G.-No. IS.

I.— Beetroot. Me. Krtjxl, the German Consul, has been invited to assist the Government in giving practical effect to the recommendation of the Committee, and has been asked to recommend an agent in Germany with whom the Agent-General for this Colony can communicate with regard to the selection of emigrants who have practical experience of this industry. He has written fully to the Chancellor of the German Empire, and to mercantile firms in Hamburg and Berlin, informing them of the terms on which it is proposed to introduce this manufacture into the Colony. The supply of the best seed used in Germany, which the Committee suggested should be obtained, has been ordered, and steps have been taken to have it tested in different parts of the Colony., (Appendix A.) 2.— Fish Curing. It has been arranged that the Matapouri Block, comprising 500 acres, at Tutukaka Harbour, is to be immediately handed over to the Province, and that the Superintendent has expressed his intention to give effect to the recommendation of the Committee upon such terms as would ensure the fulfilment of Messrs. Persten and McLeod's promises, or else the forfeiture of their occupation. A report on the edible fishes found on the New Zealand coast, and a classified descriptive list of all the known species, has been prepared under Dr. Hector's supervision, and circulated for general information. 3. — Paper. The bonus recommended of £2,500 for the production of the first one hundred tons of printing paper produced by machinery, has been offered on the following conditions : —■ " The paper is to be manufactured in New Zealand, by machinery permanently established and working in the Colony. " The required quantity to be completed before the 30th June, 1873. " The weight of each ream of printing paper to be not less than 30 lbs. " The reward will be paid on the certificate of an officer, to be appointed by the Government, that the above conditions have been complied with." (New Zealand Gazette, 3rd February, 1872.) The above terms have since been somewhat modified, the time having been extended to 30th June, 187J<, and the restriction as to the weight of paper in each ream having been removed. (New Zealand Gazette, July 15th, 1372.) 4, s.— Srwnner and Mount Sochfort Coal Mines. Eeports on these and other coal mines in the Colony, have been obtained from the Geological Survey Department, and will be found hi papers D. 3, relative to public works. In- consequence of the destruction of a part of Greymouth by the heavy floods in February, such portions of the future railway works as form part of the wharf frontage and harbour protection were immediately undertaken. (See Public Works Paper D. 10.) Sericioulture. The Committee, consisting of the Hon. Dr. lienwick, Messrs. XDurtis and Lightband, was appointed, and the sum of £100 placed at their disposal, in terms of the recommendation of the Committee. They have informed the Government that they have undertaken to purchase 2,000 mulberry trees from Mr. Batchelor, with a view to their distribution. Timbers. The Public Works Department have been requested to procure samples of all timbers which are likely to be used, or have been suggested, for the engineering works in different parts of the Colony; the specimens to be collected under the superintendence of the District Engineers, or other qualified persons, and forwarded, along with specimens of the leaves and flowers if possible, to the Colonial Museum, where they will be tested and preserved for reference. With reference to the use of birch, in place of totara, for railway sleepers in some districts, a memorandum by Dr. Hector is appended, and experiments are in progress which will thoroughly test this important question in a practical manner. (Appendix B.) The supply of coniferous seeds which was ordered from California was duly received and distributed throughout the Colony. Their quality was excellent, and all kinds germinated freely, but reports of the success which attended the experiment have not yet been received. The seeds were received on 9th November, 1871. (Appendix C.) Preserved Milk. Attention has to be drawn to the appended valuable report by Mr. W. L. Buller, on the manufacture of condensed milk, as being a new and profitable industry, well worthy the attention of settlers in this country. (Appendix D.)

MEMORANDUM OF ACTION TAKEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH RESOLUTIONS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON COLONIAL INDUSTRIES.