SILK CULTURE.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume V, Issue 510, 3 June 1881, Page 2

SILK CULTURE.

A meeting of the committee appointed for promoting the production of silk was held on Wednesday afternoon, at the R.M. Court, by permission of Justin Aylmer, Esq., R.M. There were j resen l ' —Messrs J. D. Garwood (in the chair), S. Watkins, J. Aylmer, J. Dalglish, ami G. W. Nalder. Mr G. B. Federli was also present. The Chairman read some correspondence on the subject, viz. a letter from Mr Allan Chairman of the Industrial Association, and copies of letters from Mr W. Rolleston, Minister of Lands, to Mr Allan, from which we make tho following extract . — '• General Crown Lands Oflice, " Wellington, May 21, 1881. "President Industrial Association, " Christchurch. "Sir, —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th inst., and in reply to inform you that I have Keen Mr Federli, and heard what lie has to say with regard to the establishment of the culture of silk, and I am of opinion tint with proper caro it should be made a th'iving'industry in this Colony. " In order to give the experiment a fair trial the Government has, at Mr Federli's suggestion, ordered by the outgoing mail a number of silkworm eggs, mulberry trees, seeds, and cuttings, and it is hoped the eggs will arrive early in October next, so as to give an opportunity of at once starting tho industry with the mulberry trees which are immediately available in the Colony, leaving the better class of trees to follow from Japan at the proper season. " An order has also been sent to Sydney for white mulberry trees (Morus alba) to be sent at once, so that a start may be macie before next spring. Mr Federli will return to Christchurch, and he will be instructed to place himself in communication with persons who take an interest in the object, with a view to preparation being made for plan I ing "out the trees immediately they arrive, and X shall be obliged by your kindiy co-operating with him, and giving him such advice un.i assistance as your position as President of the Industrial Association will enahlc you to afford. —I have tho honor to he, Sir, your most obedient servant, " W. RojilJCS'l'ON, " Minister of Lauds." The Chairman suggested that it would be necessary to appoint a secretary. j ■Mr Aylmer proposed Mr S. Watkins.

Mr Watkins would not shirk any duty, but ho was so much occupied that iic was afraid he could not undertake the Work. Ho thought Mr Westenr.i would be a very suitable person. The committee elected Mr Westenra, Mr Watkins consenting to act in case of Mr Westenra declining,

Tho Secretary was instructed to write to the Government asking for a supply of the trees which were expected from Sydney. Tiie remainder of -the business was entirely of a conversational character, Mr Federli affording some valuable information. In answer to questions that gentleman stated that from 300 to 400 mulberry trees could be planted to the acre ; that the trees could be raised from seed and be fit for u.se in three years ; that he thought it very likely that Italian families might he willing to come cut and occupy land on the Peninsula ; and that tho success or otherwise of the experiment rested entirely willi the people themselves and the manner in which they carried it out. As far as circumstances were concerned, success was certain. The committee adjourned,on the understanding that they would be called together again whenever necessary, after thanking Mr Aylmer for his courtesy in allowing them the use of his office, and a similar compliment to the Chairman. ;