f1.—43

1899. NEW ZEALAND.

CONGRESS ON HYDROLOGY, CLIMATOLOGY, AND GEOLOGY (REPORT OF THE AGENT-GENERAL RESPECTING HIS VISIT TO LIÉGE AND ATTENDANCE AT THE).

Laid upon the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

(No. 2694.) Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— 29th November, 1898. I have the honour to report that, in accordance with arrangements previously made, I visited Liege and attended the Congress on Hydrology, Climatology, and Geology there in September last. On the whole, the papers read at the Congress were not of a character likely to be of much practical value in the matters they treat of in New Zealand, where the general conditions differ from those in Europe, and where special organizations and institutions designed to meet existing requirements are established and maintained. The only two papers which I think may be of use in the colony were—" Legal Measures for Safeguarding the Working of Mineral Springs," and "The Working of Mines in Belgium considered with respect to the Health and Safety of the Workers therein employed." These two papers (both read in French) I forward herewith, and beg to annex to them a resume in English of their contents. I also enclose a copy of the weekly Gazette dcs Eaux, with a suggestion that Dr. MacGregor might consider whether his department should not subscribe regularly to it. One of his officers, Mrs. Grace Neil, knows French, and could look through it and see whether it contained anything of interest to the thermal establishments of the colony. I have forwarded in a separate communication the result of the inquiries I made during the journey into the Belgian State steam-service between Dover and Ostend. I have also sent separately some specimens of foreign pictorial post-cards which I collected. I was much struck with the extent to which they were used. They are extremely popular, and must be very profitable. I also noticed on my visit to Spa, the well-known baths, that illustrated letter-paper, cards, and envelopes were largely used for advertising the scenic and hygienic attractions, amusements, &c, of the resort and the neighbourhood. When in Brussels the Anglo-American Chamber of Commerce laid before me their views as to finding a market in Belgium for our frozen meat and dairy produce. Since my return to England I have been in correspondence with them on the subject, and have arranged with Mr. Cameron, the Produce Inspector, that the matter shall be carefully considered by himself and two gentlemen in London who are representatives of the growers of New Zealand frozen meat. Should the outcome of this be that in their opinion it is advisable for Mr. Cameron to go to Belgium and carefully examine into the condition and prospects of the meat and dairy-produce trade there from our point of view, I shall send him. The matter has been somewhat delayed owing to the illness of one of the gentlemen who is to confer with Mr. Cameron, but I trust to be able to write to you finally upon it shortly. I have, &c, W. P. Beeves, Agent-General. The Bight Hon. the Premier, Wellington, New Zealand.

Legal Measubes for Safeguarding the Working of Mineral Springs.—By Dr. P. Bonloumif.. [Summary of a paper read (in Frenoh) at the Congress on Hydrology, &0., at Liege, September, 1898.] It is necessary to look at the question of the working of mineral springs from a double point of v i ew —that of the invalid and that of the entrepreneur. The interests of both, however, though apparently opposed, are really bound up together. In France legal measures governing the working of mines have usually been made with a view of restraining the proprietors, in the name of the public health and interests, seldom with the idea