COLONIAL PRODUCE IN LONDON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2430, 10 October 1900, Page 7

COLONIAL PRODUCE IN LONDON.

WHAT VICTORIA DOES. (Feoh Ouk Own Corkespoxdext.)

LONDON, August 25

Looking through recent files of New Zealand papers, I notice that Mr Thomas Mookenzic, speaking at an Agricultural Conference, expressed regret that the colonial Government did not follow the example of Victoria, which had " set up a fine office in the

heart oi business in London, and have a very active representative there ; while New Zealand only pottered in the way of pushing her interests geneially, they were taking a large part in public affairs. A great improvement was wanted in tho colony's representation in London."

This is very true, but Mr Mackenzie might have gone further. Probably ho did. I, however, have only condensed newspaper reports to „go upon. Victoria is pushing its way because it recognise^ that its agricultural interest is an important one. Mr Sinclair ha-5 a "diary probably three times that paid by New Zealand to its produce representative ; he has a considerable staff under him, and a fine suite of office 5 -, in the front window of which — really a shop — ire displayed samples and photographs of Victorian produce. I never pass by that place without seeing several pconlp looking in. Further, I believe I om right, in saying that Mr Sinclair is advised of every consignment of produce from his colony, even copies of way bills and manifesto being sent him. Compare this with New Zealand. Mr Cameron, than whom no colony could have a more capable, earnest, zealou*. and active representative, or one who knows his business better, is simply accommodated with a small back room at the Agency-general, in Victoria street, altogether a "-ay from the cit3>-, where for tho most part hi-, business takes him. ] have not spoken to Mr Cameron on the subiecl, but I know from per&onal experience how frequently it occurs that produce is sent hero of which he is nol informed until he hears of i's arrival. For instance, the other day a cable message was published in the London paper* that N"ew Zealand was sending to London p quantity of irozen pork. I made it my bu-dneas to ask Mr Cameron if ho had heard anything of it. I found him hard at work ascertaining what openings there were for frozen pork hero, and the best way of diving the shipment a thoroughly good trial. But, so tar as information went, he was in tho same position as myself — lie had heaid nothing ond knew nothing beyond what was contained in the cable. It was the same a little while ago with poultry and onions, and more remotely with eels and fruit. Now, tho Victorian representative would have been advised of all theoe things beforehand, would have bad copies of the manifests sent hhinti t

would have been able, while in touch with the consignors, to get hold of the be^b markets, and, with his staff at his disposal, those who consigned the produce would, at any rate, have had " a good run for their money."

it i-5 gratifying that Mr Thomas Mackenzie, who knows the fects a^ well a a anyone, liartaken the mailer up, and now that he is in the House of Representatives again, it is to be lioppcl that his influence and energy will secure for Mr Cnmeion, of wiic:o value ho is well -iwaro. at least a considerable degree ;>f the facilities and assistance which "Victoria affords to Mr Sinclair.