COLONIAL PRODUCTS IN LONDON.

Otago Witness, Volume 17, Issue 1020, 17 June 1871, Page 4

COLONIAL PRODUCTS IN LONDON.

(Daily News, April skh.)

At the ordinary monthly meeting of the Royal Colonial Institute, on Monday evening, Viscount Bury in the chair, a paper was read by MrHydeClark, D.0.L., on the appointment of a reporter for industrial products from the colonies. It was shewn that India had long derived great benefit from the services of such an officer in the reports and investigations of Dr Forbes Watson, who had aided so greatly in the development of Indian resources, and the introduction of new raw materials for our manufactures. Our numerous colonies, extending over various latitudes, have a much larger range of produce than India, and the aggregate value of the imports of raw materials which we receive from the colonies is ten millions in excess of those we derive from India ; consequently it was urged that both colonists and manufacturers suffer from the want of accurate information as to special requirements, prices, qualities, and improvement of processes in shipment. An animated discussion ensued, opened by Mr P. L. Simmonds, and in which Mr E. Wilson, Mr Cowper, Mr Macarthy, Mr Labillandrix, the Chairman, and others took part. It was Bhown that the colonies were willing to co-operate, and to aid in the establishment of a Museum of Colonial Products, similar to that which France has long possessed, although owing but a few colonies. Finally, it was resolved that a deputation from the society, backed, also, by the support of the Society of Arts, should wait upon the Colonial Secretary and submit their views to him.