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stage. (2.) The devising of conditions upon which inducements should be offered to manufacturers, by way of bonus or otherwise, with the view of securing accurate records of the results obtained, for the future guidance of colonists. (3.) The collection of information relating to various industries, and its publication in a form adapted to the wants of the New Zealand colonists. All the above have, during the past twelve years, been to some extent under niv supervision, but not in a regular manner; and I think it would be a great improvement if they were, for the future, put formally under control of this department, and proper provision made for the extra work which such investigations necessarily involve. I have, &c, W A.. Murray, Esq., Chairman of Committee. James Hectoe.

SEA ISLAND COTTON Mr. H. A. Cowper to the Chairman, Colonial Industries Committee. Sir, — Matakaraka, Hokianga, 21st August, 1881. I beg leave to bring under your notice that I am in expectation of a supply of Sea Island cotton-seeds from the Cotton Association of Manchester, with which I purpose testing the suitability of the soil on my property here for the cultivation of this article!. I have had some experience in this direction in the West Indies, and I feel convinced that the magnificent climate of this portion of the colony is eminently adapted for its growth. I consider it superior to the climate of Louisiana, and similar to that of Italy and Greece, in all of which countries cotton forms an important staple. I have grown it on land inferior to this in the West Indies, with which I can compare our long northern summer. That it would be'a most valuable addition to our industrial productions, could its success be assured, needs not be doubted. I would therefore ask you whether you will recommend the Legislature to grant a vote for the production of, say, 3,000 lb. or 4,000 lb. of raw cotton grown on New.Zealand soil. I have, &c, H. A. Cowper, The Chairman of the Colonial Industries Committee, Wellington. Settler.

Authority : Q-eoeoe Didsbtjet, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBl.