5

H.—l7

that this could only be arrived at by a conference of the various representatives from different countries adopting a standard of meat-inspection. As the New Zealand Meat-inspection Act is recognised to be one of the most carefully drawn and thorough in its bearing, Mr. Anderson put in with confidence the New Zealand Act as a typical one to be followed. It was agreed to recommend the adoption of Mr. Anderson's proposals. Should this be carried out in some future time, the value to the meat-producing countries in the world would be invaluable. The Hon. T. A. Coghlan tabled a motion suggesting that all countries should remove restrictions of every description, including duties ; but, as this is mainly a political subject, it is doubtful whether the motion will have any practical result. It has been impossible to follow the various motions tabled in the different sections, and it will take some time before they are all summarised. The general opinion is that the Congress has been most successful. It must be borne in mind that this was the first Congress on refrigeration that has been held ; that the subjects were many and various ; and that some of the countries had had very little experience. The classification and the bringingtogether of the various members from the different countries of the world will have of itself a very beneficial effect. At the close of the Congress a meeting was called of all the official delegates from the different countries, and it was unanimously decided that a permanent international committee should be formed, and that a Congress on refrigeration should be held from time to time. It was also decided that the next conference shall be held in Vienna in 1910. There was a feeling throughout the Conference that better arrangements might have been made for the English-speaking countries. The official language of the Conference was French, but there were not sufficient interpreters provided in the various sections, so that frequently the point of an argument was lost through want of knowledge of the language and phrases used, many of which were of a technical character. Generally, however, there were a sufficient number of members who spoke various languages, and the general courtesy shown in making the discussion clear and assisting members was very marked. One must admit that there has been a great amount of work done. The scientists have been encouraged to make further research into the various problems. The practical sides of the question have been at all times before the Conference, such as storage, carriage, and markets. Members of the Congress must also accord to the people of Paris their gratitude for the great hospitality which was extended to them throughout the Conference. The opening ceremony and also the grand banquet were of a very imposing character. All the members of the Congress must leave Paris with a high regard for the organizing abilities of the French people, the thoroughly satisfactory manner in which they approached the various subjects, and, above all, for their general kindness and good will.