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Extract from the Eeport of the Wanganui Herald of a Meeting of Farmers, Settlers, and Others, called by Mr. Robert Pharazyn to consider Suggestions made by the Local Industries Commission. —Bth April, 1880. Local Industries. A meeting, called by the President of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, was held at Mr. Crawford's office on Wednesday. Present: Messrs. 11. Pharazyn (Chairman), W. Robertson, W. T. Owen, A. Higgie, H. Owen, W. Lowes, Craig, and Drew. The Chairman read a circular from the Chairman of the Local Industries Commission, stating it would be happy to receive any information regarding local industries. Another letter from Mr. A. .T. Burns, one of the Commissioners, was read. Mr. Burns directed attention, as under, to one or two industries that appeared to him well suited for this district: —■ Sugar-beet. —If ever this can be successfully cultivated in New Zealand, and becomes a commercial success, I think it must be grown in this district. The soil is rich, and the climate combines sufficient moisture with temperature admirably adapted to produce abundance of roots, with, I think, sufficient sugar-bearing results to pay. A report on this subject would be highly prized by the Commission. Butter and Cheese. —Mr. Burns stated that he thought this industry might be greatly enlarged by the establishment of a factory for its production, with a person at the head of it capable of conducting it on scientific principles. Pigs and Bacon. —This industry would naturally follow the former, and with the refuse from the factories might be cultivated to almost any extent. Meat Export. —This industry is yet in its infancy, but it seems to me one suitable to this district as a stock-producing locality. Leather Tannery. —"With the large forests in this district, I think bark for tanning purposes might readily be obtained, and this industry be successfully carried on. After the reading of the foregoing letters, a desultory conversation ensued. Various suggestions were thrown out, and finally the Chairman drew out the following resolutions, which were moved by Mr. ~W, T. Owen and seconded by Mr. A. Higgie : — " 1. That in the opinion of this meeting local industries cannot be forced into existence by any means at the disposal of the Government or the Legislature, and that they will only gradually grow up as capital becomes more plentiful and labour cheaper. "2. That, at the same time, any definite information at the disposalof the Government relative to such industries as are referred to by Mr. Bums in his letter of the 31st March should be made as public as possible, with the view of assisting those who contemplate engaging in them." Mr. Parkinson thought the Government were bound to encourage the growth of local industries. Some four years ago he had published in the Weekly Herald a letter in which he had advocated the employment of a hundred thousand pounds out of every million pounds borrowed, for the encouragement of agriculture and industries. He was still of the same opinion, and would move as an amendment, " That Government, in respect of any industry they may decide to encourage, should do so by providing a market, rather than by bonuses or protective duties." The Chairman could not see how the Government could possibly provide a market. The tendency of such a scheme would be protection in its worst form. Mr. Parkinson instanced the matter of linseed. He had carefully watched the English market since 1839, and the price had hardly ever varied from 7s. 6d. He proposed that Government should purchase the linseed at a price which would enable them to send it to England and enter the market there. By this method encouragement would be given to agriculture. Mr. Lowes pointed out that already there were agents and companies who filled the position Mr. Parkinson desired the Government to fill. The amendment fell through. Mr. Robertson then moved as an amendment, "That, in reply to Mr. Burns's letter, this meeting begs to offer its thanks for the valuable suggestions in his communication relative to local industries in this district; and, while assured of the fertile resources of this district, and its special adaptation for the several industries referred to, this meeting feels that, unless better outlets can bo assured for the productions mentioned, there would not be siifficient inducement for settlers and others to depart from the ordinary agricultural and pastoral pursuits. Any information relative to such raw material, as to price, &c, would demand the most careful consideration of this meeting." Seconded by Mr. W. Lowes, and carried, with two dissentients. The meeting then adjourned.

No. 8. The Chairman, Hobson Cotjnty Council, to the Chairman of Local Industries Commission. Sir,— Paparoa, 9th April, 1880. I have the honor to address you respecting the local industries in this county, and am sorry to say that, owing to the small amount of assistance received from the Government towards the formation of roads, most of our industries so far have been unsuccessful. Tho mills in the timber trade on the Wairoa River, although in a depressed state now, have paid, and no doubt will again. The flax-mill on the Kaihu River is closed, owing to the cost of transit. Lime-burning on the Wairoa River is in a state of collapse, owing to the want of roads to the river and inland. The rope and matting factory (from New Zealand flax) in Paparoa is closed from bad roads and heavy freights. The Auckland merchants informed the owner that the freight of cocoa-nut-fibre matting from England was less than on his matting from the Kaipara; and as they held shares in the shipping they supported their own vessels.