THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1263, 14 May 1896, Page 6

THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

A meeting of Now Zealand delegates to the Fruit Conference was held yesterday week. Mr A. Ayers (Canterbury) was appointed chairman. Mr Avery (Spring Grove) moved, "That what was known as the Nelson standard ease, containing an Imperial bushed, and measuring 2Sin by 11 in by Tin, and the half-ease 2Sin by Tin by Tin, bo recommended for colonial use."

Mr Moller (Nelson) seconded the proposition. Mr Grapes (Wellington) moved as an amendment., "That a case of inside measurement of 20in by I2in by 11 in be adopted." Ho said that some persons objected to the close case as likely to lead to' sweating, but he did not think this would be tho result, as the Americans shipped their apples in barrels. Mr Gillespie (Blenheim) seconded the amendment pr'> Junna. Mr Lorio (Teviot) moved, " That this meeting recommend tho Government to make the uso of a new and uniform case compulsory, to bo used in New Zealand only." He spoke strongly against tho use of old cases, which were likely to lead to the introduction of disease. Mr Adams said his orchard was practically clean from the codlin moth until it was introduced by tin old case. Mr Grapes said they were sadly behind the Americans in theso matters, whose methods it would be well they should Mr Wilson (Christchurch) said tho timber should bo of standard thickness. > Mr Adams saw no reason why fruitgrowers should not bo allowed for eases, just as the farmers were allowed for grain sacks. Mr llanlon advocated tho merits of tho California!! caso. Mr Jlecroft (Port Albert) pointed out that the enforcement of tho use of a ease of certain dimensions would inflict a hardship on fruit-growers in many districts. Tho cases ought to be of the samo capacity, but not uniform.

Mr Corrie (Matakaua) considered they should have a uniform case, for without that they were behind the tunes. Mr Gubb (Port Albert) said it would bo arbitrary for the Government to say how a grower should send his fruit to a local market. The fruit-growers in his district had used a particular kind of case for 20 years, and it would require a good deal of compulsion to make them give it up. Mr Gimblett said it was time the Colony had a standard case.

Mr Tamblyn (Teviot) suggested that old cases should'bo steamed before being used. Mr Piper (Nelson) said tho caso used in his district was very handy and was approved of by tho Wellington auctioneers for their market. He did not think it was wise to compel peoplo to use a case which was not suited to their requirements. Mr Lorio's amendment was lost and Mr Grapes' amen hnent was withdrawn.

Mr Lorio then moved a further amendment to tho effect that the Government bo requested to make the use of now cases compulsory, which was carried. An amendment by Mr llanlon, that tho Government recommend a uniform caso, measuring (inside) 20in by llin by 12iu, was lost.

The original motion, proposed by Mr Avery, was then put and carried. Mr Carpenter (Canterbury) moved, " That it is desirable in tho interest of fruit-growing generally that an annual Conference be held in tho various centres of New Zealand of thoso interested in the work; aud that an executive committee should beset up to deal with the matter." This was carried.

Mr Hutton (Auckland) moved, "That it is desirable that experimental stations bo established near tho various centres in New Zealand, and that an horticultural department bo moro quickly organised."

After somo discussion tho motion was carried.

Mr J. Taylor (Woodville) proposed a resolution to the effect that it is most essential that the Government should undertake tho establishment of a model fruit-preserving factory in some central position, say Wellington, to bo worked under State control, and under tho immediate management of an experienced ami thoroughly competent oflicor, tho factory to afford an example of an efficiently managed and properly equipped institution, and to servo as a training school for persons desirous of becoming efficient, managers of co-operative fruitpreservirg factories ultimately to bo established throughout tho Colony.

After some discussion tho motion was lost.

Mr llanlon moved, " That this Conference recommends tho Government to take such steps as may tend to the storage of fruit cases on tho flat, and tho careful handling of the samo during carriage to market." This was agreed to. Mr Mitchell (Christchurch) moved, "That this Conference recommend that a wholesale fruit market bo established in each centre. This was lost.

Mr Avery moved, " That tho Department of Agriculture bo requested to convene annually a conference of fruit-growors of tho Colony." Mr Moeller moved as an amendment, "That an executive be appointed to carry out the recommendations of tho Conference." This was lost. Mr Avery's motion was then put and carried. It was decided to forward tho resolutions passed at tho meeting to tho Department of Agriculture.

THE INTERCOLONIAL CONFERENCE

Tho Intercolonial Conference resumed at T p.m. on May (i. Mr L. G. Carrie read a paper on " The Cultivation of Citrus Fruits, with Notes on the Varieties Introduced."

A paper on "Tho Cultivation of Citrus Fruits in New Zealand" was read by Mr W. J. Palmer (Government Pomologist, Auckland), who said tho climate and soil of New Zealand woro suited to the production of lemons, moro particularly along the East Coast of tho North Island. Mr James Williams read a paper by Mr W. S. Williams on " Tho Culture and Curing of Lemons." In tho course of his remarks he said they had plenty of insect pests already, and all fruits from foreign countries with any disease or insect pests attached should be rigidly excluded equally with small-pox or yellow fever. He sincerely hoped tho Conference would take the necessary steps to start concerted action by the whole of tho Australasian colonies, including New Zealand, for the rigid exclusion of all trees, shrubs and plants that might bo in any way affoctcd wil h disease or insect pests. (Applause.) Mr Palmer, loplying to some remarks that had been made, contended that New Zealand would never grow oranges to compare with tho Island oranges. Mr W. J. Palmer read a paper on " The Cultivation of the Vine in New Zealand. Ho was of opinion that good grapes could bo grown in tho open in New Zealand, particularly on the East Coast of tho North Island. Care should bo taken to select suitablo soil and situation. Lowlying land was not suitable, and what was wanted was well-drained, light land. Ho did not think this country would grow grapes that would make a sweet wine, but the earlier ripening varieties would grow well and make a good sound_ dry wine. Ho was moro and more convinced that fruit-growing was going to bo one of tho leading industries of New Zealand. (Applause.) Mr L. llanlon read a paper on the same subject and expressed the opinion that tho time was not far distant when certain parts of this Colony, from Otago in the South to Wangauui in tho North, would become famed as producers of wine, and turn it out in large quantities. He deplored tho prohibition biy tho Government

of the importation of vines and cuttings, and said the establishment of a model vineyard would be of great service. MrW. Beetham (Masterton) addressed the Conference on the subject of viticulture. He felt confident that there were districts in New Zealand-choice spotsthat would equal some of the great vineyards of Franco. The districts ot Napier, some parts of the Wairarapa and other districts would be suitable. One of the great advantages of viticulture would be that it would give a great value to secondclass and poorer soils which were not ot very much value for grain growing, &C. It was decided that the discussion on the papers should be taken next morning. The Conference resumed on Thursday. A paper on "Profitable Fruits" v.as read by Mr J. Williams (Victoria). During the discussion which followed, Mr Gubb (Port Albert) said the apricot did very well in the Thames Valley. Mr Carrie (Matakana) remarked that it was very difficult to lay down the varieties of fruit suited to each district. Mr Manuel (Teviot) considered the best apricot to succeed in Otago was early red. It seemed to him that climate and soil had a great deal to do with the success of varieties of fruit. . Mr Wheelband (Peel Forest) considered Carter's black champion the most profitable currant to grow. Ho found raspberries and nuts also profitable. Mr Tamblyn (Teviot) was of opinion that it would be necessary first of all for a man to plant a few apple trees of all varieties to find out which would do well in a particular locality. He thought that black currants would be profitable to grow if they brought 6d per lb. Mr W. 11. Beetham (Masterton) was disappointed that the writer did not include grapes among his list of profitable fruits. Ho believed that for table purposes the black Hamburg, Muscat, Chasselas de Fontainebleau and Chassolas Doree were the most profitable and suitable. He would be very glad to give information to anyono who desired to start grape growing. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Williams for his paper. " Handling Fruit in Tasmania," a paper by the Rev E. H. Thompson (Tasmania), was read by Mr Campbell (New South Wales), who also read a paper on " Transit of Fruit to Great Britain," contributed by Mr W. E. Shoobridge, Tasmania. Mr Carpenter informed the delegates that mallow leaves, cocoanut fibre and wood wool were suitable for packing fruit. Mr Fowler (Pemberton) gave an interesting account of the pit system followed by him in keeping apples. Out of a quantity kept by him last year by this method there was very little waste. Mr Beecroft did not believe tho pit system would be suitable to all parts of this Colony. , Mr J. D. Ritchie gave a description of a brick building with hollow walls, tbeso boing ventilated with pipes, and tho roof of any material, such as wood or straw, as suitable for storing apples. Mr Blackmore (Government Pomologist) pointed out that some of tho essentials to storing apples successfully wore careful handling, dryness, absence of light and draught, and a uniform low temperature. Votes of thanks were accorded the writers of the papers. "Foreign Outlets for Fruits" was the titlo of a paper contributed by Mr George Neilson, Victoria. Mr A. Lorie (Teviot) road a paper entitled " Co-operation in Marketing Fruit," in the course of which ho detailed tho circumstances which led to the formation of tho Teviot and Alexandra Fruit-growers' Company. Tho paper was a very interesting one, and detailed at considerable length the business arrangements entered into between tho Company and tho growers. Several delegates spoko in complimentary terms of tho papers, and votes of . thanks were accorded tho writers. Mr Campbell (Now South Wales) read a paper on " Progress of Fruit-drying in Australia," forwarded by Mr F. C. Smith (South Australia). Mr Gubb (Auckland) said that in consequence of tho annual incroaso in the quantity of peaches and plums grown in tho North it would bo necessary to resort to drying. M. Duflou (Wanganui) contended they had passed tho experimental stage in fruitpreserving in New Zealand. Mr Palmer believed that New Ze iland would eventually be one of the best fruitgrowing countries in the world. Mr Williams (Victoria) gave some details regarding drying and sulphuring fruit. Ho believed that if a grower could sell his fresh fruit at a fair price it would bo moro profitable than drying it. Mr Gubb pointed out that an exhibit of dried apples which had not received an award at the fruit show had been dried about threu months ago. About 40 tons of fruit had been dried in the Port Albert district last year, and, although it had only been sun-dried, there was practically little of it mouldy.

Mr Piper was of opinion that it was only when there was a surplus of fruit it would pay to dry it. From what they had heard about tho profit of fruit-drying it would be enough to prevent any of them engaging in the business. Mr Corrie said that he had seen Auckland dried fruit and vegetables on sale in Western Australia, and ho understood there was an increasing demand for those goods. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Smith for his paper. Tho Conference adjourned at 10 p.m. till 10 o'clock next morning.

At the Fruit Conference on Friday a •notice of motion by Mr Mitchell requesting the Government to restrict the influx .of Chinese by increasing the poll tax to jCIOO was ruled out of order. It was resolved, " That the Department .of Agriculture bo requested to obtain from •different fruit and flower associations a

list of the best apples, pears and plums, and the result be tabulated and published."

A resolution, " That the cleansing of orchards from insect pests be compulsory by law, and not optional," was put to tho New Zealand delegates, who declared in favour of it. The New Zealand delegates passed a resolution of appreciation of tho liberal terms on which tho Government of New Zealand carry fruit on the colonial railways. A resolution in favour of the establishment of such a museum as specified in the Government Biologist's report of 1891-95 was agreed to. The question of the size of the fruit case was left to the next Conference. Mr Lorie (Teviot) proposed, " That this meeting desire to place on record their gratitude to the Government for the courtesy extended to tho delegates during the present meeting." This was carried with acclamation, and Mr J. D. Ritchie replied on behalf of the Government. The Conference has closed its sittings.

Mr T. Hardy, the South Australian delegate to the Conference, who arrived too late to attend the sittings, brought with him tho following papers which, had ho arrived in time, ho had intended reading, but which will now be included in the official report of the proceedings:—The Wine Industry of Australasia, by T. Hardy; The Dried Fruit Industry in Australasia, with notes on successful methods of preparation, by T. B. liobson, Hectorville, South Australia ; Noxious Pests injurious to Horticulture, by A. Molyneaux, F.L.S., General-Secretary of the Agricultural Department, South Australia. It is intended to supply eacli Australian Government with 100 copies of the report of the proceedings of the Conference, and a large number are to bo distributed amongst tho various fruit-growers' associations in New Zealand. Applications for copies should bo sent in early to the Secretary, Agricultural Depaitalent.

DEPUTATIONS TO THE PREMIER

A deputation of fruit-growers from the northern districts waited on the Premier last week with a request that the Government would establish experimental grounds near Auckland for the purpose of testing tho capabilities of the different soils.

The Premier did not agree with the deputation as to the advisability of tho project, as they could not got land near Auckland with sufficient diversity of soils. The Government had inspectors and analysts, and it would lie much better for them to go round and inspect and report on tho soils of the different districts to the Government Pomologist, who could then advise as to what class of trees should be planted. Ho would discuss tho matter with the Minister of Agriculture, and ho had no doubt tho latter would submit it to Cabinet. Ho suggested that after tho Intercolonial Fruit Conference had concluded its business the Now Zealand representatives should hold a convention for the guidance and assistance of the Government in dealing with the fruit industry. There were great possibilities for that industry, and ho believed it to be tho duty of the Government, within legitimate bounds, to assist in promoting it—in fact, the Government had laid that down as one of tho cardinal points of their policy. As to tho culture of tho grapevine, they would have to relax tho law with regard to the introduction of vines and introduco them through tho Government and under its supervision, so as to prevent disease being brought to the Colony. A second deputation of delegatos waited on the Premier on Monday afternoon to bid him farewell and to thank him foi tho assistance and kindness they had received at tho hands of the Government.

i Mr L. G. Corrio (Queensland) said lie had attended tho conferences held at .Mildura and Hobart, tho reports of which were not published by the Governments, and tho benefit of the conferences was therefore restricted to those who were present, and accordingly very little practical good resulted, lie congratulated tho Government of New Zealand on having put tho fruitgrowers of Australasia in a position to have tho report of their deliberations printed and circulated. Very great benefit would result therefrom, not only to New Zealand but to all the other colonies, and he felt suio tho example shown by New Zealand would be followed at future conferences. A leading firm in Wellington had slated that they were prepared to give a prize at the next fruit show at Wellington for samples of fruit packed for export, and in respect to this matter they said they had received orders for 3000 or 1000 cases of apples from someplace in the tropics, but owing to tho manner in which New Zealand exporters did the packing, and the lack of enterprise they displayed, they had had to send to Tasmania for tho apples. This fact, in view of tho statement made at the Conference that thousands of apples were rotting under tho trees, showed a bad state of affairs and a lack of management somewhere, lie again thanked the Government for their hospitality, and congratulated them upon the fact that they had, by fathering tho Conference, mado it widespread and effective. Messrs T. Hardy (South Australia), W. S. Campbell (Sydney), A. Wagner (Queensland), and A. Ayres (New Zealand), also returned thanks, tho latter saying ho was sure New Zealand fruit-growers would appreciate tho interest [tho Government had taken in their proceedings, and that no preceding Government had over done so much in that department. The Premier, in reply, said they would no doubt after their visit to this Colony ask themselves " Why is a country like this importing so much fruit ?" There were possibilities of a great improvement taking place in this respect, and it simply meant

a question of time when they would have to competo against America, To put themselves in a position to do that they would require to hold conferences periodically, and step by step they would be able to grapple with the difficulties and overcome them. He felt satisfied that tho result of this Conference would bo great help and encouragement to New Zealand fruit-growers, and that a great deal of useful knowledge would bo sent from ono end of the Colony to the other. Ho was pleased the delegates should say this was the first colony that had given real life to the Conference, and that the e'forts of Mr Ritchie and the department, on behalf of tho Government, had been so successful and so highly appreciated by tho visitors. That fact was also very pleasing to Mr Ritchie and tho department, which was only in its infancy, but was doing good work, and he felt sure they would derive considerable encouragement. He was sure his worthy colleaguo would regret having been unable to be present and to hear the high encomiums that had been passed. Ho wished them to convey to the officials of their departments his great pleasure at the excellent selection of representatives that had been made, and he would at any future conference bo glad to reciprocate and further so far as ho could an industry which would at no distant date assume very large proportions and tend to _ increase land values and bring into fertility large tracts of land which were now unproductive. So far as ho could, ho assured them, he would do his_ best to assist in bringing to a successful issue the labours which they had expended at the Conference. The deputation then withdrew, and most of the visiting delegates left Wellington on Monday evening.

THE FRUIT SHOW

Tho judging of tho fruit and other exhibits at the Drillshed was completed yesterday week, and in the afternoon tho show was visited by the delegates. The display of fruit, especially apples, wiis undoubtedly one of the finest over seen in Wellington. The apples sent from tho South Island wore, both for variety and quality, as fine a collection as could bo wished for. Very nearly 70 varieties (correct in name) wore alone sent from ('anterbury. The display of apples from the North' Island was not so large, but the specimens shown were excellent in quality and colour .The fruit exhibits from the South Island were representative of tho provinces, especially Canterbury, Otago and Southland. A small but neatly got up exhibit of evaporated fruit, shown by the Agricultural Department, attracted considerable attention. Tho fruit was evaporated by Mr Boucher, of the department. Messrs Wilkins and Field, of Wellington, had a very complete collection of horticultural appliances, for which they received a first award, tho New Zealand Drug Company being similarly honoured for an exhibit of insecticides and fungicides. Messrs A. and T. Burt showed some very complete spraying pumps. Mr G. H. Grapes, of Paraparaumu, got first prize for a patent push hoe. Tho Australian visitors were the judges in all cases. The following is tho list of awards:—

best collection of dessert fruit grown in the North Island (collected by Mr Palmer, Government Pomologist), 1. Best collection of dessert fruit grown in tho South IslandCanterbury, 1 ; Otago, 2; Southland, 15. Apples in cases (7 x 14 x 28), wrapped, packed, nailed down, ready for export, six eases Canterbury, 2. Do, four cases Canterbury, 1. Apples in six half-cases, one each of six distinct varieties—Canterbury, 1. A poles in four half-cases, each of four distinct varieties—Canterbury, 1. Apples in two cases, one each, of two distinct varieties —D. H. Williamson, 1. Pears in six eases, one each of six distinct varieties—Canterbury, 2. Best collection of apples, specially suited for export, five of each variety—D. 11. Williamson, 1 ; Canterbury,2 ; Messn Mayo and Sons, 3. Apples specially suited for Homo markets, late kinds-Messrs Mayo, 2. Host collection of apples for culinary and dessert, five of Oiich variety-Canterbury, 1. Pest collection of apples suited for dessert, twelve varieties—Canterbury, 2. Ditto, six varieties, five of each variety—Canterbury, 1. Post collection of apples, twelve varieties, for culinary purposes, five in each varietyCanterbury, 1. Ditto, six varieties—Canterbury, 1 Pest dish of five dessert apples, ono variety—Mr Morrison, 1 ; Mr Carrie, 2. Best dish of five culinary apples-Mr Pickering, 1; Mr Carrie, 2 ; Canterbury, 3. Special awards for apples : -pccial entry—Six dishes dessert apples, distinct varieties Canterbury, c. 'three dishes culinary apples—Canterbury, c. Pour dishes pears, distinct varieties—Cauturbury, c. Post exhibit of pears for culinary purposes, fourdistinct varieties, five of each—Mr Carrie, 1. Ditto, four distinct varieties, for dessert, five of each vaiioty—Mr Carrie, 1 ; Canterbury, 2. Pest dish of six pears, one variety—Canterbury, 1 and 2 ; Mr Morrison, IS. Ditto, for dessert - M. Gubb, 1; Mr Carrie, 2. Pears, five of each variety—Mr Morrison, 1 ; Mr Carrie, 2 ; Canterbury, IS. Pest collection of quinces, five of each variety—Mr Morrison, 1. Special exhibit of peaches —Messrs Diroh and Bennetts (Roxburgh) and Dawson (Clyde) each received a second award for late peaches. Pest dish of plums Southland, 1. Best dish of quinces, one variety—State Farm, Levin, 1 ; Mr Morrison, 2. Post collection of persimmons, five of each variety North Island (Mr Palmer, Government Pomologist), 1. Pest dish of persimmons Messrs Mayo and Sons, 1 ; Mr Morrison, 2; Mr Haulon, 3. Post two bunches black grapes grown under glass—Mr Fowles, 1 ; Mr P. Taylor, 2; Southland, c. Pest collection of grapes grown under glass —North Island (Mr Palmer), 1; Canterbury, 2. Two buirjhes of black or white grapes grown in open air—Mr Dawson (Clyde) and Southland, c. Best collection oranges —Mr Morrison, c. Dest diah of lemons Messrs Mayo and Sons, 1; Mr Morrison, 2. Half-case lemons, packed for export —North Island (Mr Palmer), 1. Pest dish of citrons—Mr Morrison, 1. Best dish of medlars —Messrs Mayo and Sons, 1 and 2. Best pio melon—Canterbury, 1. Best dish of cob nuts—A. Luff, 1. Best dish of filberts —A. Luff, 1; Canterbury, 2. Best collection walnuts—Canterbury, 1 ; Mr Hanlon, 2. , Special entry.—Collections walnuts—Cantor-

bury, c. Best dish of any ono New Zealand raised variety—Mr Wheelband, c. Best box of evaporated apples (Gibs) —M. Gubb, 1; Mr Webster, 2. Best collection of dried fruitDepartment of Agriculture, 1 ; Wanganui Fruit Drying Company, 2. Best collection of dried vegetables—Wanganui Fruit Drying Company, 1. Best collection of canned fruit —Mr J. Allan. Pest collection of fruit in syrup— F. Bennett, 1 ; Mrs Ilillman, 2 ; J. Allan, c. Best collection of jams and conserves—Mrs Ilillman (Auckland), 1. Pest collection of jellias—Mrs Ilillman (Auckland), 1. Best collection of fruit wines—G. Garrard. 1. Best collection of grape wine—.l. Soler (Wanganui), 1; Grcenmcadows Fruit Farm, 2. Best collection of eider in bottles —J. Provost (Wanganui), 1; Styx Cider Company (Christehurch), 2. Cider in bulk—Styx Cider Company, 2. Post collection of perry in bottles—Styx Cider Company, 1 (excellent). Most comprehensive collection of modern implements and contrivances for uso in the orchard or in preparation of fruit crops for market Messrs Wilkins and Field, 1. Orchard spray pumps—Messrs A. and T. Burt, 1. Insecticides and fungicides—New Zealand Drug Company, 1. Patent push hoe—G. H. Grapes, 1. Garden spray pump—J. Allan (Oaniaru), 1.

THE PICNIC

The delegates to the Intercolonial Fruitgrowers' Conference and others, to tho number of nearly 70, including half a dozen ladies, went on an excursion trip to Masterton on Saturday, at the invitation of the Department of Agriculture. The excursionists were accompanied by Mr J. D. ilitchio (Secretary to tho department) and Mr Kirk (Government Biologist). The morning was beautifully fine, and consequently the trip over tho Pimutaka was very enjoyable, tho visitors having a splendid opportunity of seeing the scenery at its best considering the season of the year. Those who hal not travelled by the lino before were greatly interested in the engines used, and the rail arrangements from the Summit to Cross' Creek. The peculiarity of construction of tho Fell engines and tho contrivances for gripping tho central rail were explained to the visitors, wiio expressed themselves in high terms_ of praise of the manner in which tho engineering difficulties in tho construction of this part of the line had been overcome. On arriving at Masterton tho visitors were met by Mr Miller, Stock Inspector, who had drags in waiting, and an excellent luncheon was provided at tho Club Hotel, at tho conclusion of which a hearty vote of thanks was passed to tho Government for tho liberal manner in which the delegates had been treated, and special reference was mado to the courtesy and consideration of Messrs Ritchie and Kirk.

After luncheon the visitors proceeded to Lansdowne, tho property of Messrs Williams and Beetham, whore they were shown over the vineyard by Mr W. P. Beetham, who explained to them the method of cultivation, the kinds of vine grown, and many other matters in connection with, viticulture. The vineyard has an area of close upon four acres, which it is intended to increase very considerably in the near future, and although jt was the wrong season to see it at its bent, it was apparent even to those unacquainted with viticulturo that tho experiment has boon a great success, and that tho Wairarapa is very well adapted for grapo vine cultivation. An inspection of Mr Peotham's wine-house was also made, where the vats, casks, presses and other apparatus in connection with winemaking were critically examined and explained. After tho visitors had paid a visit to tho fisli ponds, an adjournment was made to Mr tieetham's residence in Masterton, tho tastefully laid out and neatly kept grounds, with tho well stocked conservatories, being much admired by the do'egates and their friends. Hero Mr and Mrs Beetham hospitably entertained thorn, the connoisseurs of tho party declaring that the six-year-old wine made by their host was equal to and indistinguishable from that of the best produced in the favoured districts of the Continent. Whilst hero opportunity was taken to present Mr L. G. Corrie (Queensland), chairman of tho Conference, with two rugs of Now Zealand manufacture, one for himself and the other for a young lady to whom he is to be married very soon. The presentation was mado on behalf of tho delegates by Mr Ritchie in a short and appropriate speech, in the coarse of which lie expressed his ploasuro that Mr Corrio had selected a New Zealand lady to be his wife. Three hearty cheers were given for Mr Corrio and his future brido, and throe more for Mr and Mrs Beetham. The party returned to town delighted with tho trip.