8.—15 a.

(13.) Mortality.

The foregoing statements, Nos. 10 to 13, call for no special comment, the average weight of clip showing no difference. The lambing is about the same. Mortality shows higher, and is attributable to special losses amongst hoggets, and snow losses in high country. The year as a whole has been favourable as regards seasons, although the summer has been excessively dry, and at one time our root-crops in both Islands were severely threatened. Wool made upwards towards the end of 1899, but except in the finer qualities the market was not long sustained. The surplus on wool shipments, which I anticipated in last report, was realised, and I am sanguine that the prices at which we have taken our shipments into account this year will be exceeded. Inquiry for land is still active. We have made further substantial sales, and anticipate heavy -clearance during the current year. (14.) London Consignments. Wool. —Our consignments of this product afloat and unrealised amount to 4,732 bales, and it is matter for regret that prospects are not as encouraging as from the markets of last year we were led to hope. In view, however, of the decline in the market our valuation as at the 31st March is made on safe lines. Frozen Meat and other Produce is selling remarkably well, and considerable surpluses over drafts are anticipated. Walter G. Foster, General Manager. •

(Memorandum.) Wellington, 25fch June, 1900. Statutory Payment by Bank of New Zealand. Eeperbing to paragraph 2 : Cheque for £50,000 was paid by the Bank of New Zealand on the 15th June, 1900. Walteb G. Foster, General Manager. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,410 copies), i>ll 2s. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oo. Price 6d.]

11

Sfa tp. Gat, ie. Dead or Missing. I Pet Cent. Dead or Missing. Per Cent. Dead or Missing. Per Cent. Dead or Missing. Per Cent. 1899. 19,221 1899. 5-88 1900. 25,883 1900. 8-83 1899. 1,138 1899. 5-23 1900. 552 1900. 2-70