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 art of allNations 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 Colony from England andthe the time consequently necessary to forward specimens, I proceeded in anticipation of your Grace's instructions now received to call a public meeting at this place on the 12th February for the purpose of drawing attention to the propriety of adequately representing Vancouvers Island at the Exhibition and I then promised in aid of private contributions suchassistance 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 everythingis is now in fair train.

4. The enclosed extract from the Colonist contains a full report of the proceedings at the preliminary meeting held at Victoria in behalf of the Exhibition, and of my address on the occasion, which I trust will meet with your Grace's approval.

5. I have communicated to the Secretaries of the General Committee Your Graces despatch and its enclosure, in order thatthey they may take such steps in reference thereto as may be most expedient in furthering the object in view.