15

H.—2B,

use it as a substitute for cows' milk—which is exceedingly doubtful —a great quantity of the real article would be liberated for the manufacture of butter and cheese. It might be added that this synthetic milk is not suitable for the manufacture of butter, although it is claimed that it can be used for the manufacture of cheese. Fruit. There is nothing additional to report in connection with New Zealand fruit, as no further shipments have come to hand, and already my impressions have been given of what I have seen here. A report has been submitted of the investigations made by me in South America during a brief visit there, when I stated that an excellent market existed for our fruit. Dealing with the general prospects of the fruit trade in this country as applying to New Zealand, I am of opinion that an excellent opening exists here, if only intelligent attention is bestowed on the selection of commercial varieties of fruit adapted to our soils, and care is taken in grading, packing, and shipping to this market. When one realizes the position occupied in this market by countries no better circumstanced than yve are —indeed, in some respects not so good —and as we know that vast areas of New Zealand are admirably adapted to the growth of fruit, and some parts are not adapted to other purposes —one feels that a forward movement should yvithout delay be made to develop what will be of such enormous importance to our Dominion, and will furnish a profitable and pleasant occupation to many who yvish to escape from city life and yvho may not be adapted to other forms of country occupation. One cannot help being struck with the very beautiful fruit (apples, &c.) that is displayed in shops at this season of the year. It is to be regretted that New Zealand fruit is not shown on a parity with the other less-favoured countries. The question of markets outside London might be dealt with, but I will content myself with giving one example, which is that Cleopatra apples from Victoria realized at Hamburg recently from 20s. fid. to 235. per case. The fruit went direct to Hamburg, and was not transhipped in London. I might here mention that apples are subject to a Customs duty equalling, roughly, per 401b. case on importation into Germany. Kauri-gum. Imports of Kauri-gum into the United Kingdom. Quantity (cwt.). 1907. 1908. 1909. 1910. 1911. Totals ... ... ... 137,512 104,106 165,702 155,194 132,315 Value. Totals ... ... £480,795 £439,972 £777,974 £637,605 £556,940 Where the gum goes to — Exports of Kauri-gum from the United Kingdom. Quantity (cwt.). To— 1907. 1908. 1909. 1910. 1911. Russia ... ... ... 3,894 2,083 2,904 5,279 6,260 Germany ... ... ... 23,280 11,646 13,048 11,023 14,912 Netherlands ... 2,996 1,137 553 1,496 2,365 Belgium .. ... ... 1,022 1,081 63 122 1,211 France ... ... ... 1,663 926 1,231 1,075 564 U.S.A. ... ... ... 92,954 58,797 119,722 91,229 70,373 Other foreign countries . 2,773 2,529 1,916 1,842 2,679 New Zealand ... ... 248 45 343 112 2 Canada ... ... ... 1,464 698 915 381 317 Other British possessions ... 3 Totals ... ... 130,297 78,942 140,695 112,559 98,683 Value. Totals ... ... £476,905 £354,434 £721,743 £524,148 £484,658 From this table it will be seen that of the total exports, roughly about 72 per cent, go to the United States. Germany takes about 14 per cent., Russia coming next yvith, say, 6| per cent. The Netherlands, France, and Canada together take about 4J per cent., and the remaining 3 per cent, goes to other foreign countries. The figures for 1912 are not yet available. The following statement, showing the quantity of New Zealand direct imports retained in the United Kingdom for the years stated, is interesting : — Imports of kauri-gum from New 1907. 1908. 1909. 1910. 1911. Zealand (cwt.) ... ... 136,182 98,040 163,469 154,785 128,654 Quantity retained in the United Kingdom (cwt.) ... 6,024 21,112 24,583 42,832 33,561