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have an opportunity. As I have before stated, some of the last samples have been in the hands of expert woodworkers, and they have expressed the highest satisfaction. But if we are to secure the contracts for the railways we must be able to put wood before them which has stood the test of years in trying circumstances. In this respect we might take a leaf out of the book of the sister Australasian Colonies; the manner in which they have equipped their representatives does them infinite credit, and is the best indication that they mean to succeed. In my opinion we should be able to secure a large portion of the South African timber trade. With an abnormal depression, and with a lull in everything, including the building trade, an increase in the value of the timber imported of £156,000 in one year is not without signification. I trust the various reports I have sent at different times bearing upon this subject will be the means of rousing New Zealand timberexporters. Oats. In the matter of oats, I do not hesitate to say that New Zealand should have the largest say. You will notice by the figures quoted that the demand has so increased that there has been an increased revenue from oats alone to the extent of £13,000 in one year, and this in Customs duties. Other countries land oats here in splendid condition, although the original quality of the oats is in no way superior to the New Zealand product. The shipments landed at Port Elizabeth have in some cases been heated. In the cargo of the " Essex " the oats which came from Lyttelton were heated, whilst in the same hold there was a consignment of oats which was landed in the most perfect condition. The oats by the " Norfolk " were good. When at Port Elizabeth I pointed out the excellence of our oats, and the merchants there were eager to give them a trial. The military are quite prepared to accept tenders for the supply of such an article, and once again I point out that the matter is in the hands of the exporters, who must, if they value the trade, leave nothing undone to send a good article carefully graded. Poultry. With regard to poultry, there is practically an unlimited market here. So far the quality of poultry from New Zealand has been very good, and might be classed as excellent. So long as the quality is kept up and the packing is equal to what has been there need be no fear of any falling-off in the trade. It is not simply that there is a demand: for some reason there is tha impression abroad that in Natal poultry-farming will not pay, consequently it is religiously left alone, and in the future will be still left alone. Cable Addresses. Merchants complain that in cabling to New Zealand they frequently realise considerable difficulty in obtaining quotations. All New Zealand exporters would act wisely to communicate with and send their cable addresses to the Industries and Commerce Department. Almost every day I have inquiries for the cable address of some New Zealand exporter, and frequently there is considerable difficulty in imparting the information required, and then the cable address cannot be given. It would be a small matter for each importer to give, in brief, the nature of his exports and his cable address, and in this manner a great deal of time and expense could be saved, and a great facility given to trade. It should also be noted that when quotations are asked for it is always c.i.f. which are required. Coal. For some time past I have used my best endeavours to secure the attention of South African buyers to our New Zealand coal. I have recently received an inquiry from the Chairman of the Table Bay Harbour Board for information. Enclosed you will find a copy of my reply to him. In addition to this reply, I forwarded all particulars of the Westport Coal Company. I trust, therefore, that the time is not far distant when our trade will develop in this direction also. The coal resources of Natal are not by any means such as to exclude the possibility of a good trade. Potatoes. Almost all the potatoes consumed in Natal are imported. In very large quantities they come from France and from Las Palmas. Although so far the attempts made with New Zealand potatoes have met with disaster, I am of the opinion that there is a good market; but as those who have made the attempt have been rather severely bitten, they are naturally shy. All that need be said upon this matter is: a good sound article at a reasonable price will command sale. Rabbits. There is a considerable consumption of rabbits in South Africa, and I am informed that the quality of New Zealand rabbits is very much appreciated. As this is an agreeable change in diet, and we have a considerable population accustomed to such meat, if the reputation can be maintained there should be a respectable trade done. Tourist Department. In connection with the Tourist Department I have to be a sort of perpetual walking encyclopedia. The occasional letters in the papers, the articles written by other visitors, the would-be settlers, prospective farmers, and mechanics who are in sympathy with progressive legislation are constantly either writing me or seeking information. The very least I can do is to answer their many inquiries, and this naturally takes up a very great deal of my time. As a matter of fact I have to put my best foot forward in order that my work proper never suffers, and I take every care that it does not. A recent visitor from Natal to New Zealand has been giving his impressions, which will in all probability attract some attention. He is well known, and his references to the scenery will very likely induce others to try the land. You may rest assured that I shall do what I can to spread information, but this means energy and time