OUR NEW GOVERNOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8888, 26 May 1892, Page 6

OUR NEW GOVERNOR

INTERVIEW WITH LORD GLASGOW. Os the Earl of Glasgow, the now Governor of New Zealand, arriving at Adelaide he was interviewed by a Register reporter, when the following conversation took place, THE FUTURE OF THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE. I understand, Your Lordship, that you made extensive inquiries in London as to the future of the New Zealand frozen meat trade ? «

Immediately I received my appointment I interested myself in what must be regarded as the most important industry of New Zealandthe frozen meat trade. I visited and closely inspected Messrs. Nelson's new extensive freezing-house on the Thames. When this establishment is completed, I understand, it will be the largest of the kind in London. I made inquiries as to the future, and was much interested to find that the frozen meat, trade has a very great future before it. It is evident on all sides that the trade is increasing fast, and the outlook for Now Zealand in this respect is most encouraging. Is there danger of the commercial treaties between Great Britain and foreign countries affecting bounty-fed frozen meat? Not to my knowledge. I am not aware of the fact. I should think that as long as I Great Britain maintains her freetrade principle nothing of the kind would bo allowed to interfere with the development of the Now Zealand frozen meat trade. On the contrary, it is important that such trade should be developed to tho utmost, for it is much better that Great Britain should get her supplies of meat from her own colonies than from foreign countries. Yes. I bolieve it is quite correct, that Lord Salisbury declined atonce to denounce the commercial treaties of which you speak. Sinco thou, I understand, he has agreed to consider the subject. Tho charges of middlemen in London scorn a check on the progress of tho frozen meat trade ?

Possibly; but I believe Messrs. Nelson contemplate building a thawing establishment in connection with their freezing works. The idea of the innovation is to send ho meat to market thawed ready for immediate use. This will mean a better price, in which, no doubt, shippers will participate. I believe Messrs. Nelson expect to realise something like Id per lb. more for meat by placing it in the market in this state. Does there still exist a prejudice against frozen meat ? No doubt there has been considerable prejudice against the consumption of frozen meat brought all the way from the colonies, but this is now being overcome. I know myself many people who use it consider it the very best meat in the market. In my opinion, the frozen meat of New Zealand has only to be known to be appreciated. In time, and I do not think that the time is far distant when it will have as good a place in the market as any other meat, if not better. Many of my own personal friends and relations use nothing else but New Zealand frozen mutton, and they all declare there is nothing to equal it. THE EXPORT OF FRUIT.

( Did Your Excellency inquire into the fruit trade and the probable outlet for Australian supplies ? Yes, I also intererested myself with regard to this trade, and from inquiries I made I have every reason to believe that the fruit trade is fast establishing it-self. It has already made considerable progress, but a trade like this has to light its way to the front. Unquestionably there is a very great demand in England for fruit, and the trade which is now springing up from Australia will go towards supplying these requirements. THE FEDERATION QUESTION. On the broad question of federation His Excellency preferred to say little, and as regards Imperial federation to remain silent. In answer to a question, however, the Earl replied : There is a general feeling, I think, amongst the people of Great Britain in favour of Australian federation, but as to how it should be brought about, it is thought that this is a question for Australians to consider for themselves, and that they should be left to bring it about in their own way.

DEFENCE AND THE NAVY. Respecting defence and the navy, Lord Glasgow said that the opinion of naval officers generally is that on one hand it was a great step towards federation when the Australian colonies agreed to pay on annual sum towards the navy, which is at once Imperial and colonial ; and on the other hand, that it has added much to the strength of the empire in these waters. The British Navy was never in better condition than it is at the present time. Yes, there was a feeling some time ago of weakness, but this was owing to the impression that the navy was not increasing its strength in the same ratio as the wants of the maritime trade of the nation demanded. Public attention was drawn to the fact that the British Navy was not strong enough to perform all the duties devolving upon it. The trade of the empire and the defence of the colonies made such a demand upon the navy that the cry of weakness was felt to have some foundation, and the result was a large increase in the building of men-of-war. Naval shipbuilding has thus for some time past been on the increase, and is rapidly increasing now, so that we are in a far different position to what we were six or seven years age. The vessels which are now being built are very powerful and fast; and, in addition to the increased strength which these vessels give to the British navy, a great deal has to be done in the way of subsidising merchant steamers. At this present moment somo of the finest merchant steamers afloat are at the disposal of the naval authorities should occasion arise when they might be required. The Cunard, the P. and 0., and other lines, have several of their vessels specially fitted up so as to be available should the Admiralty at any time desire to use them. These merchant steamers would make very fast cruisers, and in time of need would prove to be powerful auxiliaries to the regular warships of the British navy.

GREAT ISRITAIN AND THE COLONIES. Regarding Downing-street relations, Lord Glasgow said Lord Knutsford does all he can to preserve the friendly relations existing berween Great Britain and her colonies. Far from there being any inattention on the part of the Downing-street administrators, their great desire is to treat the colonies with the utmost respect, and to give the greatest attention to all matters affecting Australia. Lord Glasgow, who had been convener of the county council in Scotland, spoke with enthusiasm of the satisfactory work of the new system. " I cannot help thinking," replied his Lordship reflectively, " that it is the population which brings riches to a colony. There may be difficulties in the way, and a variety of things to consider, but, speaking generally, wherever possible add to the population of the country by immigration. It should bo done, and means increasing the wealth of that country."

<; KRAI, BOOTH'S SCHEME.

After drawing attention to the cablegram on the subject, His Excellency was asked if lie had an interview with General Booth in regard to the oversea colonies ? " Yes, I saw General Booth," replied Lord Glasgow, " and he told me he was considering at present whether he would start his colony in South Africa or in New Zealand. He said it entirely depended upon the terms ho could make with the shipping companies. Ho also said he would prefer sending a contingent to New Zealand ; but if this proved too expensive, he would have to take the country placed at his disposal in South Africa."