H.—l7

15

The London Journal of Horticulture says,— " The display made by the New Zealand Government consisted principally of apples, of which eighty varieties were shown, illustrative of those chiefly produced in the orchards of the colony, but included also bottled and canned fruits, of all sorts, jams, sauces, &c. The apples were particularly fine. A number of very fine photographs of New Zealand scenery were shown on the tables. The Colony of New Zealand is eminently adapted for the production of all fruits belonging to the temperate zone. Prom Auckland in the north to Otago in the south, fine crops of apples, pears, peaches, plums, &c, can be grown. As yet, however, fruit-growing on commercial lines is in its infancy. Gold medal." The medal gained for New Zealand apples was the highest award given to an exhibit of one class of fruit only. It should be mentioned that the fruit was selected and packed for exhibit by the Government Pomologist, of the Agricultural Department. The following is an extract from the report of the Produce Commissioner on the show : — "It was found possible to show more than one plate of a number of varieties which had been repeated in different cases. The most numerously represented variety was the Ohinemuri or Munroe's Favourite, of which there were some beautiful specimens. Altogether, the long table presented a very bountiful and attractive appearance, the fine colouring and size of the fruit being specially noticeable. " The canned goods were displayed in a separate position near the apples, and made an effective show, in conjunction with a selection of' X ' goods brought from the New Zealand Court at the Crystal Palace. " I am pleased to report that a silver-gilt medal was awarded to the New Zealand Government for the collection of apples. Had we had other fruits available to show in conjunction, so as to form a general collection, it is highly probable that a gold medal would have been secured. The medal gained was, however, the highest award given to an exhibit of one class of fruit solely." New Zealand Tinned Meats, etc. In view of the set-back given to U.S.A. tinned goods owing to the Chicago meat scandals, the time is considered very opportune to endeavour to extend our markets for this class of goods. Arrangements have accordingly been completed for a comprehensive exhibit to be shown at the Groceries Exhibition, Agricultural Hall, London, in September next. The exhibits were shipped by the s.s. " Athenic "on the 19th July last. An illustrated pamphlet has been prepared, giving full details of the rigid method of inspection adopted in New Zealand to insure the consumer receiving a pure article. This pamphlet will be freely distributed at the Exhibition and in other channels where trade is likely to be effected. The exhibits, totalling ninety-six cases, were furnished by Irvine and Stevenson, Dunedin ; W. E. Tait, Woodlands ; Wanganui Meat-freezing Company, Wanganui; Wellington Meat-export Company, Wellington; Gear Meat-preserving Company, Wellington; Southland Meat-preserving Company; and the Christchurch Meat Company : and comprised the following : —6 lb. tins of roast, boiled, and corned mutton, and roast, boiled, and corned beef ; 2 lb. tins of roast, boiled, corned, and spiced beef and mutton, rabbits, sheeps' tongues, ox-tongues, calves' tongues, ox-cheek, sausage, brawn ; 1 lb. tins of assorted pies, oysters, jugged hare, whitebait, sheeps' tongues, and corned mutton ; 2 oz. and 4 oz. bottles of potted meats and meat-extract. The Directors of the Navy and Army Contracts were informed of the demonstration of New Zealand tinned meats that is being arranged at the Groceries Exhibition at the Agriciiltural Hall in September. They were interested, and have promised to instruct their inspecting-officers to examine and to report on the goods ; they were promised samples of the meats sent forward by the several companies, and both the Directors have undertaken, should these prove satisfactory, to place the names of the packers on the Official Lists of those from whom tenders for supplies are requested, and I trust that good may result from this. Admiralty and Wae Office Contracts. I have received a report dealing with tinned-meat contracts entered into by the Admiralty and War Office, and the size of packages required; and it might interest packers to learn that while the requirements for the navy can be taken in tins containing 1 lb. or 2 lb. full weight, owing to rations being served to the men while on board ship at one common mess, those of the army necessitate each man's daily ration being made up separately. Tinned meat is the chief meat diet served out to the soldier while on active service : little of it is used in the army at other times. The daily allowance per man is 13 oz., and it is for this reason that specifications of contracts stipulate for tins holding 13 oz. or 26 oz., instead of 1 lb. or 2 lb. The Director of the Army Contracts considers that if the terms of contract were altered to admit of 1 lb. and 2 lb. tins being supplied, there would be very large waste of food entailed. It was pointed out to him that many additional packers would tender were it not that they had to incur considerable cost in procuring plant suitable for packing the size of tins required, and that they feared that if they lost the contract this expenditure would be useless. Further, it was pointed out that, except for War Office requirements, there was no sale for New Zealand meats packed in 13 oz. and 26 oz. tins. While the Director thinks there is no likelihood of the weights being raised, he says that possibly an alteration might be made so that 12 oz. and 24 oz.—i.e., f lb. and \\ lb.—tins might be accepted. He asked if that would be more satisfactory to the New Zealand packers; and was told that if it were impossible to accept 1 lb. and 2 lb. tins, as desired, the suggested alteration would be an improvement, especially as the net weight of the contents had to be clearly impressed on each tin. This would help their general sale, were the contract lost, by removing the unfair competition of American short-weight goods that are now sold without distinction, and are accepted by the public as full-weight in competition with full-weight New Zealand^tins.