The Globe. THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1878.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1351, 13 June 1878, Page 2

The Globe. THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1878.

The importance of bringing prominently before the people of other colonies and countries the products and manufactures of Now Zealand can hardly bo overestimated. It is true that the Government did not think it so in connection with the Paris Exhibition, and though wo wore represented at the Centennial, it was not to the extent wo should have boon. Even this partial representation excited a large amount of attention, and one of the most popular parts of the exhibition at the latter, and the one most commented on by visitors, was that occupied by the exhibits from the Australasian colonies. By bringing thus practically before the eyes of the people the natural product, or the manufactured articles which wo are able to export, the basis of a trade is at once established which may develops into something very important. As we have said, our representation at previous Exhibitions under Government auspices has been hardly so satisfactory as could bo wished. An opportunity, however, is now afforded of making the experiment of representation by means of private enterprise. There is in Queensland an association devoted like our Agricultural and Pastoral Association to the development of the pastoral and agricultural resources of the colony. But the Queensland Association goes a stop further than this, and includes the fostering of the industrial and manufacturing interests. In order to give our readers an idea of the importance of the Association to which wo are referring, it may bo stated that it has twenty-one district associations throughout the colony of Queensland affiliated to it and represented on its council. Its annual exhibition takes place in August of this year, and the executive council are desirous of seeing all the colonies represented, the more so as the present exhibition, being on a larger scale than those preceding it, promises to bo very largely attended, not only from all parts of Queensland, but also from the adjoining Australian colonies. With a view, therefore, of placing the products and manufactures of each colony of the Australasian group prominently forward on the occasion, the Council have resolved to have a trophy composed of the productions of each, both in growth and manufactures. They have placed themselves in communication with Messrs. P. Cunningham and Co. here, who will receive and forward any contributions for this purpose. But the representation of the colony is not to bo confined to the trophy above spoken of. The Association earnestly hope to see New Zealand exhibitors in those classes in which they can compete, the exhibits being forwarded through Messrs. Cunningham and Co. The prize schedule contains twenty-three sections, of which only some two or throe interest us. These are the sections for cereals, and manufactured articles. In these sections silver and bronze medals are offered as prizes. But in this is something more important, as regards the development of our trade, than the honour of receiving medals. Queensland, so far as commercial relations with us is concerned, is, to a great extent, a terra incognita. Our agricultural produce and our woollen manufactures are almost unknown there. Whilst this is the case, there exists a largo and rapidly-increasing market for the produce w r e can export, once our articles become known. There is no way more effectual, or which will so directly reach the class of consumers, whom we desire to become acquainted with the merits of our products, as our having at this exhibition samples of the products in the sections wo have referred to. We can show Queenslanders that articles can be produced here, in abundance, which the climate or soil of their own colony will not admit of being produced, or, at any rate, only in small quantities. More than that, being represented, will direct public attention in Queensland to Now Zealand. The fertility of our soil and the adaptability for the production of cereals, &c., the capability of large industries being planted with the certainty of success, will be shown by the most convincing and incontrovertible arguments, and will no doubt have a groat influence in determining many settlers of capital desiring to change their location to settle in New Zealand. We have briefly enumerated some of the advantages to be derived from our representation at the proposed exhibition, in the hope that it will stimulate those in a position to do so to send specimens of our products. We have neglected the opportunity which was afforded to us of becoming represented at the great gathering of the nations of the world, of showing what the Anglo-Saxon race is capable of doing in a new country in little over a quarter of a century. That it was so is matter for regret. Here, however, is an opportunity of making ourselves known to a colony where at present we are virtually strangers. The trade of Queensland is large, and is now enjoyed by her immediate neighbours, more especially New South Wales. We, however, are in a position to supply most of her wants, and once the quality of our products is brought prominently before consumers —as it will be by this exhibition—wo have no fear but that wo shall find a ready market for any that we may export thither. Wo hope that some steps will be taken to ensure our efficient representation at the Exhibition. If wo go at all we must show fairly what the country is capable of. To this cud the active cor operation of our merchants and farmers is necessary. In the matter of cereals, no doubt the Corn Exchange will only be too ready to lend a helping hand. In manufactures wo could send Mosgiel and Nelson tweed, Kaiapoi and Mosgiel woollens, &c., besides pottery, &c. What is wanted is to bring the matter into some kind of practical channel, so as to ensure a proper representation of the province. With this object it will perhaps be best for somebody—say the Chamber of Commerce—to take the matter in hand, in conjunction with Messrs Cunningham and Co., ai}d organise the means of collecting contributions as early as possible. It is a work which will tend to advance the prosperity of the colony, and therefore we hope to see it taken up and carried through with spirit.