The Committee appointed for this object, in order to give a truly National character to the Memorial, have made arrangements to give to persons of every class in England an opportunity of joining in this tribute of the Nation’s gratitude; so that the Fund may include the pence of the artisan and the labourer, as well as the shillings and pounds of the middle and the wealthy classes.

The Prince’s constant aims to promote the interests of all were not limited to the United Kingdom, and the Committee feel it a part of their duty to provide that the same opportunity should be offered to Her Majesty’s subjects in the Colonies. For this the Committee seek your Excellency’s good offices, and solicit you to make the matter known to all classes in your Government, either at a general meeting, or in such other manner as you may deem best; and, by the aid of your officers, and other influential persons in the different districts, to arrange for the receipt of contributions, however small, to the intended Memorial.

I enclose some forms and suggestions, which may be adapted for the use of those whose assistance is sought.

I have, &c.,

ST. ALBANS.

His Excellency the Governor
of New Zealand.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO THE PRINCE CONSORT.

AT a Meeting held at the House of the Society of Arts, Adelphi, London, on Thursday, April 10th, 1862,

PRESENT:—

The Marquis of Salisbury, K.G., in the chair.

The Duchess of Norfolk.

The Countess of Derby.

The Duke of St. Albans.

The Earl and Countess of Malmesbury.

The Viscount Torrington.

Lord Henry Lennox, M.P.

The Hon. O. Kinnaird, M.P.

The Hon. F. Byng.

Sir Thomas Phillips.

Count P. de Stüzledeck.

The Chaplain-General.

The Rev. Canon Lonsdale.

The Rev. S. Martin.

W. H. Bodkin, Esq.

Henry Cole, Esq., C.B.

W. H. Marsh, Esq., M.P.

Henry Pownall, Esq.

Henry Hoare, Esq.

Thomas Winkworth, Esq.

Samuel Redgrave, Esq.

John Kelk, Esq.

P. Le Neve Foster, Esq.

John M. Clabon, Esq.

And other Ladies and Gentlemen,

Read the following Report of the Society of Arts:—

The Council of the Society of Arts, taking a deep interest in the success of the proposal to erect the National Monument to the memory of the Prince Consort, their lamented President, and considering that it is due to all the subjects of the Queen, that every individual amongst them, however humble, should have the opportunity of contributing his mite towards this object, having agreed to the following report:—

1. The subscriptions hitherto have been limited almost exclusively to those of the wealthy and mercantile classes, whilst a very small portion has been subscribed by the people generally. The nobility and gentry, the City Corporations, banks, mercantile firms, Municipal Corporations, and the like, have been addressed by the Committee presided over by the Lord Mayor of the City of London. No steps, however, have been taken, nor does it appear that any are contemplated, to make known to each individual man and woman constituting the body of the people, and residing either in the parishes and hamlets of the United Kingdom or in the Colonies, the Memorial which it is proposed to erect, nor has any opportunity been hitherto afforded them of adding their contributions to the general fund. If this were done, all would affectionately unite with their Queen in raising a monument to the memory of the Prince who neglected no opportunity to promote their welfare. It is only through very extended parochial and other agencies, that the necessary information can be generally given, and the Council has, therefore, determined forthwith to invite influential persons, representing all the great interests of the country, the Church of England, and other religious denominations, as well as the great employers of labour, to unite with them as a Committee to convey this information, and to make such arrangements as may afford to every one of Her Majesty’s subjects throughout the United Kingdom and the Colonies, the opportunity of taking a part, however humble, in promoting the Memorial, by subscriptions however small.

The Queen, “following the movement of her people,” has asked “to be allowed to take part with them in doing honor to her beloved Prince ;”* and the Council, believing that the

• The following is a copy of Her Majesty’s letter :—

Osborne, February 19, 1862.

Mr Lord,—The Queen wishes me to add a few words to the answer to your letter, which you will receive with this, expressive in a more special manner of Her Majesty’s personal wishes.

She is aware that she could not with any propriety contribute, as a wife, to a monument to her husband, but she is also the Sovereign of this great empire, and as such, she cannot but think she may be allowed to join with the nation in the expression of a nation’s gratitude to one to whom she owes so much.

Who has a dearer interest than the Queen in the well-being and happiness of the people ? And if it has pleased God to make her reign, so far, happy and prosperous, to whom, under Divine Providence, is this so much owing as to her beloved husband, in all matters of doubt or difficulty her sure counsel, her unfailing guide and support ?

No one can know, as the Queen knows, how his every thought was devoted to the country—how his only aim