H.—l7

6

selves independent of wholesale markets, I think it is strong proof that at least, as I have said, the shops I advocate would pay working-expenses and interest on capital invested, and a grand advertisement for New Zealand meat throughout the country would be obtained free of cost to the producers. That Eiver Plate mutton is rapidly improving in quality is undeniable, and if the establishment of attractive shops throughout the country for the sale of that meat is to be largely increased in conjunction with that improvement, the more difficult it will steadily become for the New Zealanders to get their meat introduced to new fields of consumption. I do not believe that the New Zealand producers really recognise the urgency of the case. I have, &c, H. C. Cambeon, Inspector of Produce. The Hon. W. P. Reeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given: printing (1,400 copies), £3 16s. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9B, Price, (id.