No. 28

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 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 Colony 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 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 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 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 that they may take
such steps in reference thereto as may be most expedient in
furthering the object in view.