I.—lo.

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tobacco; (2.) Mr. E. W Gotch (formerly of Opotiki, at present in Wellington), samples of tobacco from the Bay of Plenty ; (3.) Mr. Holland Richmond (formerly in the Wanganui District), samples of tobacco. I am able to enclose letters from Mr. Osterbye, and Mr. Gotch, and also calculations respecting estimated cost for cultivating tobacco presented by Mr. Osterbye. I find that the estimates of Mr. Osterbye, for cultivating, &c, are from 15 to 20 per cent, too low It will cost any grower, either in the Wairarapa or other parts of New Zealand, in the average from 7d. to Bd. per lb. On the other side, tobacco grown in the Wairarapa will be considered worth from 1-Jd. to 2d. per lb. more than any other New Zealand grown tobacco, as its quality will be superior. Good and careful cultivation will bring three crops in two years, undoubtedly Referring to Mr. Gotch's particulars, there is no doubt that his knowledge of tobacco-growing in the colonies is of long standing; and I concur with him that one half-ounce of seed is quite sufficient for one acre of land. Messrs. Richmond Brothers, tobacco-growers, from Virginia, United States of America, who have carefully examined the Wanganui District, concur with my judgment, that PensylvaDia tobacco could be grown with great success there, and the sample produced by Mr. Holland Richmond shows a fine leaf, good quality and flavour. As Messrs. Richmond Brothers have left the district some time ago, fearing that the cultivation of tobacco would not pay them, on account of the high tariff, I am unable to send in their report. I should be most happy to give you further information, if required. I have, &c, The Chairman of the Colonial Industries Committee. August Vollbeacht.

Mr. A. Osteebye to Mr. A. Vollbracht. Sir,— Wellington, 28th, July 1881. The tobacco-leaf I handed to you some time ago, for examination, I have grown in Wairarapa, by the Ruamahunga River, in river-made soil, well sheltered from prevailing winds. You will see by examination and will understand that, in the same soil, well cultivated, the second year the tobaccoleaf will improve in quality, and, I dare say, will be equal, if not superior, to any American-grown tobacco-leaf. As you have taken so much trouble in the last eighteen months to push forward this fine industry in New Zealand, I hope you will succeed in getting your application to the Government in order, and soon start a large factory lam still desirous to get engagement in tobacco-growing, because I feel much interest for it, and have devoted much time and a little money in order to ascertain if the climate and soil in New Zealand were suitable, and this is beyond doubt. Be kind enough to let me know if there is an engagement for me. I have, &c, Mr. "Vollbracht. And. Osteebye. References—Mr. Robert Stout, solicitor, Dunedin ; Mr. F A. Krull, German Consul, Wellington.

Mr. E. W Gotch to Mr. A. Vollbracht. Sir,— Wellington, 28th July, 1881. The particulars I give you below is from practical experience, which can be depended upon. I estimate that one ounce of good seed is sufficient to plant about two acres of land. The seed should be sown in beds, north of Wellington, about the end of July or not later than the 10th of August, to insure a crop. One acre of the following kinds of tobacco, such as Virginian, Kentucky, and Connecticut, when properly grown, will yield about 1,300 lb, and only one crop can be obtained in one year to advantage. Such as Havana tobacco would yield very much less weight than the the above-mentioned amount, unless two crops could be raised, which could only be done in a very favourable season. This is the only kind of tobacco that will give two crops in one season in New Zealand. If you should require any further information I shall be most happy to give you it. I have, &c, A. Volbracht, Esq., Wellington. E. W Gotch.

Estimated cost for cultivating five acres of land with tobacco : —Rent or interest of land at £1 10s., £7 10s. ; ploughing and harrowing, three times, £15 ; seed, £1 55.; board and calico for seed-bed, £3 ; manure for the seed-bed, 15s. ; one man to take charge of the work, making the seed-bed, attending it, assist by transplanting and keeping the plantage clean and watered, and harvesting, and sweating or curing, and drying in shed, thirty-two weeks at £3, £96 ; two men for keeping plantage, transplanting, harvesting, &c, twenty-four weeks, average five working days per week, at 7s. per day, £84 ; rent or interest of drying-shed, £8 : total, £215 10s. Estimated crop: 1,5001b. per acre, equal each to 6fd. per lb. dry leaves. Supposing a light crop of only 1,000 lb. per acre, equal each to IOJd. per lb. Wellington, 6th June, 1881. A. Osterbye.

PROPOSED DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. Sir, — Colonial Museum of New Zealand, Wellington, 29th August, 1881. I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of this date, forwarding a resolution of the Committee on Local Industries and Tariff, inquiring how far I am prepared to assist the Committee in carrying out the objects they have in view in the establishment of the proposed Department of Science and Industries. The Committee appear to anticipate an objection on my part, which must arise from some misunderstanding; as, in reply, I repeat what I said before the Committee, that, as far as I am able, I will most cordially give effect to any resolution that may be passed at the suggestion of the Committee with the view of promoting the development of colonial industries, and which may be remitted to me by Government for action. I presume that the duties expected will be somewhat as follows : —(1.) The experimental cultivation of certain plants, and the testing of their produce by analysis, and actual manufacture on a small scale; keeping careful records of the circumstances and cost of the processes employed in every