Colonial Industries.

Patea Mail, 21 August 1880, Page 2

Colonial Industries.

REPORT OF ROYAL COMMISSION. The Royal Commissioners appointed to inquire into the condition and prospects of colonial industries have'presented their report. MINISTER OP LOCAL INDUSTRIES. Their principal recommendation is that a State Department be formed for promoting local industries. They say : “ What is really needed is an active practical man of business, or several men, with an aptitude for the work, and above all things free from cither scientific or political crotchets ; who should carry on the process of inquiry in the state of Local Industries, obtaining accurate information as to the disabilities under which they suffer, affording information required by those concerned in them, and reporting to the Government from time to time the directions in which they may render assistance or avoid inflicting injuries upon them.” COLONIAL WINE. They have ascertained that wine of good quality is produced in various parts of the Colony, and but for restrictions placed upon it by the existing licensing law, the industry would probably grow to considerable proportions. They find, however that no provision being made by law for retailing Colonial wine except by obtaining a public-house license, the trade is practically suppressed. They are of opinion that it ought to be encouraged, both on the ground of affording remunerative occupation in a new branch of agriculture, and on that of supplying the public with cheap and wholesome beverages. They recommend that special facilities should be provided in the Licensing Bill for the sale of New Zealand wines by retail or for consumption on the premises. PROTECTION. A large and extensive question of policy ; closely affecting the revenue, and extending to all branches of the public administration, is involved. The Commissioners arc satisfied that the effect of the existing Customs tariff is distinctly, though inquitably protective, inasmuch as it affords artificial advantages to particular industries by limiting the market of those who are dependent on them for their supplies. This, they consider, is conclusively proved by the exceptionally high rate of wages which prevails in those industries, and by the rapid diminution of imports of the class of articles which they produce. The Commissioners recommend that great caution be exercised in making changes in the Customs’ tariff, except for revenue purposes ; lest for the sake of hastening the prosperity of a particular industry or affording special advantages to a particular section of the community, a blow should be struck at other industries. WEST COAST GOLD. A thorough examination should be made of the settlements on the West Coast of the Middle Island, with a view to ascertaining what aid can most effectually and advantageously be given by Government to the production of gold, coal, iron, timber, and other valuable materials known to exist there in boundless profusion, but under conditions insuperable to a sparse population of limited means and appliances. WOOLLEN INDUSTRY. The Commissioners feel gratified at the result of their enquiries as to the condition

of the woollen industry. The only grievance which woollen manufacturers complain of is the operation of the employment of Females Act. coal. ; The Government would be justified in going farther in the direction of hastening its progress than in any other case. They are, however, unanimous in deprecating the imposition of an import duty on coal. TOBACCO. The fact is established that tobacco, equal in quality to the finest American, can be grown in New Zealand ; but the operation of the Tobacco Act, 1969, is so clearly to destroy the tobacco industry, that the Commissioners think it useless to make any recommendation. The manufacture of tobacco from imported leaf they consider likely to assume considerable proportions. FRUITS AND PRESERVES. The Commissioners recommend a rebate duty on sugar in this industry. LINSEED. The Commissioners recommend a bonus for the encouragement of the manufacture within the Colony of products of linseed. STARCH FROM POTATOES. The Commissioners consider that the wonderful suitability of the soil for the growth of potatoes points to the profitable manufacture of this material, were the process commonly known. They recommend that a bonus should be offered through the Agricultural Association in both Islands. HONEY. They draw attention to the evidence showing that the introduction of Ligurian bees is highly desirable on various grounds, particularly as a means of fertilising clover. EARTHENWARE. This industry is making steady headway. A low rate of railway charges, is recommended. LEATHER TRADE. The remissions made in the tariff last session have resulted satisfactorily. A remission of duty on sewing machines, silks, and thread, is considered necessary ; also, the exemption of saffron, used by tanners, from payment of duty. CARRIAGE BUILDING. The admission, duty free, of wrought hickory spokes is recommended. FISHERIES. The chief drawback to the development is the high freightage rates charged on railwaj T s, and the uncertainty of cheaper carriage by sea. Rates should be lowered, and permission given to fish dealers to obtain ova during the proper season from public waters. IRON AND STEEL. The Commssioners believe the time has nowcomcwhen the smelting of iron ore or sand, or the conversion of iron sand into steel, can be pursued with the probability of commercial success. COLONIAL CEMENT. They recommend that the Government offer to purchase 100 tons of cement from any bond fide local manufacturer, subject to proper tests, the price to be the market price of the best Portland cement as delivered at the principal seaports in the Colony. SUGAR REFINING. They recommend a bonus for the refining of sugar Avithin the colony. SILK MAKING. The bonus offered in 1871 should be renewed, namely, 50 per cent on the value realised for the first £IOOO Avorth of cocoons produced in the Colony, to be paid in quantities of not less Amine than £SO or more than £IOO produced by any one person. DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION. They recommend a bonus to promote the experimental drainage and irrigation for the encouragement of permanent agricultural improvements, if the object can bo obtained Avithout detriment to the public reA r cnuc. FOREST CULTIVATION. A scheme of forest conservation and plantation is, the Commissioners consider, needed, and the Avastc of timber going on every day, unaccompanied by any recuperative process, should be stayed, care being taken to avoid smothering this important subject under a costly officialism. They consider that by the exercise of a little energy and judgment the management of the Crown forests can be made to pay expenses from the commencement. They recommend the use of wood for fuel on railways passing thiough forest districts. BONUSES. The Commission recommend the Government guarantee interest up to 5 per cent, on the outlay for a period of four, five six years, according to the nature of undertaking. GENERAL REMARKS. They find the metal trades arc generally depressed. A uniform standard of AveighU and measures for grain and flour should be fixed bylaw.