratefully accept New Zealand's proposal to