Colonial Despatches

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's Circular despatch of the 1st February, enclosing copy of a letter from the Promoters and proposed Trustees of the Exhibition of works of Industry and artof of all Nations to be holden in London in 1862, and instructing me to further this important object by all the means in my power.

2. I have much pleasure in acquainting your Grace that having learnt from the English newspapers that an Exhibition was to be held in 1862, and in consideration of the great distance of this Colonyfrom from England, and the time consequently necessary to forward specimens, I proceeded in anticipation of your Grace's instructions now received, to call a public meeting at New Westminster on 26th February for the purpose of drawing attention to the propriety of adequately representing British Columbia at the Exhibition, and I then promised in aid ofprivate private contribution, such assistance from the Treasury as the state of the public finances could afford.

3. The inhabitants of this Colony responded warmly to the call thus made upon them, Committees were appointed—subscription lists opened—measures instituted for the collection of specimens and the transaction of business, and everything is now in fair train.

4. The enclosed extract from the "British Columbian" contains a full report of the proceedings at the preliminary meeting held at New Westminster in behalf of the Exhibition.

5. I have communicated to the Secretaries of the General Committee your Grace's despatch and its enclosure, in order that they may take such steps in reference thereto asmay may be most expedient in furthering the object in view.