NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 36

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE.

Did you give any attention to matters affecting New Zealand produce? "Yes; and I found our products were much appreciated. I visited the Smithfield market, and was most favourably impressed with the appearance of our mutton and lamb. In comparison with the English product, it suffered nothing, while it showed to great advantage against the Argentine and some of the Australian produce. From inquiries I made at various places, I was surprised to learn to what an extent our mutton and lamb is disposed of by retailers as native grown. It is only necessary to see the two articles at Smithfield to realise how easily this can bo done. From this point of view, however, we suffer nothing from the practices of the retailer. On the contrary, it is rather our gain that we are able to tako advantage of such an outlet, but it is when the retailer disposes of inferior mutton a 6 New Zealand that the injury is done, and the prejudice against frozen meat strengthened. I believe there is' scope for groat extension of our trade in food products. There will naturally be variation in prices, but, with care in sending only products of good quality, we need have no fear that wo shall always retain a strong position in tho English markets."

PREFERENTIAL TRADE

The feeling in favour of preference within the Empire, Mr Hall-Jones belioves, is making great strides. Similarly the feeling in favour of a power of retaliation against foreign countries is being strengthened. The extent to which foreignmanufactured articles are being dtimped into English markets is, he stated, no doubt begining to impress people more and more. He heard considerable adverse comment upon certain features of the new Commonwealth tariff, although in many items preference was given to the Home Country (as against foreign countries). The duties imposed on British products were increased to suoh an extent that they would, in the opinion of many people, prohibit export to Australia. Comparisons were drawn from the New Zealand tariff of lost session, and it was shown to be much more advantageous to the English manufacturer than the Australian tariff. " Speaking generally," he added, "I should say that our new tariff was very favourably received in the Old Country.''

EXTREMES MEET.

Asked if he had any observations to make regarding the relative condition of the people in the United Kingdom and New Zealaad, the Minister said he he was afraid this opened up too large a question to discuss an interview ; but certainly the most striking social feature to a New Zealander visiting the Old Land was the extieme wealth and poverty which one noticed, and particularly in the larger centres of population. "On the one hand," he said, "you see evidences of enormous personal wealth, sometimes well used ; more often extravagantly 111-u&ed. On the other hand there are thousands upon thousands seeking employment from day to day, going hungry, leading a life of extreme and bitter hardship. These people have not tho means of seeking fresh avenues of employment or leaving for younger countries. The majority of them could not exist but for the aid of private and public benevolence. Canada has recently been boomed for the purpose of inducing immigration to _its chores. I was informed by the managing director of one of the b : g Canadian railways that for some 18 months past immigrants have been pouring into the country at the rate of 1000 per day. At this rate the Dominion could not properly absorb Ihem, and the result had been that many have had to return. Apart from this, I think it yet remains to be proved that Canada's pohev in this respect is going to bo to her permanent advantage. So far as immigration to our own country is concerned I have no doubt that large numbers of suitable people (who would prove desirable settlers without disturbing the labour market) will come of their own volition, as they are made aware of the advantage' which New Zealand possesses. lam very g-la 1 to be back once more in God's own country," lie concluded- "The weather we have experienced during the greater part of our trip, specially in England, has beer = uch as will cause us to more fullj: apnr-e-c-iate our own climate. The reunion with my family, my warm-hearted friencs, and mv colleagues, who were so kind and considerate durm,g my illnofs, is a deep pleasure to me. I feel it is good to be home cnee more." . The Hon. Mr Hall-Jane^ will resume his Ministerial duties greatly benefited by his trip.

February 3,

The Hon. "Mr RaII-.Tor>es was accorded a public welcome in the concert chamber of the Town Hall this evening. Considering the shortness of the notice pa en of the meeting, there was a very good attendance of the public. The demonstration, which was a very cordial one. was arranged by the Liberal and Labour Federation, the chairman of which made the somewhat unexpected statement that it would now be well if the country had a rest from legislation. Ministers/ he said, wanted a rest, and the country also wanted a rest from legislation. The reception consisted of various speeches and a programme of music and recitation. Until Mr Wilford made his appearance the speeches were of a veiv tame and prosy nature. Mr Wilford's eulogy of Mr Hall-Jones, however, roused the audience to a pitch of enthusiasm, especially his urgent warning to the hon. gentleman to go in for some physical exercise. " For goodness^ sake take some recreation," he said, turning to Mr HallJones "If not golf, let it be marbles." Mr Hall-Jones joined Jn the laugh at the suggestion that he should become a devotee of either game. ""Even the Prime Minister," added Mr Wilford, " was putting on avoirdupois and should take more recreation."

Sir Joseph Ward, who followed Mr Wilford, also met with a very hearty reception. His speech had no political flavour, the burden of it being the .delight of the Minktrv in getting their colleague back in good health, ond their determination to help him so that ho might not N» overworked in connection with the portfolios he is again about to take up. Mr Hall- Jones, who was received with prolonged applause, spoke with much feeling- of the great kindness ho h?d r^rei^ed from the pros* and the people of ihe country of all shades of opinion at a time when, without warning, ho was suddenly stricken down in health and camo vpvv mar to crossing the bar. ''Thank God,"' he said. " I have returned with renewed health, pli-a^cd to be in th.s land asain, to further ihe inicre-ts of our be!o\cd country."