The Taranaki Herald. THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 1880.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3523, 26 August 1880, Page 2

The Taran aki Herald. THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 1880.

Thb Colonial Industries Commission have seat in their report, which has been published, and although it contains many useful suggestions, it is not considered so perfect as might have been expected. Tobacco . is classed as the mo9t important "agricultural industry " brought under the notice of the Commission. The information respecting beet sugar is meagre and somewhat contradictory. Fruits and preserves is an industry for which New Zealand is well-adapted, whilst linseed cannot fail to succeed, and must yield the grower large profits. The cultivation of olives and mulberries, and the production of superior honey, are recommended to be encouraged. The smelting of iron ore or sand, or its conversion into steel, the Commission consider cannot as yet be carried on profitably in New Zealand ; but the cement industry, they think, should become very valuable, as there are large deposits of the necessary materials in various localities; therefore they advise the Government to offer to purchase 100 tons of cement from any bond fide local manufacturer, subject to proper tests, and the price to be the then Market price of the best Portland cement, as delivered at the principal seaports in the Colony. The Commissioners suggest the removal of anomalies in tariff, an I a readjustment in the schedules of articles required by the Public Works Department in the direction of encouraging local manufactures. They also recommend enquiry into the working of the Patent laws, and the development of technical education. In regard to bonuses, they think a guarantee of 5 per cent, on outlay for four, five, or six years, the best form. The Commissioners hold that the effect of the existing Customs' tariff is distinctly, though inequitably, protective, as it affords artificial advantages to particular industries by limiting the market of those who are dependent on them for their supplies. They consider that, in the nascent stage of the industrial energies of the Colony, there is every danger of the protection of one trade proving detrimental, if not positively destructive to others, and therefore recommend that great caution be exercised in making any change in the Customs tariff except for revenue purposes. They conclude by recommending that should the enquiry be continued that a thorough examination should be made in various parts of the Colony with a view of bringing to light valuable materials which are known to exist in boundless profusion, but which, owing to sparse population with small means, remain undeveloped, and are likely to remain so unless aid is given from outside.

The s.s. Hawea, with the ' Frisco mail, crossed Manukau bar at 2.30 p.m. to-day, and is due in the roadstead early to-morrow morning.

Captain Edwin telegraphed at 12.40 p.m. to-day :: — •• Information at present available shpwß a falling glare and northerly winds."