The Globe. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 999, 7 September 1877, Page 2

The Globe. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1877.

Ix the Legislative Council the other day an interesting discussion arose regarding the representation of New Zealand at the forthcoming Paris Exhibition. In reply to a question as to whether it was the intention of the Government to take any steps for securing a representation of the proI ducts of this colony at the Exhibition 'to be hold in Paris in May, 1.878, the

Hon. Dr. Pollen replied that the Government had not been unmindful of the importance of having the colony properly represented on that occasion. Several weeks ago the necessary provision had been made for securing space for a New Zealand court; but till the supplies had been voted by the Assembly, the Government did not think it right to move. But when these were granted it was the intention of the Government to take the necessary steps to enlist in the good work the services of all gentlemen who took an interest in the object. The answer, in our opinion, is not satisfactory. Any arrangements which can be made now, must nacessarily be hurried. The question was brought before the House during the last session, and the Government had ample time, during the recess, to make every provision. But we find that nothing has yet been done. Indeed, the Government appear to be rather half-hearted in the matter. The Hon. Dr. Pollen complained of the difficulty of getting up the Philadelphia exhibits, and especially of the apathy of local bodies. In some instances, he said, they did not condescend to give any answer at all, and in very few instances did they take any trouble whatever to v assist the Royal Commission in their labors. He als,o pointed out that at that time the colony had made, only a short time before, a great and very expensive effort to be represented at the Vienna Exhibition. And what substantial results, he asked, had they derived from the labor and expenditure bestowed on the Exhibition? We 'hardly think this is the proper state of mind in which to make an urgent appeal to the colonists to have themselves properly represented at the forthcoming Paris Exhibition. Of course, it is not easy to answer such a question as that put by the Hon. Dr. Pollen. A tradesman cannot set down the actual sum by which he has been benefitted by large and judicious advertising. But he is satisfied in his our mind that it is a most remunerative investment. The same may be said of the representation of the colony at International Exhibitions. As Sir F. Dillon Bell put it, are we not in a position to make a surprising exhibition of the minerals which this country has produced ? Is there any other colony in the Australian group that can surpass us ? There are many men at work in various parts of the colony who could give us a splendid show of our metals and minerals. There are our coal measures, which are, with the exception of New South Wales, more widely distributed and of better quality than is to be found in any part of Australasia. Then there is our timber, which will rank second to none in any part of the world, for lumber, building, and furniture purposes. Besides there are our great staple products of wool and grain. If we want to keep pace with our neighbors in the race of progress, it will be necessary that we should make a respectable show at the Paris Exhibition. It is true that, owing to the carelessness of the Government, the time is short, but if some energy is shown in the collection of the articles, there is yet time. But it is plain that the people must wake up, or nothing will be done. The Government have not thought seriously about it, for they have allowed nearly two months of the session to pass without getting a vote of the House of Representatives to enable them to take the preliminary steps. And yet the question is a most important one. The approaching exhibition will be one of the finest which has ever yet been held, and, were we properly represented on that occasion, an interest would be awakened in New Zealand amongst men who at the present moment scarcely know of our existence.