The Southland Times. FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1873.

Southland Times, Issue 1684, 3 January 1873, Page 2

The Southland Times. FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1873.

The Christchurch Exhibition was opened by the Governor on the 16tb of December last, being the 22nd anniversary of the settlement of the Frovince of Canterbury, a day which the inhabitants are accustomed to celebrate with much enthusiasm. } There was of course all the usual cere, mony considered appropriate to such occasions, and the presence of His Excellency afforded an additional oppor- j tunity for more than the usual display of oratory, in which the progress of the settlement, from its infancy to its present gratifying condition of civilisation and prosperity, was duly celebrated. The Exhibition, as our readers are aware, is held with the special object of collecting materials from which a worthy selection may be made of articles to represent New Zealand industry and resources in the grand International Exhibition at Vienna, to be held this year. The task of making this selection has been undertaken by the Colonial G-overnment, who will also make all needful arrangements for the creditable representation of the Colony in the Vienna Exhibition. The importance of having this work really well performed, and the extent of its influence on the future commercial prosperity of New Zealand, are probably in general underestimated, even by intelligent colonwts. Many of those who visit the European exhibition will no doubt have been previously informed, by books and newspapers, of the resources, capabilities, and productions of New Zealand, and its advantages ai a field for settlement But the knowledge so obtained differs not only in degree, but absolutely in kind, from that obtained by an actual inspection of tangible objects — raw materials, manufactured products, mineral specimens giving indications of undeveloped wealth, and so on. The one is a matter of the intellect, and in nine cases out of ten leads to no practical result ; the other appeals to the senses and the imagination, and stimulates the enterprising merchant, J or manufacturer, or it may be the intending colonist, to undertakings which otherwise he would never have contemplated. To this we may add that among practical men, th« class to whom it ia especially desirable our resources should be known, the knowledge derived from seeing, comparing, and handling tangible products, is precisely the sort of knowledge which ia most highly valued. As an illustration of the working of this principle, we may mention the surprise with which the exhibits of Australian ! wine were received by the jurors in the , first French International Exhibition. That Australia produced wines had long been known, but no one was prepared for the admirable quality of many of the samples shown. The immediate result was the establishment of a large export trade to London, instead of, as before, the annual shipment of a few cases, more aa curiosities than as merchandise. There is one article of New Zealand produce, the native flax, regarding which it is possible that something similar may take place. British and European manufacturers are aware of the existence of this article, and many of them are familiar with the appearance and value of the ordinary qualities, aa sold in the London market. But it may be not unreasonably expected that the appearance of the finer qualities in the Exhibition, and especially the illustrations of the very best modes of preparation — from which results are obtained differing from the ordinary product almost as much as silk from tow — may stimulate the curiosity, and enterprise of those who understand the manufacture of such materials. Improved processes would thus be introduced, new and varied uses for the fibre would be discovered, and what is now merely a respectable item in our list of exports, might ere long take rank as one of the most important products of the country. Much may also be expected from a good repre sentation of New Zealand wool. One great difference between the knowledge gained by the inspection of samples at an exhibition, and the examination of produce in bulk in the ordinary sale-room, is that in the exhibition the manufacturer sees to what perfection the product can be brought, reaching a higher standard, probably, than he had expected, and to secure which in future it not unfrequently happens that he is willing to make great exertions and offer liberal inducements. Thus higher profits ultimately accrue botn to the producer and the manufacturer, and the wealth of the producing country is absolutely increased. It is with pleasure we observe that the strong points of the Christchurch Exhibition appear to be in the departments of flax and wool. The flax seems to have been particularly well represented, both as regards variety and excellence. The display of wool, while, on the opening day at least, small in quantity, was said to be worthy of the highest commendation in of quality, which, after all, is the important matter. It is to be remembered, moreover, that the Government are not restricted to the samples shown at the Christchurch Exhibition, but may forward any good samples otherwise obtained. The collection of mineral specimens is said to be very extensive, well selected, and carefully arranged, under the care of Dr Haast and others. That .New Zealand is a country of vast, though undeveloped, mineral wealth, hag long been believed, and it is uot inprobable that practical results of I

great importance may arise from submitting these specimens to the scientific examination of the savants of the old world. Agricultural produce must not be forgotten. The samples of wheat ] elicited high praise, some from Oamaru being specially mentioned. When South Australia, with an average product of eight or ten bushels per acre, manages to maintain an export of wheat to London, there seems no reason why New Zealand, with its far greater average yield, its daily improving methods of cultivation, and rapidly increasing facilities for inland carriage, should not soon enter the lists, and that successfully, as a wheat exporting country. Manufactures also are not unrepresented, the exhibits of woollen goods being particularly creditable. Although the shortness of the time given for preparation, and perhaps other causes, have diminished to some extent the effective character of i the Exhibition regarded merely as a show, j there is little doubt that it will answer , the purpose intended, and that the Government, from the materials thus i collected, and otherwise still at their disposal, will be able to provide the means for a practically useful and creditabl« representation of the Colony in the Exhibition of Vienna. '