ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

Bush Advocate, Volume XI, Issue 865, 30 November 1893, Page 2

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

Mr Valentine, the butter expert whose services have been retained by Now Zealand, leaves immediately for New Zealand by way of America. Much regret is expressed that this eminent expert in all matters connected with the dairy trade was not allowed longer time in this country before his departure for New Zealand, so that ho might have delivered addresses in Glasgow and other large cities, as he did in Manchester and Liverpool, where ho crealod a most favorable impression, and did much towards improving tho New /Zealand dairy trade, so far as these two cities aro concorncd. It is not thought, however, that his efforts in the direction of establishing a direct Bteam service between New Zealand and Liverpool will have any immediate result. Nothing is likely to be done in this way at present. Tlio connection between Liverpool and America in respect of produce is so intimate and complete, and Liverpool ia so entirely the receiving and distributing port for most American produco that it will be very difficult forNew Zealand to obtain a footing there. But something may bo done in time, and meanwhile Mr Valentine has rendered good sorvieo to the colony by agitating the question so prominently. Much is hoped from tho promise of the English railway companies to co-operate with the shipping lines in arranging through rates for New Zealand produce, shipped from New Zealand for the large English and Scottish towns. Next to direct shipment this ia the best tiling that can bo done. But whilo the colonial produce has to reach the large inland and northern cities and towns by a proceasj of filtration through tho hands of intermediaries, Mr Valentine fears the trade will be limited, because tho distant places will always suspect that the best qualities are reserved for London and only the inferior sent on to tho provincial towns. However the Manchester Courier Bays : — " We are <juito prepared to take as much first-rate butter and mutton as our Antipodean kinsfolk can send us. The only condition is that tho butter and mutton must be ot prime quality." That is essential. No mediocre or inferior produce will 'go off ' in England. This cannot bo too clearly undcistood. The Aorangi sails to-day a full ship. Quite a number of the special settlors approved by the Agent-General go out jn her, under tho reduced faro arrangement. They take out a considerable sum in capital, and aro asserted to be highly qualified for colonial settlers. Tho Aorangi contingent numbor some fifty ' souls. 1 I liiicl that the Colonisation Company's notification that they will not require their settlers to ' buy a pig in a poke,' but will rotund tho land purchase money if the purchaser on arrival in New Zealand can find none of their land to suit him, has had a vmy good effeot. It is a practical demonstration of confidence in the valuo and attractiveness of the land available, which does not fail to impress intending settlers. Lunching with Mr Edward Pearce the other day, l learned that ho has had an exceedingly pleasant time in England. Ho has been visiting relations and old friends during the greater part of his stay, but he lias also boon in tke thick of tliii London season and thoroughly enjoyed it until the melancholy news came of the death of his partner and beloved friend, Mr W . 11, Levin, which naturally lias completely saddened the concluding portion oi hia visit. Lord Onslow and Mr Fenrce were warm personal frionds during the former gentloman's New Zealand Governorship, nnd the Earl lost no time in renewing the friendship on Mr Pearce's arrival in England.

It must be said of Lord and Lady Onslow that they have been very nice in England to most people whom they knew in New Zealand. Lady Onslow and Miss Buller were constantly to be seen about together, nt the theatre and elsewhere, during the season, and other ex-residents of New Zealand have found their former Governor and his charming wife very pleasant friends in the Mother Country, The Earl and Countess are at present visiting friends in Scotland, but roturn to town shortly. Mr Pearco leaves on his return to New Zealand by the Orient on the 20th via Melbourne, going thence to New Zealand either direct oy via Sydney, according as the intercolonial steamers suit, but roost probably by way of the Bluff, as he has business to transact at Christchurch en route. He will be accompanied by his son, Mr Charles Pearce, also by his younger sister, Miss C. Pearce, who is going out to stay with her brother for a year for certain and perhaps longer if she likes colonial life and ways and people. The gardens of the Imperial Institute have been closed for the winter. Of course this means also the temporary shutting up of the New Zealand frozen meat kiosk. Its contents — edible and mechanical — have been removed for the winter, both to safe quarters. The same machinery may return again, but I foar the meat and butter have been so safely [stowed a\v») that we shall not see them again. However, doubtless they will have worthy successors ; and assuredly the show has done good service to the New Zealand product | trade.