H.—l7

28

Kauri-pine, which is well known to the trade, is considered too hard and too dear for the demand in question. Superior New Zealand white-pine, on the other hand, would appear to meet the requirements in regard to quality and characteristics. The matter of price should also be favourable. As regards hard woods, there has been a demand for ornamental novelties from cabinetmakers and makers of wood articles in the fancy trade. Architects, also, have been on the lookout for wood of the above description. A large number of inquirers concerning timber have been furnished with such information as is at our disposal, and have also been supplied with lists of the leading timber millers and exporters in New Zealand. Fires on Wool-ships. The occurrence within a short space of time of a series of fires on board vessels carrying cargo from New Zealand during the past jear caused widespread concern in shipping and commercial circles. Attention was given to the matter at this end, and, after inquiry being instituted, reports dealing with the outbreaks were forwarded to Wellington. Shipment of Chamois for New Zealand. During the past year a shipment of unusual interest was made to the colony. By the kindness of the Emperor of Austria the New Zealand Government were presented with a number of chamois fe>r importation to the colony. In accordance with your instructions I made arrangements for their reception in' London, and for their detention while waiting transhipment to the New Zealand boat. I took delivery oi the chamois on their arrival from Vienna. The consignment consisted of two bucks and six does, two and three years of age, two of the does being in young. Mr. Bertling, formerly Head Keeper to the Zoological Society here, had been appointed to take charge of the animals during their voyage to the colony, and after delivery of them had been taken by me from the keeper in whose charge they had travelled from Vienna the chamois were placed in his care. Under arrangement with the Customs authorities I had them quarantined in a barge, where they remained for the few days necessary before departure of the New Zealand steamer. The chamois were housed in excellent roomy boxes suitable for the voyage to New r Zealand, and ample food such as they required was provided for a voyage lasting seventy days. As the chamois had been accustomed to being held in confinement, and had been used to people, it was felt that, with the care taken in the arrangements for their welfare on the journey, they would be able to endure the lengthy voyage with safety. COLONIAL-FEUIT SHOW. In June an interesting show of colonial fruit was held in the hall of the Royal Horticultural Society, at which the opportunity was taken of making a display of apples from New Zealand. A good position having been, secured, the apples, which were apparently supplied from a number of different sources in the colony and opened out in good condition, were advantageously displayed. The long table on which the New Zealand exhibit was placed presented a very bountiful and attractive appearance, the fine colouring and size of the fruit being specially noticeable. I am pleased to report that a silver-gilt medal was awarded to the New Zealand Government for the apples. Had other fruits been available to show in conjunction, so as to form a general collection, it is highly probable that a gold medal would have been secured. The medal gained was, however, the highest award given to an exhibit of one class of fruit only. New Zealand International Exhibition. the work in connection with the British Section of the New Zealand International Exhibition occupied the attention of my Department during the early part of the year. The applications for space, the allotment of same, the receipt of application-moneys, and various other details, were all included in the work of this Department. Irish International Exhibition. Advice having been received from the Government that it was their desire that New Zealand should participate in the Irish International Exhibition, to be held at Dublin during the approaching summer, arrangements in connection therewith were placed in my hands. Space amounting to 3,000 square feet has been secured in one of the best locations in the Exhibition, the width of the block taken being 40 ft. and the length 75 ft. The stand made for the New Zealand Court at the Crystal Palace last year, planned and carved in Maori design so a*s* to be specially distinctive of New Zealand, and which gave such satisfaction and attracted such general admiration then, has been utilised on this occasion. So that the whole increased space might be enclosed and all the exhibits included, an extension similar in design has been added. The work in connection with the Exhibition has been pushed well forward, and it is expected that everything will be in readiness by the opening day, 4th May. As may be inferred from the foregoing references, the numerous lines of New Zealand produce and the various other matters of equal importance to the colony that are being dealt with necessitate constant attention, while the weekly cables giving quotations for leading items, and information concerning the state of the markets in this country for these, render incessant watchfulness essential. I have, &c, H. C. Cameron, The High Commissioner for New Zealand, London. Produce Commissioner.