The Hastings Standard Published Daily. FRIDAY, NOV. 20, 1896. AN EXCELLENT SUGGESTION.

Hastings Standard, Issue 176, 20 November 1896, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily.

FRIDAY, NOV. 20, 1896. AN EXCELLENT SUGGESTION.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrongs that need resistance. For the future in the distance, And the good that w: can do.

Is opening the Wellington Industrial Exhibition on Wednesday last His Excellency Lord Glasgow made a speech that requires more than passing attention. The Wellington Exhibition is purely interprovincial, confined entirely to the colony. It is therefore restricted in scope; but, nothwithstanding this, it is pleasant to learn that, as compared with the exhibition of 1885, there is more floor space, and a greatej variety of exhibits of greater merit, while the cost has been comparatively infinitisiuial. Thus the 1885 exhibition, which was held under the auspices of the Government of the day, cost 4'16,000, the actual loss being about £IO,OOO. The present exhibition has so far entailed an expenditure of £4,000, and there is every reason to believe that there will be a handsome profit when the affair is wound up. The smailness of the figures is in adverse ratio to the magnitude of the exhibition, and this reflects credit on the business men of Wellington, who have worked up the show on strict business lines. As illustrating the industrial progress of New Zealand the exhibition can scarcely be beaten, and what that progress means those who have seen the Wellington Industrial Exhibition will be able to realise.

The colony has advanced materially, but the question is: Has it gone as far as it could have gone, or as far as it should have gone ? It is these questions that Lord Glasgow in bis opening address adroitly touched upon. His suggestion that an exhibition of such products and manufactures that are capable of being acclimatised in New Zealand but which are now neglected and should form a feature of the show is well worthy of attention. There is not the least doubt that we are not making the most of our resources, and, as His Excellency intimated, there is room for one more association in the colony—an association for the promotion and encouragement of now industries. To emphasise this point, Lord Glasgow drew attention to the fact that New Zealand is well adapted for the production of beet-sugar. Vt e ourselves have urged this, but our farmers seem to require something more than urging. Another industry named by Lord Glasgow was the manufacture of sweet oil from olives, an industry that has made wonderful progress in South Australia, and which would thrive in this country. In the north the climate is suitable for the. cultivation of tobacco, and there is no reason why there should not be a New Zealand brand of tobacco on the market. The mulberry grows in New Zealand : then what is to prevent silk culture '? The wine industry is grossly neglected, yet according to the testimony of experts. New Zealand is splendidly adapted for the cultivation of the grape. The best sand required in the manufacture of glass is to be found in the colony; and the glas.sbottle industry should find plenty of scope. The cork oak will grow to perfection in the north, and the manufacture of corks shouid be a profitable industry. We are capable of producing the finest wine : we could, if we tried, manufacture the buttles to hold the wine ; and if we cared we could grow the cork's for the bottles. These are some of our neglected industries, and an association should be formed to foster and encourage these new industries. The suggestion made by His Excellency is a good one.