A.—2

20

the Cape Colony, illustrating an industry which has developed in a most remarkable manner of recent years. Carefully-selected specimens of the diamonds found iu tho mines of Griqualand West were also exhibited,- and the mineral wealth of South Africa was well represented by a beautiful nugget of Transvaal gold, by coal from Qaeenstown, copper ore from Namaqualaud, manganese ore from Wellington, and cobalt ore from the Transvaal. The Educational Class was also well filled with maps, drawings, specimens of printing and bookbinding, and interesting ethnological studies. Perhaps one of the most striking exhibits from tho colonies was the representation made by Her Majesty's dependencies at the Antipodes. Australia and New Zealand have advanced with great strides since the last Exhibition in Paris. These provinces of the Empire, with a population of over two and a half millions, have an external commerce exceeding ninety millions a year, the greater part of which is with Great Britain and her dependencies. It is not, therefore, surprising that the enterprise of these colonies should have brought them prominently forward at this international competition, and that each made a creditable display of its own products and industry. New South Wales, the oldest Australian colony, exhibited the magnitude of her natural resources in her splendid display of wool, for which she gained a grand prix; in her display of coal, with which she supplies the countries of the Pacific ; for her scientific display of mineralogical and natural-history collections by Professor Liversedge; and for tlie excellence of her varied branches of manufactures. The Hon. Edward Combes, M.P., C.M.G., late Minister for Public Works, the Executive Commissioner for New South Wales, remained in continuous care of the exhibits of this important colony during the whole period of the Exhibition. The energy and industry of the colonists of Victoria is remarkably shown by the great number and varied character of her exhibits. Representations of tho enormous wealth attained through her gold discoveries are only evidences of the future riches which will accrue to her from the encouragement of her industrial resources. Wools, woollen fabrics, silks, wines, carriages, preserved meats and provisions, and almost every branch of industry was here represented. The Hon. J. J. Casey, M.P., C.M.G., President of the Victoria Commission, superintended the arrangement of the collections sent from his colony until his return to Victoria, after which his duties were performed by Mr. G. Collins Levey, C.M.G., the Secretary to the Commission. The great natural resources of South Australia are shown by her exhibits of wheat, wool, gold, copper, wine, and oil. South Australia, as on some former occasions, received the highest award for her magnificent collection of wheat, and a gold medal for flour. The granary of Australia, she also furnishes to the mother-country some of the finest description of grain. For her merino wool, amongst other prizes, a gold medal was awarded. The exhibits of gold and of native and manufactured copper attracted considerable attention and received suitable awards; whilst the wines and oil shown give promise of a rich reward to capitalists and labour. Mr. Josiah Boothby, C.M.G., Under-Secretary to the Government of South Australia, ably represented the colony throughout. Queensland has shown the variety and magnitude of her resources iu a display of wool, sugar, minerals, pearl-shell, and other articles of indigenous produce, which secured a large number of awards. Queensland was represented by Mr. A. Macalister, C.M.G., Chairman of the Commission, the Agent-General in Loudon, and by Mr. A. Hodgson, C.M.G. Western Australia exhibited a small collection of general products, but was exceedingly important in its splendid exhibit of jarrah-jarrah and other forest timber not surpassed for its imperishable qualities, and which is obtainable in great abundance. The exhibits of this colony were placed under the charge of the Secretary of the Royal Commission. New Zealand, represented by Mr. T. P. Russell, sent only a small collection. The International Juries have placed on record the merits of the above-mentioned colonial exhibitions by the number aud importance of the medals and honorary rewards voted, which far exceed those granted at any previous Exhibition. The youngest of our British possessions, the Fiji Islands, was awarded several gold medals for the quality of its cotton. Of the Eastern Colonies, Ceylon sent the finest collection of produce, native manufactures, and jewellery ever yet exhibited. These were arranged by Sir Charles P. Layard, K.C.M.G. The Straits Settlements, for the first time since their establishment as a separate colonial Government, made an interesting representative collection. Mauritius, with its dependencies, the Seychelles Islands, represented by Mr. Custave Adam, Mr. Alphonse Lucas, and Mr. Edward Elias, obtained relatively the highest awards in general, and especially for the article upon which the industry of their populations is concentrated; and the only grand prize awarded to cane-sugars was won by Mauritius, in addition to five gold medals for the same produce, and a gold medal for vanilla. The only West India Colonies which took part in the Exhibition were Jamaica, British Guiana, aud Trinidad. The principal products shown were sugar, rum, coffee, and specimens of woods. Each of these colonics gained a considerable number of medals, indicating a fair average of excellence. British Guiana was represented by Mr. William Walker, and Trinidad by Dr. J. Court. These exhibits from Western Australia, Jamaica, the Straits Settlements, and Seychelles, with British Guiana, Trinidad, aud Lagos, were placed under the charge of Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen,