MR. G. B. FEDERLI AND THE GOVERNMENT.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 578, 27 January 1882, Page 2

MR. G. B. FEDERLI AND THE GOVERNMENT.

The following is the remainder of the correspondence :—

"Christchurch, 2nd Jan., 1881. " Sir, —I have the honor to continue m report of December 31,1881.

" The domain was mentioned as a suitable locality, but any would do as long as it is in close proximity of Christchurch, so that people coming from the country do not find it too irksome to visit it, as well as scholars of the different schools. I may mention here that xMiss Lohse (a private school) brought her eldest pupils to my house to see and learn the practical management of the silkworm. I consider the idea of such an establishment a very good one, for all other parts of the colony can derive advantages from it; in the distribution of grain, trees and general information. Part of the business of the establishment also to be to find the best market for grain, raw and partially worked silk, for the producers. I am of opinion that such an institution, if judiciously managed, can be made self-supporting in two or three years.

" I beg now to lay before you, for the consideration of the Hon. Mr Rolleston, the following proposals : —

" Ist That I shall devote myself to rearing some of the silkworms which are now hatching from the grain imported from Japan, and from that prepared by me from Civoltini cocoons from Mr Spencer.

"2nd That the most effective means to make the people of the Peninsula acquainted with the management of the silkworms would be that I should carry out the above stated suggestion in Akaroa. Those who are here interested took the opportunity of witnessing the first crop, which is just finished. I think it would be worth while, as the people there take a very great interest in this matter, as is evidenced by the fact that they have planted mulberry trees extensively, beside those provided for them by the Government. I consider that this can easily be done with an expenditure of between £30 and £35. Mr R. Dawber, of Christchurch, one of those who have witnessed with great interest my process of cultivating tbe silkworm, expressed his opinion that the only way, by his own experience, that anyone can alone learn their management successfully is to see how the thing is done. The same gentleman expressed his determination to start the industry here, as well as in German Bay, where he has property.

" 3rd That I may be authorised to obtain a bay in the coming Exhibition in March, where I think, I can make an interesting rliow in sericiculture with my work of the first season.

"4th That I may be authorised to order Mr Pozzi (a mechanic here), to make a treadle reeling machine for winding cocoons at the Exhibition, at a cost not to exceed £10 sterling. The same machine will be very useful in future, especially if the proposed sericicultural establishment be inaugurated. " I conclude by saying that the result of my first attempt to rear the silkworm hero has surpassed my most sanguine expectations. Yours, etc., " G. B. Federli. "The Undersecretary " Crown Lands, "Wellington."