E.—6

8

education, and properly so, are disinclined to accept new inventions until they have been submitted to the most rigid scrutiny; but American dredging, railway plant, and bridges have been tested, and proved as long as corresponding appliances in Europe ; and, therefore, should without hesitation be adopted here because of their superiority. In the course of events it is to be hoped that there will be a Minister for Works, who, remaining long enough in office, will be patient enough to investigate evidence, and strong enough to enforce his conclusions. In estimating the value of the evidence which has been produced during this discussion, it should be borne in mind that, on the one side, we have the report of the man who is the most eminent in his branch of civil engineering in America, and who, being thus highly qualified, was sent to Europe to make the systems of dredging in vogue there his special study ; that he carefully estimated the qualities of the best dredge on the Clyde, which is similar to the best in this colony; that a willingness to adopt all mechanical improvements is an essential feature of American character; that the endless-chain type of dredge was well known and long in use in the United States, but has for nearly twenty years been wholly abandoned ; aud that the reports of all the Colonial Commissioners at the International Exhibition at Philadelphia agree in viewing the American system of dredging favourably, their impressions having mainly emanated from information derived from leading European engineers, who have since, by special reports to their respective Governments, confirmed them ; while, on the other side, we have the opposing statements of a gentleman who has had no experience in dredging out of this colony ; whose prejudices are so overmastering that they lead him to affirm that the one dredge at Newcastle, which is under his command, has lifted more hard sand in the same space of time than the whole fleet of fourteen belonging to the largest dredging company in the world; and whose animus is so great that he either inverts, misapprehends, or misrepresents every statement opposed to his own views. I feel assured that an intelligent consideration of the evidence will satisfy the public, to whose judgment it is offered, that the American system of dredging has the following points of superiority over the one adopted in this colony :— Ist. Its first cost is at least one-half. 2nd. It can be worked with half the hands. 3rd. It lifts, in all cases, as much material, and, in some cases, much more than the other. 4th. It can operate in places and under circumstances where the other cannot. In effect, it is cheaper, simpler, and better adapted to the objects required to be accomplished than the other. Desiring that the colony should reap some material benefit from the expense incurred in taking part in the Centennial Exhibition, I have recommended the Minister for Works to cause to be built in this colony a dredge after the American type, on the understanding that the American Dredging Company will supply the working drawings and specifications, together with the machinery. In this way no error in construction can arise, and, with the possession of the patterns, much or all of the machinery can hereafter be made in the colony. By direct correspondence with the Company, all commissions and many other charges can be avoided, and the reputation of the Company is a sufficient guarantee that not a cent in excess of the amount charged to its numerous customers will be exacted. My letter, which was referred to the Engineer-in-Chief of Harbours and Eivers more than a fortnight ago, has not been reported on. I shall now leave the subject in the hands of the Minister for Works, who will, I doubt not, give it, in the interests of the public, the attention it deserves. Accompanying this letter is a copy of the catalogue so often referred to, in order that you, Mr. Editor, and those to whom you may be pleased to show it, may be satisfied as to the accuracy of my references. I am, &c, Sydney, 22nd September. Augustus Moeeis.

Eepoet of the Beitish Commission on the Philadelphia Exhibition. The report of the British Commission on the Philadelphia International Exhibition, which has been presented to both Houses of the Imperial Parliament, has given unbounded satisfaction to the people of tho United States. Official papers already published foreshadow the unfeigned admiration for American skill and industry, which may be looked for in the reports of the Commissioners of the different foreign Governments, but the verdict of Great Britain was not known until the publication of the first volume of the British report. American achievments in arts, manufactures, and sciences are thoroughly appreciated, and praised without stint; and American superiority in certain directions is frankly admitted, while inferiority, where it exists, is lightly dwelt upon. The expenses of the English Government, although not exhibiting, were £39,981, being £10,312 less than the amount (£50,293) so liberally voted by Parliament. The total value of the British exhibits, exclusive of the fine art collection, was £250,000, and the expenses incurred by the 825 exhibitors were £120,000. No less than 587 of the exhibitors obtained awards based on special merits. India, Canada, and the colonies received 854 awards. The value of the art contribution of England reached the sum of £200,000, and when it is stated that the total damage in handling, transporting, and exhibiting was but £34, which was paid by the insurance offices, some idea may be formed of the faithfulness and efficiency of American carriers, and the conscientiousness of American crowds. Well may Colonel Sandford, E.E., the British Executive Commissioner, dwell on the perfection of the arrangements for exhibitors, and refer with grateful praise to the splendid hospitalities accorded to all visitors. The intense applause with which he was greeted on the evening when the rolls containing the awards were presented, by the distinguished assemblage which filled the Judges' Hall, was in special recognition of the part taken by Great Britain and her colonies to insure the success of the Centennial Exhibition.