H.—l7

8

"Correspondence under this heading has covered such subjects as the binder-twine, marble, potato, fish, pumice-stone, timber, and woollen industries. Although no explicit results may have been forthcoming from such correspondence and inquiries, owing to the tariff restrictions, still we anticipate in the near future, with the assistance of a display of New Zealand products in this agency, to be able to considerably extend commercial relations between the two colonies. I have gathered that there is a demand for many of our products here, but the mode of distribution will require alteration so that a more satisfactory state of affairs than now existing may be brought about. As giving an illustration of this, New Zealand blue cod is in the hands of a monopoly here, with the consequent result of high prices and a limitation of trade." Exhibitions. During the year the Department has been doing as much as possible with the means at its disposal to keep the products of New Zealand before the traders and consumers of the United Kingdom. One of the principal means employed has been the placing of exhibits of the country's products and manufactures at the various exhibitions. At these shows many thousands of people have obtained an ocular demonstration of the article we are able to export, and many more- thousands have had the excellent quality of our goods brought under notice by the descriptive reports which have been widely published by the Press of the United Kingdom. Crystal Palace. A permanent court has been'maintained here, and, as all classes of the British community are in the habit of visiting the great glass buildings at Sydenham, the permanent exhibit of New Zealand products and manufactures is undoubtedly a good advertisement for this country. The exhibits at this court are renewed from time to time. Liverpool Colonial Exhibition, 1907. In conjunction with the Irish International Exhibition, the Department collected a new series of samples of New Zealand products and manufactures for display at the Liverpool Colonial Products Exhibition held annually, and, in order to save duplication, stocks sent primarily for exhibition in Dublin were drawn on to make a creditable display in Liverpool. A satisfactory report has been received from the High Commissioner, in which he states that New Zealand occupied the largest space and most prominent position in St. George's Hall. He also states that the attendance of the public was satisfactory, and that this country's exhibit attracted much attention, particularly the display of hemp, timber, and fungus. A large number of inquiries were received at the New Zealand Court connected more or less directly with emigration, and there is every reason to believe that good results will ensue through New Zealand accepting the offer to exhibit. The Liverpool Pres>, particularly the Mercury and Courier, published eulogistic notices of the New Zealand Court, pointing out the great resources this country possesses, its progress, and its many attractions as a field for both business and pleasure. During the currency of the Exhibition two illustrated lectures were delivered to large audiences on the subject of New Zealand. New Zealand Tinned Meat* exhibited at the Grocery Exhibition, London. In my last report I briefly noted the fact that, the Government having decided to make an exhibit of tinned meats at this Exhibition, the efforts of the Department met with great success. In view of the Chicago meat scandal, which was much in evidence just prior to the time the Exhibition opened, the moment was considered opportune to send forward a representative shipment of New Zealand canned goods. A. pamphlet was specially prepared by the Department pointing out the general conditions of meat inspection and slaughtering in the country, and a statement was inserted, signed by the Prime Minister, to the effect that all meat exported from New Zealand is (absolutely guaranteed by the Government to be healthy, wholesome, and thoroughly fit for human food. This pamphlet was very largely quoted, and New Zealand's methods favourably referred to by the British Press. The Admiralty and the War Office were approached with reference to a visit of officers connected with the Department of Supply and Contracts, and the following gentlemen were received by the High Commissioner at the Exhibition : Admiralty—Mr. Black, Director of Navy Contracts ; Mr. Murray, Director of Victualling; Mr. Minter, Navy Contract Department. War Office— General Clayton, Director of Supplies; Colonel Collard, Assistant Director of Supplies; Colonel Hobbs, Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport, London District ; Captain Buckle, Army Service Corps. A minute inspection of the meats sent by New Zealand was made by these gentlemen, .samples being opened and thoroughly examined. The officers, as a result, declared themselves highly satisfied with all they saw, and the New Zealand Slaughtering and Inspection Act specially appealed to them. Large samples of canned meats were sent to the naval and military depots, so that a further thorough trial might be given them. The remarks of the London Press were particularly complimentary to our exhibit, and I quote a few extracts from reports published : — Ire and Cold Storage, October, 1906.—" In the main hall was a fine display from New Zea bind, devoted principally to canned goods, seven companies having large exhibits of most tempting commodities. In this connection we may draw attention Io two excellent pamphlets just issued by the New Zealand Government on the methods adopted in the preparation of meat in the colony