H.—l7.

For this occasion a complete collection of the grain and seeds available had been prepared in fine linen bags of suitable sizes, and showed to great advantage. On the present occasion it was decided not to display frozen meat or butter or cheese on our stand. Arrangements were accordingly made with the Riverside Cold-storage Company, who occupied a stall adjoining and possessed all facilities for refreezing, &c, for the proper display of these important lines. The meat displayed by this company was solely New Zealand, the carcases being well ticketed as such. Our literature concerning New Zealand meat, &c, was also distributed at this stall. Among some other exhibits not previously made were specimens of gold-bearing quartz, together with concentrates, &c, loaned from the Waihi Gold-mining Company's Office in London. These, together with the specimens of iron-ore, ironsand, coal, and phosphate rock, made up a satisfactory little mineral section. The photograph taken of the New Zealand Court, copies of which will be forwarded by next mail, affords a good idea of the disposal of the exhibits, with the exception of the hemp and cordage, which is almost hidden in the picture by the Dairy Industry Trophy. Referring to the hemp it may be mentioned that the bale of " Fine " grade supplied through the Department attracted a good deal of attention, and was very favourably commented upon by fibre experts. The hats made in the Cook Islands were duly received and displayed, and have now been transferred to the Crystal Palace, as requested by the Department. The timber industry photographs also came to hand, and will form an interesting addition to our collection of New Zealand industrial pictures. A fair number of rugs were sold during the Exhibition, and the balance of the consignment received has been handed over to the Londen agents of the companies. Account sales of rugs, also of the hemp disposed of at the close of the Exhibition, are being prepared and will be forwarded by next mail. The two New Zealand flags forwarded from the colony were placed at the disposal of the management for display with others, as referred to, and are now held for use on future occasions. Inquiries on the part of visitors at the New Zealand Court were very numerous and covered a wide range —the trade, consumers, and emigration sides sharing the list fairly equally. The trade inquiries can be more appropriately dealt with in separate detailed reports. The timbers attracted as great a share of attention as anything. There are undoubtedly valuable new openings for certain classes of our woods if regular supplies can be forthcoming. Among the grain the malting barleys earned great praise, more than one trader declaring that any quantity, for instance, of the Golden Drop variety (grown in the Blenheim district) would be eagerly taken, if available, at highest current rates —say £2 per quarter at that date. During the course of the Exhibition I gave a couple of lantern lectures on " New Zealand as a Field for Settler and Tourist," in one of the Courts of Justice in the St. George's Hall building. On both occasions there was a crowded and interested audience. The large supply of the Christmas Annual of the New Zealand Mail, forwarded by the Department, proved as popular with the public as those distributed last year. An endeavour was made to place them as discriminately as possible. Large quantities of other New Zealand literature of an informative character were also distributed. It was understood that awards of merit would be made this year, but so far no action seems to have been taken by the Exhibition management in this direction. lam in communication with them on the subject. , Royal Horticultural, Show. New Zealand Apples and Canned Fruit. Arrangements were made by the Department to send forward a shipment of fresh apples and tinned fruits to London for exhibition at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show, held in London in the beginning of June last. Great care was taken in the preparation, and notwithstanding the long distance the apples had to travel, the shipment turned out in excellent condition, with the exception of one or two packages. It is hoped that when New Zealand apples can be shipped at a payable price to the grower, a large trade will be done with the United Kingdom. Owing, however, to the small crop last season, and the high prices obtained locally, there were no large shipments made. I notice by the manifests of outgoing steamers via Cape Horn that apples from Hobart are shipped in fair quantities to Monte Video and Rio de Janeiro, and it is very probable that a market in these places might also be found for New Zealand fruits. The apples were sold after the Show to the Army and Navy Stores, where they were included in a further attractive display before sale. In connection with the exhibit it would not be out of place to quote the Garden, an English publication of note in these matters :— " It is absolutely waste of labour to grow fruit for market unless it is tastefully and carefully packed, but the conservatism of the English fruit-grower refuses to recognise the folly of sending to market produce that has no chance whatever against importations from over the seas. We were recently looking at a consignment of apples from New Zealand, and scarcely a fruit was damaged—all clean, wholesome-looking specimens of almost equal size and colouring." The same publication the following week stated, — " The most remarkable exhibits were those of apples from New Zealand, which were exceptionally fine. The display made by the New Zealand Government consisted principally of apples, of which eighty varieties were shown, illustrative of those chiefly produced in the orchards of the colony, but included also bottled and canned fruits of all sorts, jams, sauces, &c. The apples were particularly fine."

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