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Grey River Argus, Volume XIII, Issue 1621, 15 October 1873, Page 2

In our last we referred at some length to the approaching Exhibitions at Nelson arid Hckitika. Since then we have received a copy of a very iisefulpublication, tfliich -is issued in : connection with the

Nelson Exhibition, called the Exhibition Gazette, which gives the following explanation of some of the reasons which have induced the.promoters to enter upon the present undertaking. It sajrs :— "One of the principal objects the promoters of the Nelson Exhibition have in view is to demonstrate the practicability of producing in the Colony at reasonable, and yet paying prices, ' dozens of articles for which we now send hundreds of thousands of pounds to England every year. To keep all this capital in New Zealand, to stop this constant emptying of our pockets, enriching thereby foreign manufacturers, is unquestionably of such importance as to warrant us in making the attempt, even if it be, as a first effort, somewhat incomplete, to prove that we have both the materials and the skill to work them up, in our own adopted land. It seems absurd, but it is true, that many of the thousands we send Home annually, come back to us in the shape of loans from English capitalists, on which we pay interest, which is duly remitted to the foreign debenture holder. It may be objected that the only difference would be that the loanß would be advanced by, and the interest paid to, Colonial capitalists. But that is all the difference. The interest would be reinvested in the Colony, great part of it in the establishment of new industries and the settlement of 'fresh fields and pastures new.' We say the j present state of things is absurd, because I we are, and have been for a long time, shutting our eyes to the fact that the means of changing this are at hand if we will only use them. This Exhibition will probably prove to demonstration that many articles of manufacture can be produced here at as low prices, and of as good quality as the imported goods. If the Exhibition does this — and the Committee confidently, believe that it will— they will be amply recompensed for all the trouble (and our readers may imagine that the labor is by no means light) and anxiety attending its inauguration, in feeling that in such a matter of national importance they have really 'done the State ' some service.' "