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5. The reports which have been published appear to me to show that the scheme which was adopted in 1907 as an experiment has proved a success. Greatly increased interest is being taken in the work of the Imperial Institute by the public of this country, and by the Governments of dominions possessing responsible Government; and I have much satisfaction in stating that His Majesty's Government have decided to continue the grant of £1,500 a year under the same conditions as those previously accepted. They have also decided to continue for another four years the grant of £500 a year for investigations in connection with cotton-growing. 6. It now remains for the Governments of the colonies and protectorates, whose contributions have up to the present-been limited to a period of three years, to consider the continuance—and perhaps in some cases an increase— of their annual grants towards the upkeep of the Imperial Institute. The scientific and technical work now carried on is strictly limited by the funds available, but is capable of almost indefinite expansion. It cannot be disputed that the investigations and reports already issued have been of high value for the commercial development of the Empire, and I hope that the Governments concerned will see then way to join in placing the present scheme on a more permanent basis. Although there is no immediate need for the formal submission of a vote to the Legislature, which can probably in most cases conveniently be delayed until the receipt of the report for 1908, it would be convenient that some intimation of each Government's intention should be before me as soon as possible, since there would be a danger of losing the trained investigators now employed in the Institute if they were left too long is uncertainty with regard to their future employment. 7. A balance-sheet for the year from Ist April, 1908, to 31st March, 1909, the first complete financial year dining which I have been responsible for the management, will be prepared as soon as practicable, and will ho sent for the information of your Government, together with a list of contributions to the funds of the Institute. I have, &c CREWE. The Officer administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 9. New Zealand, No. 78. My Lord,— Downing Street, 14th April, 1909. With reference to your despatch No. 4, of the 4th January, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, copy of a letter from the Hoard of Trade on the subject of the Customs treatment oi commercial travellers' samples. I have, &c, CREWE Governor, the Right Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., X.C.V.0., &C.'

Enclosures. ('. 2832/09.— N.Z., 78. Board i>l , Trade (Commercial Department), Gwydyr House, Whitehall, Sin. Tendon, S.W., 27th March, 1909. With reference to your letter of the 27th February (6274), forwarding copy of a despatch from the Xc\\ Zealand Government, relative to the treatment of commercial travellers' samples entering New Zealand, I am directed by tin 1 Board of Trade t" transmit, for the information of I, mil Crewe, and for communication, should His Lordship sec fit, to the New Zealand Government, copy of a letter on the subject which they have received from the Commissioners of Customs. I have. &c, The Under-Seoretary <>f Mate Colonial Office. G. R. Askwith. C. 2832. Sir, — Customhouse, London, 19th March, 1909. Wiili reference to your letter of the 15th instant, C. 2016, transmitting a copy of a despatch from the Governor of Xow Zealand mi the subject of the treatment of commercial travellers' samples, 1 am directed to state, for the information <>f the Board of Trade, that, in view of tl>e

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