º- º UN IVERSITY OF CHICAGO LIBRARY - THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO LIBRARY -- - -， --★ → ← → • • • • …） - º vº. 2 ºzº- AE, 4-, 2/40 & accº, 22 4°//? 3'- : i Lincoln's Inn Steam Printing Works. i - : PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS, - F #ithographers, ºngravers, štereoſuperä, IB O OFIBINIDIEIR. S. i H WYMAN & SONS are prepared to forward in- clusive Estimates for the complete production of every description of Bookwork, from the smal/est Pamphlet to the most costly Volume, including Auð/is/ling. : º: COMPOSING. ) Executed on the É 5 ENGRAVING. Premises, : É LITHOGRAPHY. under the Direct F. H STEREOTYPING. Superintendence # ; of the Firm, É : mºnº, in the Best Style E E G. with Economy E : BINDING. and Despatch. E : WYMAN & SONS, ſ # 74, 75, & 76, great ºucen $treet, É I.O.N.D.O.N. W.C. f : Tº: * rºº Just Published. Second Edition, Crown 8vo., Limp Cloth, Gilt, Price 2s., Postage 2d. WHERE TO EMIGRATE: A Concise and Handy Guide to all the English Colonies, - for Intending Emigrants, with MAPS. OTEINTIOINTS OET TIEHCIE FIERIESS. - “Contains a large amount of practical information relating to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Maps of the countries, accompany the descrip- tions, and the cost of the passage out is given in each case.”—Daily Chronicle. “Will undoubtedly be of service to intending emigrants.-Scotsman. “An excellent handbook for intending emigrants, giving authentic information as to the labour requirements, wages, climate, and cost of living, in the various fields for emigration.”—Susser Daily AVews. “We are quite satisfied the author has spared no pains to make his work correct. . . . He confines himself strictly to facts, and his book contains much valuable information in little room.”—Sheffield Daily Telegraph. “Will be found very useful to those interested in the questions, Who should emigrate, where to emigrate, and the price of labour and living in the various countries.”—South Wales Daily Telegram. - “Convenient, compact, and cheap, this manual is one which we can speak of favourably.” Queen. “Of unquestionable utility, and may be commended to every intelligent reader, whether a possible emigrant or not.”—British Mail. “Will afford good service to those who contemplate emigration.”–European Mail. - “We may safely say that any one elbowed out of the race of life in the mother country, and desirous of finding a home where willing hands are appreciated, should consult this book.”—Furniture Gazette. ... “The writer seems to know his subject well, and he writes clearly. . . . This little book, published at two shillings, ought to be successful.”—Lloyd's Weekly. “A better guide to intending emigrants than this concise epitome of all necessary information can scarcely be conceived. . . . By procuring this little book and studying it, any one may be able to form a correct judgment of the country best suited to settle in.”—Land and Water. “Will afford good service to those who contemplate emigration, and who like other guides than official bluebooks.”—Bookseller. “Supplies to the intending emigrant every information he is likely to require.”— Liverpool Albion. “What has been a great need to thousands is here admirably supplied."— Warrington Guardian. “Every phase of emigrant life is dealt with clearly and concisely; several full- page maps and other references making clearness still more clear. Intending emigrants should obtain this important volume before deciding as to how and where they shall seek a new home.”—Worthern Standard. “In these bad times many enterprising men will be seeking homes in “Greater Britain,” and this carefully-compiled little volume will be found extremely useful in assisting them to pitch upon the locality best suited to their wants and wishes.”— Southampton Observer. LONIDON : WYMAN& SONST-IB, GREATQUEENST, W.C. S. W. SILVER & CO SUPPLY [VERY NECESSARY FOR USE ON BOARD SHIP AND IN THE COLONIES, INCLUDING CLOTHING, CABIN FURNITURE, BEDDING, DECK CHAIRS, TRUAVKS, BOXES, FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, AAWD TOOLS. ECONOMICAL “ROUGH-FARMING OUTFIT.” List Forwarded on Application. PASSAGES SECURED. Lists of NECESSARIES FOR Voyage to AND RESIDENCE IN ALL PART of the World. Illustrated Catalogue, 180 Pages. IN SURANCES E FFECTED. PAssengers' BAGGAGE AND GOODs of ALL KINDs RECEIved, PACKED, AND SHIPPED. CIRCULAR NOTES, IN DUPLICATE, PAYABLE ALL THE WORLD OVER. S. W. SILVER & CO.'s HANDBOOKS & MAPS, “CANADA,” “SOUTH AFRICA,” “A U S T R ALIA AND NEW ZEALAN ID.” 67, CORN HILL, LONDON, E.C. . POPULAR HANDBOOK TO NEW ZEALAND, ITS RESOURCES AND INDUSTRIES. WITH INTRODUCTION ON NEW ZEALAND AS AN ENGLISH MIDDLE-CLASS EMIGRATION FIELD, And personal experiences during a Four years' Residence in the Colony. * By ARTH U R GLAYDEN, F.R.C.I. AUTHOR of “THE REvolt of THE FIELD,” “THE ENGLAND of THE PAcific,” ET.c. WITH MAP. LONDON : WYMAN & SONS, 74–76, GREAT QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN's-INN FIELDs. 1885. &02. 0.9. wyMAN AND sons, PRINTERs, GREAT QUEEN STREET, LINcoln’s-INN FIELDs, LONDoN, w.C. º SIY OF %2. § –“ – “… LíERA ºlis fºr. $2. &cago, wº º -- | * 3. * PR E FA C E. #N issuing the following popular Handbook to New Zealand, I desire to acknowledge my indebtedness to Dr. Hector, C.M.G., F.R.S., director of the Geological Survey, Wellington, and to G. W. Griffin, Esq., United States Consul at Auck- land, for the valuable information gained from their works. From the “New Zealand: Her Commerce and Resources” of the latter acute observer, I have taken most of my particulars of the various colonial industries. I would also express my thanks to the New Zealand Government for the facilities afforded me during a stay in Wellington, not the least of which was a free pass over the New Zealand railways, for prosecuting my inquiries. My aim has been to write only what the average inquirer would be likely to read. If the compilers of the leading handbooks will excuse the criticism, I must say they are all too bulky, too statistical and too generably unreadable for the ordinary prospective emigrant. How far I have succeeded in carrying out my purpose Is 2 4 NEW ZEALAND. is not for me to say. The work has found me very congenial employment during my voyage home. I need hardly say that for those who require further information there are a variety of elaborate works to be had of the booksellers, and, I doubt not, also of the Agent-General at his London office. LONDON, January, 1885. C O N T E N T S, -º-o-e- INTRODUCTION --- - - - --- --- --- ... Page 7 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF COLONY ... - - - --- --- AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS... --- --- --- --- --- PASTORAL PURSUITs: Number of Live Stock, Horse Breeding, &c. &c. ... - - - --- --- --- - - - WOOL ... --- --- - - - --- --- - - - SHEEP STATIONS ... --- --- --- --- VEGETABLE PRODUCTS --- --- --- --- - - MINERALS ... - - - - - - -- - FISHERIES ... CATTLE AND TIMBER LICENCES ... --- --- GEOLOGICAL Classification of Soil, Rainfall, &c. ... --- --- STATISTICs: Population, Nationality, Occupation, &c.—Educa- tion, Number of Schools and Scholars, Churches—Imports and Exports, Customs, Revenue, &c.... - - - --- FINANCE --- --- --- --- --- SAVINGS BANKS : Banks and accumulation generally ... --- BANKRUPTCY LAW : Statistics of Insolvency, &c. --- --- MANUFACTORIES ... --- CROWN LANDS • . . --- --- LAND TRANSFER ACT : Mortgages, &c. ... --- --- --- PUBLIC WORKS: Expenditure of Borrowed Money, Railways, Roads, &c. - - - --- --- --- --- POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENTs ... --- GOVERNMENT LIFE ASSURANCE - - - --- - - - --- EDUCATION : State and Private Schools ... --- --- --- CONSTABULARY, VolunTEERs, FIRE BRIGADES - - - --- GOVERNMENT AND CONSTITUTION - - - LOCAL INDUSTRIES ... --- --- - - - --- - - WOOLLEN MANUFACTURES... --- --- --- FROZEN AND CANNED MEATs ... --- • - - FLAX MANUFACTURE - - - --- -- –47 47 49 84 89 94 95 97 II5 117 I2 I I24 I26 129 I3O 136 I4 I I49 I53 6 NEW ZEALAND. CEMENT TRADE ... --- --- BRICKs, POTTERY, &c. ... --- --- IRON AND STEEL TRADE ... --- TIMBER TRADE --- --- --- SAw MILLS ... --- --- - - - WOOD FACTORIES ... --- --- --- AUCKLAND TIMBER COMPANY ... --- --- --- KAURI. GUM INDUSTRY ... --- --- WINE AND SPIRIT TRADE COLONIAL PRODUCTs --- --- --- --- RABBIT-SKIN INDUSTRY AMERICAN MANUFACTURES NATURAL ATTRACTIONS HOT SPRINGS --- --- NEW ZEALAND CITIES --- APPENDIX ... --- Page WELLINGTON AND MANAwatu RAILwAY CoMPANY : Open- I55 I59 I59 I6I 163 164 165 171 176 18o 181 183 184 187 I92 2OI ings for Settlers and Speculators --- --- --- LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND ... --- --- --- --- Voyage FROM New ZEALAND by Aorangi DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH --- ... . ... --- OPENINGS FOR PERSONS OF SMALL MEANs HINTs to INTENDING EMIGRANTs " ... HON. R. STOUT ON EMIGRATION RATE OF WAGES ... --- - - - --- --- --- INDEx—Alphabetical --- --- --- - - - - - - 2O3 209 216 22O 223 224 226 232 234 N E W Z E A L AND AS AN ENGLISH MIDDLE-CLASS EMIGRATION FIELD, INTRODUCTION. REFERENCE to former Visit to England—Ordinary Handbooks un- satisfactory—Colonial opposition to Emigration—Bad Emigrants— Emigration Illusions—A Canadian Settler—The Settler needed— Colonial Demand for the best and not the worst of everything— Capital wanted—Coal Mine enterprise—New Zealand openings for Capital—English 2% per cent. zersus New Zealand Io per cent.—Woollen Manufactories—Direct Steam Service—Close connexion between Colonies and England—United States or New Zealand—A Successful Emigrant—Our Colonies the best answer to the “Bitter Cry of Outcast London”—New Zealand the Labourer's Paradise—Beef or Bacon Fat—Working Class oppo- sition to Emigration unwise—To whom do the Colonies belong? —Prospective Value of Colonies–Population the supreme need— Income and Wealth of Australasia—Value of New Zealand as a Food Supply—As a Customer–Emigration like Mercy “twice blessed”—Two Illustrations of what Emigration means to English Labourers — Does Farming pay in New Zealand? – Tenant Farmers should imitate the Labourers, and Emigrate—Mr. James Howard called to a New Crusade—A plucky New Zealand Farmer–Dairy Factories —A prosperous New Zealand Farmer —Real Farmers a New Zealand want—How 420,000 was made —New Openings on North Island—Comfort of Passage out by Direct Steamers. N a pamphlet which I published on my return from New Zealand in 1879, I strongly urged the claims of the colony on the attention of the hard-pressed agriculturists of England as a fine field for emigration. I also inciden- tally referred to it as the “paradise of the toiler.” Both these conclusions were vigorously disputed by many per- sons both here and in New Zealand. Indeed, in the latter place, on my return in 1881, I found myself the object 8 NEW ZEALAND. of bitter attack on account of my efforts to promote English emigration. A portion of the Press lent itself to the anti-immigration cry, and I could scarcely believe that I had not done something unpatriotic in my emigration zeal. I resolved to give the whole subject an exhaustive inves- tigation, and if I had good reason then for altering my opinion I would unhesitatingly give the public the benefit of my inquiries. For nearly four years I have accordingly been devoting my time and energies to the work. Through the Press I have daily had the whole colony before me. I have visited the settlers, talked with the workmen, visited the centres of population, read all that I could find on the resources of the colony, and in every way that I could think of have striven to get at the whole truth on the subject. The result is an absolute confirmation of all my earlier impressions. Every pessimist view of the colony has admitted of a satisfactory explanation. A large proportion of the dissatisfaction of new arrivals in the colony is dis- tinctly traceable to want of proper information, want of adaptation to the new life, and lack of pluck. It is simply lamentable to witness the erroneous conceptions of colonial life with which numbers of persons reach the colony. Whether it is that the literature of the Agent-General's Office is at fault, or, which is vastly more probable, the common sense of the readers, I cannnot say, but it is quite certain that, of the thousands who reach New Zealand shores, only a small proportion are really fitted for the life on which they have thus thoughtlessly entered. Hence a lamentable amount of disappointment and con- fusion among the new arrivals. Already depressed by the journey, the whole outlook is inexpressibly dreary to the weary wanderer. There is no kindly hand stretched out to welcome him. The officials rarely have a kind word for the immigrant. A feeling antagonistic to increased popu- lation is almost universal. The colonial labourer sees in every stalwart Briton that steps on shore from the emigrant ship a possible competitor in the field, or mine, or railway works; the artisan dreads an influx that may render his position at the bench or forge less secure; the tradesman fears the opening of new shops; the comfortably-placed Government official dreads a possible disturbance of his EMIGRATION ILLUSIONS. 9 otium cum dignitate ; and even the ecclesiastic is disposed to frown on the advent of ministerial talent lest the some- what threadbare condition of his clerical outfit should become thereby too manifest. All this is of the nature of a wet blanket to the English- man, and he has to ask himself the question, “Why am I here P” or, what is still more common, and infinitely more trying, he has to answer sundry very practical questions as to what he is “going to do now" that he has “dragged ” that wife and family “to this outlandish and inhospitable place P” His wife always told him “it would be so,” but he was so obstinate that nothing would do but he must break up their comfortable English home. And now here they were ! She only hoped he was satisfied Alas ! for the head of the family. He must lay his account for many “a bad quarter of an hour.” I am desirous of placing the whole subject of emigration on a sounder basis. It is time the illusions of unscrupulous emigration agents, and shipping firms, and other interested parties were destroyed. The very atmosphere of the ship- ping trade is polluted.* The puffing ship agent, who is in- tent only on his 5 per cent. commission, guarantees to the contemplating voyager a thousand comforts which exist only in imagination. Almost every promise is found “broken to the hope,” and, with the exception of the well-to-do classes who can afford saloon accommodation, there is usually to be found at every disembarcation at a colonial port a consensus of opinion as to the utter rascality of everybody concerned in the work of their transportation from the British isles. And this discontent extends to the colonial prospects opened up before the immigrant. His head is, unhappily, too generally filled with illusions. Now it is a tired English tradesman who has come out to turn colonial farmer. What erroneous ideas of the life he is usually charged with ! Then it is a scapegrace son who is sent forth to colonial life to become reformed. Sent to a New Zealand city to be reformed ! A third illusionist is your half-pay officer immigrant. He would become a colonial gentleman farmer. His outfit is superb. Messrs. Silver & * It is only right that it should be said that these animadversions do not refer to the present well-ſound steamers to Australia and New Zealand. IO NEW ZEALAND. Co. have supplied him with the newest guns. He is “got up " by his West-end tailor in the best country gentleman style. Alas! for the disillusion process . Of all the colo- nial failures that one meets with he usually figures as the worst. In Canada some years ago I was shown what re- mained of a colony of these pseudo-squires. Every man of them had come to grief, and a facetious doctor whom I met at the hotel dinner assured me that he had recently attended the funeral of the last of them, and that he had not left enough behind him to pay his (the doctor's) bill. Another sad illusionist is the ex-London clerk. He has grown weary of the mill-horse routine of the office, and, as his boys and girls have grown bigger and bigger, the seductive question of colonial emigration has grown upon him. He buys up colonial handbooks. Land-grants for bond ſide settlers; cheap farms in New, Zealand; colonial freedom from conventionalisms; the glorious life of the prairie; the rough plenty of the settler,-these and a thousand other clap-trap cries of the emigration agent have entered into his soul. He throws up his situation; he takes berths in a steamer or sailing-ship—“A 1 at Lloyd's,” of course — and equally, of course, with a guarantee as to the abundance of good things on board. [I was “stuck up’—to use a favourite colonial expression—by a newly-arrived emigrant from England, in a New Zealand city not long ago, and asked, rather excitedly, if I knew Mr. So-and-So-naming an enterprising shipping agent who, in his solicitude to benefit the human race, promises all sorts of specialities in the way of comforts to those who take their passages through him—I replied, “Yes.” He then told me a story of sad betrayal of trust of which he had been the victim. Every promise had been found illusive The simple explanation was, that the inexperienced agent had merely the ship peoples' word for what he had promised.] He lands some three months afterwards at Wellington. The voyage has taken much out of him. He has kindly feelings towards the shippers | Now for the tug of war. What of the cheap farms P Where are the openings for his boys P What about colonial freedom from cares P Alack | He wakes up to find that he has committed a perhaps irreparable WRONG SORT OF EMIGRANTS. II blunder. All the conditions of life, he finds to his cost, are the same as at home. The square plug no more fits the round hole in New Zealand than it does in Lombard Street. The clerk of a London counting-house, who would be deemed a fool for going down into the Eastern Counties to start a farm, soon finds that he is equally a fool for dreaming of taking one in Canada or New Zealand. “I only wish,” said the wife of one such who had been be- guiled into taking up one of the free grants of Muskoka, in the bitterness of her soul, as we rode together on a stage- coach along a Canadian bush road, “I only wish that the smooth-tongued villain who tempted my husband to break up our happy London home and come out to this hungry wilderness could be hung up to yonder bough l’” “It would require the pen of a Dickens,” said a literary man to me in Toronto, who had been similarly beguiled, “to describe what I have gone through during the last ten years—the cold, the heat, the grasshoppers, the utter absence of domestic comfort, the toil, the isolation, the constant dis- appointments, the losses, the intense weariness, no tongue could utter—no pen adequately portray.” A year or two afterwards this brilliant writer succumbed to the hardships of his lot, and found beneath the snow-clad turf of Canada the rest denied him on its surface. Illustrations of the same thing occur to me by the score. I know of no more melancholy spectacle than the awakening of such victims of emigration illusions from their life-dreams. The blank despair, the sense of lostness, the utter confusion of purpose, the unutterable prostration must be seen to be realised. “Is, then,” it might be asked, “the glorious hope of emigration a mere mirage of the desert? Are the colonies only a delusion and a snare? Is there no redemption for the overweighted English and Scotch citizens in those sun- lit isles of the Pacific P Has all that has been said and sung of yon boundless colonies been empty bombast? Is New Zealand a mere name to conjure by ? Is Australasia but a myth?” Certainly not. So far am I from thinking emigration a delusion that I am devoting the best years of my life to the wholly unremunerative employment of promoting it. For years my pen has been ceaselessly employed in arousing I 2 NEW ZEALAND. the attention of governments and men to emigration necessities. Four times have I crossed the Atlantic on emigration work, and four journeys to and from the Antipodes have been made for similar objects. I am, to all intents and purposes, an emigration enthusiast. It is the re- membrance of the many realisations of the poet Thomas Campbell's dream of independence which I have witnessed in the colonies that kindles my emigration zeal. I have heard from many a settler's lips the sentiments of the poet's VerSe :— The pride to rear an independent shed, And give the lips we love unborrow'd bread, To see a world, from shadowy forest won, In youthful beauty wedded to the sun; To skirt our home with harvests widely sown, And call the blooming landscape all our own, Our children's heritage, in prospect long— These are the hopes, high-minded hopes and strong, That beckon England's wanderers o'er the brine, To realms where foreign constellations shine. The concentration of my attention for years on the three millions of square miles of Australasia—with their boundless stores of undeveloped wealth; their sixty millions of sheep; their mines of copper, coal, and gold ; their rich pastures; their fertile plains; their glorious sunshine and their incom- parable climate—has awakened in me such a desire to see England's sons and daughters engaged in their develop- ment, that not even the ineffable loveliness of my Nelson retreat could restrain me from once more visiting the Old Home, “on emigration thoughts intent.” But the emigration to which I henceforth commit myself must be only such as my own judgment can approve. I leave to the hucksters in commissions and agencies the indiscriminate encouragement of the work. Upon the heads of land speculators and decoys of one kind and another be the blood of the crowds of unsuitable men and women who constitute so large a proportion of each ship's passenger list. The colonies complain of this unsuitability most bitterly. “One would suppose,” said a leading paper, as cargo after cargo of a dubious mixture of humanity arrived in port, “that England had read over our portals— “Rubbish shot here !” COLONIAL DEMAND FOR CHARACTER, I3 The initial blunder is the seemingly ineradicable assump- tion that anything is good enough for the colonies. Instead of regarding them as magnificent fields for the development and exercise of the spirit of enterprise, spheres of action worthy of the energies of her best and noblest sons and daughters, England has too commonly regarded her colonies as mere refuges for the destitute. The ne'er-do- well and the scapegrace of the family; the broken-down merchant and the pauper; the tainted sheep of the fold and the fallen one ; the black-balled of the club, and the rusticated collegian ; the professional blackleg, and the social pariah ;-these, forsooth, are thought good enough for the distant colonies. And hence the vulgarity and scoundrelism which have too frequently characterised colonial private and public life. The black sheep of the Old Home is hardly likely to become less black abroad. Nowhere, perhaps, is the road to perdition shorter, more direct, than in a colonial city. There is not a colonial port whose shore is not strewn with the débris of England's scapegraces. The outward voyage usually seals the outcast's fate. The temptations of the ship's bar try the metal of even the well-disposed passengers, but the fast ones go down before them like ninepins. A fellow-passenger on board the Aorangi told me that on his passage out, early in 1884, by a sailing-vessel, four of the passengers, with the captain, who was drunk half his time, consumed upwards of nine hundred bottles of drink during the voyage. The saloon was frequently a veritable pande- monium. It is high time all this was changed. The splendid colony at the Antipodes, where I have been spending some happy years, is certainly no place for England's cast-off clothing; rubbish must not be shot there. A second, and possibly a more glorious, England is there in embryo. Flooded with an almost perpetual sunshine, rejoicing in just and equal laws, her children all educated, religious equality fully established, every modern improvement in course of adoption—the rail, the telegraph, the telephone, the electric light, all in full operation; and now, to crown all, brought by the matchless enterprise of her citizens, by the Direct Steam Service, within forty days of the mother- I4. NEW ZEALAND. country, New Zealand enjoys a pre-eminence among the colonies which must soon command that which she has an undoubted right to—the best of everything that England has to give. British merchants must learn that it will not do any longer to send only their second-rate goods there, and British fathers and mothers must realise that such cities as Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, and Christchurch are good enough for their noblest offspring—worthy of the best they have to give. And England's wealth must more and more find there em- ployment. To her Chancellor of the Exchequer's beggarly offer of 2% per cent. for her surplus gold, I would have capitalists respond by sending their sons with money to invest in New Zealand industries. Two and a half per cent indeed! when at a month's distance there is untold wealth waiting the development which money alone can effect. What did I see, for instance, just before leaving New Zealand P A splendid enterprise in the shape of a coal mine company wrecked for want of a few more thousands of capital. There was probably in the 8oo acres of coal- fields, leased from the Government at a rental of 6d. per ton for the first twenty years, and Is. per ton for the second twenty years, not less than a million pounds sterling to be secured. Dr. Hector, the Government geologist, tells us that in the coal region where this company's property is found there are more than 14o, ooo, ooo tons of the best bituminous coal. Here is a field for British capital and enterprise. For 24, 20,000 I could have purchased every right belonging to this company, and, indeed, have the offer of it at this moment, and by a cablegram could secure it. I am morally certain that at least half a score of moderate competencies might be secured by the right men from this magnificententerprise, as the coal is pre-eminently suited for steam purposes, for which there is a growing demand. (See Appendix, p. 201.) In a debate in the House of Representatives on these coal-fields, the following facts were brought out :-The colonists had invested 4,345,000 in coal-mining, and Government had helped the industry to the amount of COAL-MINING ENTERPRISE. I5 24, 220,000. The value of the coal-mining to the State has been well put by Mr. O'Connor, M. H. R. Taking the output at 1oo, ooo tons a year, and assuming an increase of 25 per cent. yearly, he gives the following figures showing the revenue derivable therefrom :— 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 Tons Tons Tons Tons Tons 100,000 || 125,000 || 157,000 || 196,000 || 245,000 A. A. A. A. A. Royalty,6d. per ton 2,500 3, I25 3,925 4,900 6, 125 Terminal charges on coal, 6d. per ton 2,500 3, I25 3,925 4,900 6, 125 Out of railway rate, IS. per ton ...... 5,000 || 6,250 || 7,850 || 9,800 | 12,250 General wharfages I,2OO I,500 1,875 2,350 2,900 Colliery reserve rents ............... 8oo 8oo 8oo 1,000 I, OOO 12,000 || 14,800 | 18,375 22,950 28,400 Equal to interest at 6 per cent. per annum On......... 200,000 || 246,667 || 306,250 || 382,500 || 473,334 Or at 5 per cent. per annum on ... 240,000 || 296,000 || 367,500 || 459,000 || 568,000 Mr. Hursthouse, one of the Nelson members, said that at Collingwood there were “mines of equal value to those of Westport and Greymouth.” Then, again, there are the Nelson Copper Mines. I paid a visit to them some four months ago — one of the most romantic excursions I had during my residence in Nelson. And what did I see P A vast mountain of copper ore | One block of some three hundred- weight was pure virgin copper, and the presumption is that thousands of tons of the same were buried in the surrounding hills. Here was a field for enterprise I am glad to say that a local company has been formed to work it, and a capital of 24,60,000 has been raised. But ten times that amount could be well employed there. The meat - preserving industries also present a 16 NEW ZEALAND. fine field for enterprise. It is no longer a specu- lation—the transference of New Zealand surplus beef and mutton to England. Every outgoing steamer takes its thousands of carcases, and these thousands might just as well be tens or hundreds of thousands, as New Zealand’s thirteen million of sheep might just as well become twenty millions, and, indeed, soon would, with the encouragement of a reliable and remunerative market. (See “Pastoral Pursuits,” p. 59.) At Wellington I found, under the name of “Gears Meat-preserving Company,” a flourishing concern in full swing, and what was it doing? Converting the carcases of thousands of bullocks yearly into two and four-pound tins of delicious beef for the European markets. And during a ride of sixty miles into the interior of the North Island, what did I learn respecting these bullocks? So rich were the grazing grounds, that young beasts of three years old became fit for the butcher by feeding upon them, without a pound of other food. Here, again, was scope for agricultural enterprise. Just now a railway is being formed to lay open some hundreds of thousands of acres of this land. The Chairman of the Company—the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Com- pany—told me that in six months' time one half of the eighty-four miles constituting that line would be open, and that early in 1885 some thirty thousand acres of adjacent land would be in the market. (See Appendix, p. 203.) How these enterprises would react upon English com- mercial interests may be inferred from the fact that for this Manawatu Railway probably not less than 4, 1oo,ooo worth of plant will be required, The steamer by which I came home, the Aorangi, took out from England two high-class engines for the Company, and a large quantity of other machinery for the works; and part of the cargo of the unfortunate ship Zastingham, which was wrecked just as she was getting within sight of the entrance to Wel- lington Harbour in August last, consisted of some hundreds of tons of steel rails for the same railway, besides vast quantities of other material. Woollen Manufactories are springing up in New Zealand. In the Canterbury province, there is the Kaiapoi Company; THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. 17 in Otago the Mosgiel and Kaikorai Companies. Some hundreds of hands are employed at these works, and many thousands of pounds capital. The products are unsur- passed by any British manufactures. (See “Local Industries,” p. 136.) Here is almost boundless scope for British enter- prise. With the wool at the very gates of the mills, and in the midst of climatic attractions so marked, there is no reason why these manufactories should not be multiplied. It is only a question of capital, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer tells the English holders of that capital that he cannot henceforth give them more than 2% per cent. for it! These New Zealand Companies pay 1o per cent. to their shareholders, and not a few New Zealand enterprises pay from 15 to 20 per cent. per annum. The Bank of New Zealand pays 15 per cent. per annum, and at its half- yearly meeting, in Auckland, on 20th April, 1883, it showed a net profit on the half-year's business ending 31st March of 4,89,525. 18s. 1d. After payment of this dividend the sum of 24, 24,451. 8s. was carried to a reserve account which already reached 4,600,ooo. This great Banking Corporation is so intimately related to the colony, its prosperity being bound up largely with that of New Zealand, that a glance at its history may not be out of place. The Bank was founded in 1861. The capital was 4,500,000 in shares of 24, Io each. Ten thousand shares were taken up in Auckland, and ten thousand were reserved for England. The first half-yearly balance-sheet showed a paid-up capital of 24, IoS,785. At the half-yearly meeting in Auckland, as referred to above, the paid-up capital was 24, 1,000,ooo, and its reserve fund 24,600,ooo. The notes in circulation in 1861 amounted to 24,62,914; they now reach the sum of £562,564. The amount of bills payable in circulation in 1861 was £6,288; it is now 24, 1,889,600. The total deposits in 1861 were 334,097 ; now they stand at £8,380,930. 13s. Iod. In 1861 the profit and loss account was £6,097 ; now it is 2699,451. 8s. On the credit side, in 1861, we find the coin and bullion represented at 24,261,512; now it is 24, 1,157,175. In 1861 the amount of bills discounted and other debts due to the C I8 NEW ZEALAND. Bank was 24, 117,475; now it is 48,389,802. The value of the landed property, Bank premises, &c., of the Bank in 1861 was 49,960; it is now 4,241,609. In 1861 the total transactions of the Bank were 4,555,979; they are now 24, 12,532,546. 19s. 8d. At first the dividend of the Bank was small, but in the year 1864 it rose to 15 per cent, and it has never paid less since. Palatial branch establishments are found in every New Zealand city, in London, and in the cities of Sydney, New- castle, Melbourne, and Adelaide. It is the most successful enterprise in the southern hemisphere. There is another aspect of an attractive character which New Zealand presents to capitalists. Tens of thousands of Englishmen are living on their Three per Cents. In New Zealand every one of these hundred pounds, instead of bringing in only three pounds per annum, would bring in at least double that sum. I have at this moment money invested in New Zealand at 7% per cent. on security quite as good as the English Three per Cents. Seven pounds ten shillings per annum for every hundred pounds instead or three pounds—not to say two pounds ten shillings in the near distance. How many thousands of families in England must there be to whom this difference would mean the difference between genteel poverty and affluence. On all accounts, therefore, I would demand fair play for this “England of the Pacific.” Let the public rise to the full height of the occasion. Here is the natural outlet for surplus population and for surplus capital. The distance practically annihilated; the habits and customs our own; the institutions copies of or improvements on our own; the inhabitants our own flesh and blood, and the religion that of our fathers. In a word, New Zealand is practically but another English county. Every year it becomes more and more English. The Direct Steam Service, with its fortnightly mail, links the colony very closely with the old home. The cablegram flashes the English news with such speed and regularity that the New Zealand citizen—thanks to the enterprise of the New Zealand Press, whose free use of the telegraph would surprise some English newspaper proprietors—is little behind the Londoner now in his morn- A PROSPEROUS SETTLER. I9 ing's news. If Mr. Gladstone is detained at home by illness on, say, a Friday night, every leading newspaper of the colony announces the fact to its readers on Saturday morning; and Her Majesty's doings one day are duly before us on the next. The New Zealand citizen is thus brought very near to his fellow-citizen at home, and a perfect community of interest is sustained. This is an im- portant factor in the argument. Distance no longer sepa- rates. Our statesmen and merchants hold daily converse with the British statesmen and merchants. We hear the very beating of the English heart. A flash of the marine telegraph would call to arms, if needs were, ten thousand trained volunteers. Instead, therefore, of pouring population into the rapa cious maw of the United States, I would have placed before Englishmen the paramount claims of Australasia. No more effectual means could be found for sustaining British interests. Every successful settler in New Zealand or Australia becomes a customer of the British merchant. Let me illustrate this by an incident which occurred very recently. I was stopping at a Wellington hotel, when a letter reached me from a citizen of the place. He had been induced by my lecture on New Zealand, deli- vered at Swindon five years ago, to come to the colony. Success had attended him. At home he had a severe struggle for existence. His father was a Berkshire labourer at 11s. per week. On landing in New Zealand, four and a half years ago, he found himself with only a few shillings in his pocket, and a wife and family to support. He went to work like a man with the right stuff in him. Gradually he got on, until now he found himself the father of half a dozen healthy children, the proprietor of a good business, and holding a sound position among the Wellington. citizens. Now for its bearing on the British manufacturer. By every monthly steamer he got out hundreds of pounds’ worth of merchandise. I called to see my correspondent, and found him as comfortably situated as the average British tradesman. In the parlour there was a fifty-guinea piano, and a nice assortment of books. A file of the Christian World lay on the table, and it was clear from his conversa- C 2 2O NEW ZEALAND. tion, and strongly expressed sympathies with everything English, that if New Zealand had gained a valuable citizen in him, England had scarcely lost one. One of the pleasantest commissions with which I was charged, on my return to England, was the bringing of a parcel from this noble fellow to his old father and mother in Berkshire. We have but to multiply such cases to find a reciprocal advantage to the mother-country and her dependencies, of well-nigh immeasurable importance. And this is the work of my life. I ask, therefore, for it the sympathy of all loyal Britons. It is the solution of half England's difficulties. As the Colonist reads the story of “The Bitter Cry of Outcast London,” he is astounded at the apathy of the English nation respecting this great remedy of emigration. He looks around him, and, save in the case of an occasional drunkard or some special misfortune, he sees no poverty. I have spent four years in a New Zealand city, and have never seen a beggar, and never came across a man or woman to whom I should have dared to offer a shilling. If I wanted a man to work in my garden, I must pay him one shilling per hour for his work, and that workman could buy for eighteenpence a fine shoulder or leg of mutton for his family's dinner. If my wife wanted his wife's services as charwoman, she must pay her four shillings, and her board, for the day's work. And her children, well dressed, go daily to a high-class school, and receive their education free “Look on this picture and on that.” It is my deliberate conviction—though I should not dare to utter it in New Zealand, that ten thousand genuine toilers of each sex might easily be absorbed every year by the colony. In all directions enterprise is checked by the scarcity of labour and capital. The highly paid workmen are in danger of “killing the hen that lays the golden eggs.” They fight hard to keep up the artificial wage, and even governments are far too dependent on popular caprice to venture on further immigration; but the game is a dangerous one. Years ago a large New Zealand land- owner told me in London that his 8,000-acre estate in THE COLONIES ENGLAND’s HoPE. 2 I New Zealand remained unimproved, simply because at the high price of labour it would not pay to improve it. And there are millions of acres of land which might and would be brought into cultivation, if men could be had at even twice the English wage. What this means is seen at once. A twofold loss is experienced—the employment of vast multitudes of men is prevented, and the product of their toil is lost to the word. I submit to the New Zealand worker this answer to his indignant refusal to lower his ideal wage. His seeming success is in reality failure, and his boasted prerogative of dictating terms, in handicapping enterprise, leads to uni- versal ruin. The question which is rapidly forcing itself on the attention of thoughtful men is this, How long, and by what authority, are English workmen to be virtually warned off the colonial labour fields P. Every shipload of toiling Britons that finds its way to a New Zealand port is met by a howl of something very much like rebuke from the working classes. They are deemed interlopers. Dismal stories of unemployed hundreds are dinned into their ears. Nowhere is a generous welcome accorded them. The very officials at the ports hiss their disheartening prognostica- tions into the ears of the new arrivals. It is a dreary outlook for the unwelcome visitors | As an English citizen first, and a colonist afterwards, I enter a solemn protest against this selfishness, and I call upon the Colonial Office to assert itself in the matter. The handful of labour monopolists who hold the key, as it were, of the colonial labour fields at the Antipodes, must be told, once for all, that the British colonies are the property of the British people, and that a nation which had been willing to pay twenty millions sterling for the redemption of coloured slaves abroad is not going to have the chains riveted on the limbs of its white slaves at home by the closing of that door of hope—emigration. The whole subject demands Imperial attention. I am profoundly convinced, as the result of no little practical experience and observation, that in her magnificent posses- sions abroad England must find the solution of most of her social problems. Those possessions are the envy of every AUSTRALASIA AND THE UNITED STATES. 23 sources if I give a few more figures respecting it. During the year 1882 the exports of the Australasian colonies reached the sum of 4,50,045,147. Of this trade the United States received less than 4,450,000. The imports to the colonies during the same year were 4,54,925,580. Of these imports the United States furnished only 4, 1,250,000. It is somewhat of a divergence, but the close approxima- tion of the total areas of the United States and Australasia suggests a curious comparison. The number of persons engaged in agricultural pursuits in Australasia is only 297,800, whereas in the United States there are 4,000,ooo farms under 500 acres. The total quantity of wheat grown in Australasia in 1883 was 31,763,098 bushels; the total quantity of maize grown in the United States off 64, ooo, ooo acres was 1, 1oo, ooo, ooo bushels. The population of the United States is 55,000,ooo; number of sheep, 55,000,ooo; and head of cattle, 35,000,ooo. It will help to strengthen my case as to the prospective value of Australasia to England, when it is remembered that at the present moment there are no less than 5oo, ooo, ooo acres of land let out to squatters at a nominal rent, ranging from 1d. per acre upwards. Given population, a large amount of this land would be worth 24, 1 per acre per annnum. In Otago, New Zealand, tens of thousands of acres, once as valueless, have, through the industry of its Scotch settlers, been converted into farms which are now worth from 24, 20 to 24.30 per aCre. The supreme drawback to Australian colonisation is the occasional drought; but an artesian well at Takaninna, in South Australia, thirty miles north-east of the terminus of the Great Northern Railway, has shown that nature has a fine storehouse of water below the earth's surface, if the heavens above are niggardly in their bestowal of the price- less boon. At a depth of 1,220 feet water was struck in such abundance that it rose to a height of 200 feet above the surface of the ground. Here, then, is a door of hope for crowded England I Given water, and the millions of square miles of Australia would become one of the most fertile regions on the earth. I have no wish to multiply statistics, as they are some- 24 NEW ZEALAND. what bewildering, but there is one more fact which should come home to the British housewife. The growing price of beef and mutton in England is a source of anxiety to multitudes. Now, let the truth go forth throughout the length and breadth of the British Isles that already Austral- asia can provide 7oo, ooo tons of meat a year—2, ooo tons a day—for exportation And if anything approximating 6d. per pound can be insured the supply can be increased indefinitely. Here is a fact which almost rises to the im- portance of another Gospel. All this present and prospect- ive wealth of food supply is now, thanks to the magnificent fleets of steamers, brought within forty days of the British shores | By the very steamer in which I came from New Zealand—the Aorangi—some Io, ooo sheep, weighing upwards of 7oo,ooo pounds, were brought from New Zea- land in less than forty days. And better mutton than this New Zealand growth never was placed on an English table. In this same vessel were also innumerable cases of New Zealand beef, than which I never wish to taste better. We had plentiful supplies of each on our saloon tables all through the voyage, and the universal testimony of the pas- sengers was that better beef and mutton was never placed before them. I frequently saw the frozen carcases as they were brought up for the butcher, and nothing could exceed their wholesome-looking condition. One more statistical fact must suffice, and this should open the eyes of British merchants and manufacturers to the vast importance of the colonies. Australasia takes from English and Scotch manufacturers goods at the rate of 4.8 per inhabitant per annum. It may help to bring this home to us if we take one item of import. In New South Wales alone there are 930,000 miles of fencing, the total cost of which, at an average of 2650 per mile, is 4,46,500,ooo. A large proportion of this as fencing-wire came from England. In New Zealand iron-fencing posts are largely used instead of wood. In glancing at the value of Australasia I would not omit mention of the wonderful diffusion of information by means of the Press. The total number of publications issuing from the Press is 661, and the total circulation reaches II 2, ooo, ooo copies yearly. America, with twenty EMIGRATION ALL-IMPORTANT. 25 times the population, can boast of little more than a pro- portionate amount of circulating intelligence. The news- papers, &c., of America average thirty-six per head of the population, and those of Australasia reach thirty per head. Thus does the great question of emigration grow in im- portance as its various bearings are glanced at. There is nothing comparable with it. The national furore anent the new Government Reform Bill appears to one newly arrived from the colonies, where scarcely 50 per cent. of the voters care to exercise their political privileges, altogether unreal. The enfranchisement that the English people need is a free course to their glorious inheritance beyond the seas. Here is a quest worthy of their zeal. The dubious privilege of sending Lord A , or Squire B , or plain Mr. C to St. Stephen's as a representative to do, it is hard to say what, appears of very secondary importance compared with the comfortable provision for the future involved in judicious emigration. I have no wish to discourage legitimate zeal for political reforms, but I have a wish, nay, a very ardent desire, to save the English peasantry from being fooled any longer by the professional political agitator. As I recall to mind the many happy New Zealand homes which I have been visiting during the last four years— homes replete with comforts, and owned by men who were yesterday Berkshire, or Somersetshire, or Kent labourers, working for a weekly wage scarcely more than their New Zealand daily wage—I feel tempted to address my old friend, Mr. Arch, on his new crusade for the franchise for his brother labourers, in the words of the grand old prophet of Israel: “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not?” Ten years ago I ventured to tell Mr. Arch and his noble band of co-workers that his trump-card was emigration, and to-day, after an exhaustive examination of almost every emigration field in the world, and an experience second to none, I tell him again that to emigration he must look for the final and complete redemption of the English agri- cultural labourer from his social bondage. The hope of 26 NEW ZEALANI). the vote is a sad and sorry illusion. How, and where, and when is that going to change the tattered gown of the toiler's wife for a decent garment P What is the connexion between the franchise and a substitution of a substantial joint of beef and a rich plum-pudding for the poor dinner of bacon fat and cabbage? Who is the member of parlia- ment that will alter the farm labourer's final goal from the parish workhouse to the snug fifty-acre farm, with its smiling homestead, and its troop of well-fed, well-clothed, and well- educated boys and girls? Two of my near neighbours in New Zealand were ex-English agricultural labourers. Had they remained at home, probably the older of the two would now have been rapidly gravitating towards the work- house, and the younger one, with his large family, would certainly have been head over heels in debt at the village shop. And what was their position in New Zealand? The former had gone in for market gardening, and he had a garden and orchard of five acres, worth from twelve to fifteen hundred pounds. Hundreds of pounds' worth of splendid apples, apricots, peaches, and plums were sold every year, and I have not the least doubt that he had a couple of thousand pounds either in the bank or out on mortgage. As I have stood under my verandah, and heard his wife's orders to the butcher: “Bring me two or three pounds of chops for breakfast to-morrow and a joint for dinner,” I have thought of those Berkshire labourers of my acquaintance who, after a hard day's work, were wont to bless their good luck if the “missis” had got a sheep's head for the evening meal. The last thing that I heard of this ex-English agricultural labourer was that he had been nominated as a candidate for the City Council. What an emphasis this thrifty and industrious man's case lends to my contention 1 And what an emphasis it also lends to words of a lately deceased “prophet in Israel”—the Rev. Samuel Edger, B.A. (of Auckland). “Oh,” says that earnest thinker in his “Problem of Life considered”—a legacy bequeathed to the world, and edited by his accomplished daughters— “oh, if the men who are so fond of telling the people of their rights, would only tell them of their duties : 28 - NEW ZEALAND. a character to maintain—there is an article of a very decidedly negative character. If what the writer says is any way near the truth, those of us who are interesting our- selves in inducing small agricultural capitalists to come out should know it as soon as possible. I have before me a pamphlet written by a Wesleyan minister, the Rev. J. Berry, in which a reply is given to the inquiry, “Does New Zea- land Farming Pay?” exactly the reverse of this pessimist article of our morning paper. “As a matter of fact,” says Mr. Berry, “I know that it does, because I see that farmers prosper.” Mr. J. C. Firth has told us recently that his farm does not pay, the labour bill running away with all the profits. But the question relates less to large farmers of Mr. Firth’s calibre than to small practical men such as are hinted at in the Governor's speech. Is there a comfortable living for these men if they break up their English homes and come over to New Zealand 2 This morning's Colonist says there is not, and hazards the following remarkable deliverance:— “It is a melancholy fact,” says the writer, “but it is one there is no gainsaying, that if a farmer, whether fresh from the old country with all the most recent ideas of scientific farming, or a colonial with the experience of years and a knowledge of the climate and soil to back him—if either of these agriculturists were presented with, say, 200 acres of the average land on the Canterbury plains, ready fenced for him, with a cottage and stable built, and the horses and implements for prosecuting his occupation, that man, neces- sarily relying upon his own exertions to win his earnings from the produce of his farm without any extraneous help, would in a couple of years be in the Bankruptcy Court.” Now, sir, there are not a few, both here and at home, who look to your columns for guidance in agricultural affairs. The papers of your correspondent, Mr. W. Jenner, are a considerable help to many a sorely-perplexed agriculturist. I appeal with some confidence, therefore, to you for light on this all-important point. If what our Nelson paper says is correct, I shall certainly feel it my duty to go home and do all in my power to counteract the sadly-misleading advice which Mr. Berry and others, not excluding my own self, have been giving the sorely-tried British farmers. DOES NEW ZEALAND FARMING PAYP 29 Could you not invite an expression of opinion from practical men in your free and independent columns P None of us want to mislead men. To bring small capitalists into so hopeless a quagmire as farming here is, according to the Colonist, where the small farmer “lives a life worse than a slave,” and where his “existence is a burden and the grave a relief,” is something worse than a blunder—it is a crime; and a Government that could con- nive at it, not to say encourage it, would deserve to perish amid the execrations of the people. I respectfully solicit your powerful aid in elucidating the problem.—I am, &c. ARTHUR CLAYDEN. NELSON, June 8. The Editor promptly entered into the spirit of the inquiry, and invited replies from his wide circle of agricul- turist readers. In response the following valuable testimony was given:— BY A CANTERBURY FARMER. (From the Otago Witness, June 28, 1884.) I have had placed before me a letter on the above sub- ject written by Mr. Arthur Clayden, and which I believe will appear in the same issue as this article. The Editor of the Otago Witness has asked me to give my views on the subject, the statement made by the Nelson Colonist, as quoted by Mr. Clayden, being calculated to mislead in- tending immigrants and to inflict a great injury upon the country. The expression of opinion by the Welson Colonist with regard to farming in Canterbury is certainly of a most ex- traordinary character, and without the slightest foundation in fact. I have now been farming for more than twenty years in Canterbury, and my experience has been of the most practical character. My first acquaintance with farm- ing was made on a farm on the Canterbury Plains of con- siderably less area than 200 acres in extent, the soil of which was below the average in quality. I have had experience 3o NEW ZEALAND. of good seasons and bad seasons, and indeed there are few, if any, of the trials and vicissitudes which fall to the lot of a farmer, beginning with a capital of less than 4,500, that I have not been through. To begin at that point described by the Colonist, viz.: the fee-simple of a 200-acre farm, the soil of average quality—not the poorest shingle which has starved out many hard-working but too sanguine farmers—fenced, and provided with all necessary buildings and working plant, would require at least a capital of 24, 1,500 ; and all I can say is that, judging from my own experience, a man who could not keep himself out of the Bankruptcy Court under these conditions must be totally lacking in those qualities required to make a successful farmer. I am at present in a position which enables me to . stand the strain of a bad season or two without difficulty, but I have not forgotten what it is to experience the heart- sickness that follows a bad harvest, when a good or bad one makes all the difference between comparative ease and downright hardship. Success, however, in any calling is not, I believe, attained without toil and anxiety when a man begins at nearly the lowermost rung of the ladder; and, looking back over my last twenty years of experience, I have no reason to regret that I put my hand to the plough, as a Canterbury farmer, and did not look back. I am well aware that these remarks are somewhat egotistical, but it appears to me that I can take no more effectual means of refuting the absurd statement made by the writer of the article in the Colonist than by giving my own ex- perience. During the last two years farmers have had much to contend against; but, bad as the times are now, I have, certainly, known them to have been worse. I can remember the time when good wheat was selling for 2s. 9d. per bushel in the Christchurch market, oats at the time being only 2s. a bushel, and cross-bred hoggets were not worth 5s, a head. New Zealand was then held to be totally rotten, and farming the rottenest business in it; but I am, never- theless, personally acquainted with a good number of men, . then struggling farmers, who are now men of substance and position, and who made their way, not by lucky strokes of speculation, but by steady farming. For my own part, I am of opinion that a practical farmer, with a capital of from A CANTERBURY FARMER's TESTIMONY. 3 I 24,500 and upwards, could choose no better time for coming into the country. The time to sell is when the season and the prices are good, but the time to buy is when things are depressed. When agriculture permanently ceases to be remunerative in New Zealand, how will other countries stand? The average yield of grain in this colony is higher than that of any other country with the exception of Bel- gium. The climate and soil will compare with any country in the world in regard to its suitability for all-round agricul- ture, its natural conditions rendering it essentially a country for small and medium-sized holdings. The fact of Mr. J. C. Firth and other large landholders finding mixed agricul- ture unprofitable goes for nothing as an argument against the farming capabilities of the country, as beyond a certain point the profit of farming decreases in proportion to the expenditure. Not long ago a well-known Otago farmer publicly expressed his opinion that he was afraid of neither America nor India with regard to the production of wheat, and I fully endorse his views. The prophecies of India being the future granary of the world have yet to be fulfilled; and, as for America, I will quote from the Report of the Royal Commission appointed by the English Govern- ment to inquire into the cause of the depressed state of agriculture in Britain :- CHICAGO PRODUCE EXCHANGE, Sept. 22. Mr. Randolph, the Secretary to the Chicago Board of Trade, gives the following as the cost of producing a bushel of wheat in the West. The bushel weighs 60 lb.:- dols. cents. Preparing the ground and seeding, per acre... I 65 Seed, two bushels - - - - - - - - - ... I 5o Harvesting and stacking 2 50 Threshing and cleaning - I 4o Delivery to railway in country o 5o Rent—say land at 20 dollars, and interest of money 6 per cent. - - - - - - ... I 2 O Total - - - ... 8 75 32 NEW ZEALAND. The estimated yield being 12 bushels, gives per bushel 73 cents, or 3s. old. - C. S. d. The freight for 350 miles to Chicago, per bushel 2O Or O Io Chicago charges - - - 2} | Insurance on transit - - - ... I } }. I Ig Freight to Liverpool - - - . . . 24 | Average Liverpool charge, including shortage - - - - - - - - - ... o 3} Total per bushel - - - . . . 2 3 Which, added to 3s. o.º.d, the cost of the grain on the spot, gives 5s. 3}d. per bushel, or 42s. 4d. per quarter, as the value of American wheat delivered in Liverpool. From these figures it will be seen that wheat cannot be produced for nothing in America, and it is reasonable to think that, as cultivation extends and poorer or more distantly-situated lands come into use, the cost of pro- duction will increase. Moreover, apart from the aggregate result of the farming operations of a country, there is the position of the individual, both farmer and labourer, to be looked at. This is what the Report of the Royal Com- mission, before referred to, says about the farmers in America —“Few English farmers have any idea of the hard and constant work which falls to the lot of even well- to-do farmers in America. Save in harvest time certainly, no agricultural labourer in England expends anything like the time and strength in his day's work.” And this is what the Report says about the labourers on a monster farm in Minnesota:—“The men rise at 4.30, breakfast at 5.30, turn their teams out at 6 a.m.; work till 12, when they bait in the field, resting till 1.30 p.m., and then resume work until dark, about 6 or 7 p.m. The wages are about 18 dollars a month, or 18s, per week and food.” Now fancy a New Zealand ploughman being called upon to work these hours, and all for 18s. per week and “tucker.” But—to compare this country with others nearer at hand—I may say that some five years ago I took a trip to Australia, and FARMING EXPERIENCE. 33 spent some six months travelling through New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. I had excellent opportunities of obtaining information, both from personal observation and other sources, and the result was that as a farmer I returned home thanking Heaven my lot was cast in New Zealand. Australia is a country of great resources, but the impression I formed was that as a field for farmers of small or medium capital it is in no way to be compared to this colony. I am well aware that there are in Canterbury at present —and I have no doubt also in Otago and in other parts of the colony—many farmers whose life is one of toil and anxiety, with little immediate hope of reward, but very few of these are men who have come out from home with capital and practical experience in farming. They are, for the most part, men who have unwisely, though perhaps not unnaturally, sought to become their own masters too soon, and have begun before they were ready. Bad seasons coming upon them, they have fallen into the hands of the money-lenders, and have in consequence learnt the bitter truth of the old saying that the “borrower is servant to the lender.” Others have had capital, but have been in over- haste to get rich, and the money-lenders have also over- taken them. Others, again, have had capital, but no experience and no aptitude for the work, and the result has been failure and disappointment. I can well inmagine one of this latter class writing an article such as that from which Mr. Clayden quotes. Again, there are others who have had capital—perhaps a tolerably large capital—to begin with, and who are not wholly ignorant of farming matters, but who hold a mistaken view of their position as farmers. They, in fact, endeavour to live by farming while living as country gentlemen. Their life is merry, but their duration as farmers is short. Notwithstanding all that detractors may say to the contrary, I am convinced that this colony offers an ex- ceptionally fine opening for farmers with capital and experience, and that now is a favourable time for invest- ment. I should also like some of my brother-farmers— I mean those who have given farming here a fair trial—to state their opinion as to whether farming in New Zealand D 34 NEW ZEALAND. can be made to pay, or whether it only leads to an intro- duction to the Bankruptcy Court. (From Otago Witness, July 5, 1884.) DOES FARMING PAY IN NEW ZEALAND P TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-You will readily perceive the difficulty that arises in trying to prove that farming in New Zealand pays, as it so entirely depends on the size of the farm, situation, quality of the land, &c., besides the fluctuating value of all farm produce, that it is useless to quote figures. In my opinion a practical farmer not overburdened with debt, and who is content with cropping, say, one-fifth of his farm each year, leaving the remainder in grass and turnips, can make fair interest on money invested, besides a very comfortable living. Undoubtedly, the larger a farm is, up to, say, 1,000 acres, the better it pays, as there is very much the same expense in managing 200 acres as 5oo acres; and I think any man with, say, 24, 2,000 capital, would do far better if he leased 1,000 acres, with a purchasing clause, than if he bought 200 acres. Plenty of men have failed to make farming pay because they bought their land at a high price on deferred payments, expecting to make, say, 75 per cent. of the purchase-money, besides interest, in two or three years. Of course, numbers fail from lack of experience and bad management: one hears far more about one man failing than about a dozen who are doing well. I don't think the statement made by the correspondent to the AWelson Colonist about farming in Canterbury is worthy of serious notice by any one, as I am convinced it is quite untrue, except in a few cases. In conclusion, I may say that I blame neither the country nor the taxation for the present depression in farming, but consider that it is the enormous private indebtedness and high wages, combined with low prices for produce, that is giving farming such a bad name at present.—I am, &c., ANOTHER CANTERBURY FARMER. FAIRLIE CREEK, June 24. FARMING EXPERIENCE. 35 (From Otago Witness, July 12, 1884.) DOES NEW ZEALAND FARMING PAYP TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-In reference to the above heading, I quite agree with the opinions expressed by “Canterbury Farmer" in his letter to the Witness of 28th June. The farmer who, with health and ordinary luck, could not make a living off 200 acres of fair land, ready fenced, with house and stable, horses, and all the necessary implements, must have quite mistaken his vocation, and also be altogether deficient in energy and application to work, I have before me now the experience of a neighbour of mine, who would have considered himself fortunate had he begun farming with the same advantages as he of the Canterbury Plains, described in the extract from the Me/son Colonist, quoted in Mr. Clayden’s letter. My neighbour (whom we shall call A.) leased, five years ago, 3oo acres of unimproved land at an annual rental of 3s. per acre. The land was about three parts fenced; the remainder of the fencing, and also 60 acres broken up, which A had done by contract previous to leaving his situation on a farm, where he was engaged as ploughman. His entire capital on enter- ing his farm amounted to 24,8o and one horse worth about 24, 20. Not being able to raise a three-horse team and double-furrow plough, he purchased another old horse and second-hand swing plough cheap, thus being enabled to cross-plough the 60 acres previously broken up. A small cottage to reside in, seed for his first crop, horse feed, and a set of harrows; these necessaries used up all his little capital, and left him without a cent till his first crop came in. From the proceeds of his first crop—which was a fair one—he was enabled to procure another horse and a double- furrow plough. Since then he has had three successive grain crops, from each of which he has been able to pur- chase stock and procure all the necessary implements—up even to a reaper and binder—for working his farm. At the present time A.’s position, financially, stands thus: he has a comfortable four-roomed cottage, barn, and stable, all his D 2 - 36 NEW ZEALAND. land under cultivation, one-third being now down in English grass, owns a team of four good draught horses, three or four milch cows, 150 sheep, all needful farm implements, and, as the proceeds of last year's labour, 4.30o clear of all expenses. I may say that A is married (with a young family), Mrs. A. being a thoroughly thrifty household manager, and not above aiding her husband outside occa- sionally, when an extra press of work happens to occur. These results in A.'s case have been attained, not through any exceptional run of good luck, but solely from hard work, perseverance, and economy. I will briefly give another example: A farmer in this district, named B. owned 200 acres. Six years back, owing to sickness in his family and a couple of poor harvests, he was under the necessity of mortgaging his land to raise the needful for carrying things on. He worked hard, and practised the most rigid economy; his crops yielded rather better than formerly, which enabled him to save some money and clear the mortgage off. This season, after harvest, B. has, as the result of the year's operations, a clear profit of A 250 in hard cash. I am aware of several other instances in my own imme- diate neighbourhood where farmers, owning from 150 to 3oo acres, have saved money, added to their freehold, in some cases doubling the extent, and are now occupying an easy position in life. Now, in this district neither the climate nor the soil are considered so favourable to farming profitably as that of the Canterbury Plains. The subsoil is a stiff cold clay, and to grow a good crop of wheat—say 35 bushels to the acre—the land requires summer fallowing. Barley, as a rule, cannot be grown; and English grasses disappear from the face of creation the third year after being sown. The conditions, therefore, to speedily qualify a farmer for the Bankruptcy Court are even more suitable here than further north ; still those who are industrious and thrifty prosper in spite of all drawbacks. As the reverse side of the question, I know, from my own experience, how easily a farmer may outrun his income by a little extravagant management. Some fourteen months back, as the profits of the previous season, I realised the sum of £600. Encouraged through having such a tidy FARMING EXPERIENCE. 37 sum on hand, I was induced to carry out several altera- tions and improvements on my farm—works necessary. enough in a way, and which will ultimately prove remune- rative. My fault only lay in trying to do too much at once. I spent in one season what I should have extended over three, the consequence being that, at the end of the year, I found myself 24, 1oo on the wrong side of the ledger. As the penalty for this I must now economise, curtail my ex- penses, and work harder myself. Other two such years would have rendered me insolvent. A few weeks ago I heard a ploughman say that the extent of his ambition was to own a 200-acre farm, with money enough in hand to start working it. Place the same man on the Canterbury Plains farm, and I am convinced he would not only remain solvent but save money fast. There are hundreds of farm servants in New Zealand who would ask for no better opportunity than to be so placed, and, had they such a lucky chance, would, in a few years, earn a comfortable independence for themselves and families. Of course, to succeed as a farmer, a man must have a prac- tical knowledge, and apply himself to work. Spend not a sixpence for the sake of show or appearance. Let every- thing be done with a view to utility and profit; and, above all, let him learn to do without an article until he has the cash in hand to pay for it. CLUTHA FARMER. BY A CANTER BURY FARMER. (From Oſago JVitness, July 12, 1884.) HAVING been asked to go somewhat more closely into the details of my experience as a Canterbury farmer, I shall endeavour to give an outline of the principles—if such they may be called—by which I have been guided in my farming operations. I should be sorry indeed to set myself up as a model farmer, and there are, no doubt, students at our School of Agriculture at Lincoln who would have no difficulty in convicting me of the direst ignorance, so far as the scientific aspect of farming is con- cerned ; but, as I now own thirty acres to every one that I 38 NEW ZEALAND occupied twenty years ago, I may fairly claim some merit for my way of working if judged by results. Perhaps the most unexpected event that has ever befallen me is to find find myself figuring in print in defence of the agricultural capabilities of the southern districts of New Zealand, and, if I fail to express my views with as much clearness as could be desired, I can only say that a life spent mostly in the field is not the best training for anything in the shape of a literary undertaking. When I began farming in Can- terbury, the sheep farmer or squatter, and the corn-producer, or cockatoo as he was contemptuously termed, were wholly distinct and separate with regard to their occupations. The squatter did not grow corn, and the farmer kept no stock except horses, pigs, and perhaps dairy cattle. Having had some experience of farming at home in my younger days, I perceived that this division of industry was a mistake, at any rate so far as the farmer was concerned. I therefore resolved from the first to keep some sheep, however small a flock, a resolve from which I never allowed myself to be turned aside. My first flock consisted of fifty store wethers, for which I gave 19s, a head, as sheep were sheep at that period. My farming friends regarded this step as one of rather more than questionable wisdom, while my squatting neighbours were inclined to think me presumptuous—as, in fact, a man who tried to ape his betters. They did not like the idea of the country being spotted with a number of small flocks—a feeling which was, perhaps, excusable in those days when scab was prevalent. They consoled themselves, however, with the reflection that a man with such hair-brained and impracticable ideas could not last long, and that my inevitable ruin would serve as a whole- some warning to other cockatoos. I take some pleasure in being able to state that my flock has been steadily on the increase to this day. Whatever success I have attained as a farmer I attribute largely to my having always combined sheep-farming with grain-growing. I have experienced some seasons during which my grain was, from various causes, little better than a failure, and it was then that I found the advantage of having a second string to my bow. At the worst of times I never failed to make some profit, greater or lesser, from my flock. And here I FARMING EXPERIENCE. 39 will notice a point which I think to be of much import- ance. Soon after I began to keep sheep, I managed to secure the run of a few hundred acres of waste land, being a detached portion of a run. This was a great help to me. I ran my sheep outside during the day, and brought them in on the farm at night. By these means the fertility of the land was constantly being recruited, and I was not only enabled to grow a larger breadth of corn than I could otherwise have done, but at the end of a number of years the crops were as good as when the land was new. In saying this I am not exaggerating in any way, for the crops I grew during the last season I occupied that farm were amongst the best I ever had. There are probably many other farmers who will agree with me as to the importance of a small breadth of cheap pastoral land attached to a farm, and this is a point which our legislators would do well to bear in mind in the future administration of the yet unsold agricultural and pastoral land of the colony. The two classes of land should be worked in together as much as possible, for by no other means can either sort be utilised to so much advantage. The combination of pastoral and arable pursuits is, I hold, essential to the success of an individual farmer, and this principle is equally sound as applied to the whole country. I do not think that a wise administration of the public lands consists in imposing as many petty and harassing restrictions as possible on the occupiers of land, but I think the best land laws are those which conduce to the highest degree of permanent productiveness. In answering the question as to whether farming in New Zealand pays, I would say that there is a perfectly safe and easy road to successful farming in New Zealand or any other country, and that, while much depends on the Country, a good deal also depends on the man. Given a substantial capital to begin with, and experience or natural aptitude for the business, I think there is no pleasanter way of making a living than by farming in New Zealand. Under these circumstances, there is no necessity for any great amount of physical exertion on the part of the farmer; he is very independent, and if he is moderate in his desires, and content to live well within his income, a bad season 4O NEW ZEALAND. need not be to him an object of dread. This is supposing that he has not gone in deeper than his capital warrants, and has not allowed himself to be carried away by the prevailing spirit of speculation. Farming is one thing and land speculation another, but the two things are often con- founded, and failure and losses are attributed to the climate, the soil, the taxes, the country generally, which, properly speaking, are due to rash speculations in land. In cases where farming is not found to pay, it is seldom, if ever, the fault of the country, but is due mainly to impatience of steady work, to extravagant habits, and to that feeling of restlessness and discontent which seems to pervade all classes of the population. Our agricultural statistics show conclusively that there is no other country in the world in which the land yields a larger increase of produce in return for each day's labour expended upon it, and this, I think, is proof enough that when farming does not pay it is not the country that is at fault; neither do I think it is the taxes, notwithstanding the recklessness with which the public funds have been spent during the last twelve years. We are, it is true, paying interest on a great deal of unpro- ductive outlay, but much of the public expenditure has been highly productive. The taxes are higher now than when I began farming in Canterbury, but farmers have conveniences and labour-saving appliances which were not dreamt of in those days. The cost of production has been reduced immensely. In my early farming days, too, if a man wished to educate his family, he had to stand the whole expense. There were no free schools either in town or country, and as my family was a large one, and I did not wish to see them growing up in absolute ignorance, the cost of giving them a very plain education was a con- siderable drain upon my means. Having done this, I have now the pleasure of assisting to educate the children of other people, but this I should not grudge if it could be shown that the results are at all commensurate with the outlay. That there are cases of downright misfortune to be met with, in no way due to any shortcoming on the part of the individual, I freely admit; there must always be some such cases in every country. Having a recollection of the trials through which I have gone myself, I should be the last to CAPITAL REQUIRED. 4 I withhold the word of sympathy or encouragement; but I say this fearlessly, that no man who has the heart and the strength to work need ever despair in this country. This is probably the last time that I shall trouble the readers of the Witness with my experiences or opinions, and I beg leave to conclude with a quotation from a writer of shrewd and homely wit, but whose works are somewhat out of date:—“Friends and neighbours, the taxes are indeed heavy; and, if those laid on by the Government were the only ones we had to pay, we might more easily discharge them; but we have many others and much more grievous to some of us, -we are taxed twice as much by our idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by our folly; and from these taxes the commissioners cannot save or deliver us by allowing an abatement.” CAPITAL REQUIRED TO COMMENCE FARMING. TO THE EIDITOR. SIR,--I find that my estimate of the capital value of a 200-acre farm on the Canterbury Plains, of medium quality soil, with fences, buildings, and working plant included, has been questioned; but, in placing a farm of that description at 4.7. Ios. an acre, I do not think I overstepped the mark. I think it probable that a professional valuator would put it at a higher figure. If any land of medium quality in the Canterbury Plains were still in the hands of the Government, it would be a different matter; it would then not cost the Government 24, 1,500, or anything like that amount, to put a man in possession of a farm such as that described. But we must deal with the facts as they are. If we except reserves of various kinds, not open for sale, I have no hesitation in saying, from my own knowledge, that there is not a single block of 200 acres of average quality land in the Canterbury Plains remaining in the hands of the Government. My object was to show that, in presenting a man with a farm of the sort in question, you put him in possession of a property of the capital value of what, for argument's sake, I put at 24, 1,500, and I must still maintain that a really practical man, beginning at ENGLISH FARMERS AIDVISED. 43 unpardonable sin of presiding over a Tenant Farmers’ Rights' Association meeting.) My advice, therefore, would be :—Do as the labourers have done—thin your ranks. Instead of there being six eager applicants for one farm, so that the steward can screw you down to any conditions that he may, in his desire to please his employer, dictate, let there be half a dozen farms for you to choose from. If then you are fettered by a thousand foolish restrictions,—even to the dictating what church you shall attend,-it will be your own fault. I appeal to Mr. Howard, the true farmers' friend, if there ever was one in this world, to throw the whole weight of his influence into this paramount question of emigration. “While the grass is growing the steed is starving.” The reforms which he is gallantly fighting to secure, like the equally noble fight of Mr. Arch, are too slow in coming for the necessities of the case. Emigration is an immediate and direct remedy. Once the landlord sees a prospect of un- occupied acres, he has but to capitulate. What is the worth to any one of land untilled ? Goldsmith sang a hun- dred years ago— Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates, and men decay; but who shall set forth the condition of a landlord without tenants for his farms ? A most important factor in this argument is the modern discovery of freezing farm produce, thus making the mutton and beef fed on Antipodean pastures available for the European market. I see no limits to this revolutionary discovery. I had a letter a few weeks ago from a New Zealand farmer, whose charming home and thousands of highly-cultured acres would make even an English land- lord's mouth water, and what did I learn ? He had char- tered a steamer to take his farm produce to England; and a flourishing dairy factory was in full working order in his neighbourhood, from which some 50 tons of cheese had been sold during the 1883–4 season. How this works may be gathered from the experience of one farmer, Mr. James Milne. He keeps from 8o to 9o 44 NEW ZEALAND. cows. All his milk goes to this factory. From 16th Oct., 1883, to 31st May, 1884, he drew cash from the factory to the amount of 4,630, an average of nearly 267. Ios. per cow. And these dairy factories are springing up all over the colony. What the splendid dairy farmers of West Berks, Wilts, and Dorset might do amid the incomparable climatic conditions of New Zealand, I saw illustrated by an old Somersetshire farmer near Nelson. His butter, which I. was fortunate enough to be supplied with for several years, was equal to any that I had ever had, even in West Berks, and I saw some of his cheese at a local agricultural show which fetched 1s. 3d. per lb. He knew his busi- ness, which not one New Zealand farmer in a hundred does, and hence a most successful career. On his thou- sand-acre farm I have seen barley growing which would have rejoiced the heart of the late Sir M. Bass. He is to-day a 24, 20,000 man. I have no wish to parade instances of rich colonists. which have come under my notice, but I may mention three or four whose deaths occurred during my residence in New Zealand. Mr. N. Edwards, a Nelson merchant, left A 150,000; Mr. Symonds, another Nelson man, left much more. The two brothers Rhodes, each died worth half a million. Of the last of the two the papers recorded as follows:– “The will of the late Mr. R. H. Rhodes has been proved under 24,600,ooo. Strange to say, it did not contain a single bequest of a public character, and but very trifling legacies outside the deceased gentleman's family. It is, however, stated on authority that some time prior to his death. Mr. Rhodes gave a cheque for 24, 5,000 to Bishop Harper, with the object of making permanent provision for much- required religious services, &c., at the Hospital Lunatic Asylum and similar institutions. His children have also announced their intention to give 24, Io, ooo for the estab- lishment and partial endowment of a convalescent hospital. Then there is the legacy duty, which will amount to over 30, ooo-a very opportune windfall for the colonial trea- surer—so that the public will derive material benefit from the estate.” The thought which has been uppermost in my mind BETTER FARMING NEEDED. 45 during my researches of the past four years has been this:–If the nondescript agriculturists of New Zealand— retired publicans, half-pay officers, ex-grocers, and such- like, can do as well as they, for the most part, have done, what might not the born farmers of England, Scotland, and Ireland achieve in the way of success? Nothing can be more slovenly than the average New Zealand farming, except in the Otago and Canterbury provinces, where so large a proportion of Scotchmen are found, the best all-round settlers of the colony. It is no unusual thing to hear of a man taking a wheat crop off his land for twelve or fifteen years running ! Manuring is the exception. Rotation of crops is altogether unknown in many districts. - And yet, with this slipshod farming, thousands upon thousands of comfortable homesteads have been secured, and vast numbers of families have been brought up in a moderate degree of ease and affluence. - The carking care of the heavily-handicapped English agriculturist is comparatively unknown. The men whom I invite to try their fortunes in New Zealand are young working farmers, who can command from 4,300 to 24, 1,000 capital after landing in the colony. These men I advise not to sink their capital in the purchase of land, but to avail themselves of the recent Government arrangements for permanent leasing (see p. 105). By- and-by, when they are in a position to buy, there will be plenty of opportunities constantly presented. Thousands of settlers cripple themselves for life by an insane craving for freeholds. They sink their capital, and then have to mortgage their farms to procure a working capital. It is hardly too much to say that this cause, and yielding to a passion for drink or gambling, will explain nineteen- twentieths of the colonial failures. Of course, where there is a command of capital, a judicious expenditure on the purchase of land in an improving district is every way commendable. I was travelling in the interior of the North Island of New Zealand recently, and, had I been a capitalist, I would have invested largely in land contiguous to a new line of railway now in course of formation. That land, now to be purchased at from A3 to 24.5 per acre, will one day 46 NEW ZEALANI). be worth from 24, 15 to £20. Nothing can prevent it. Some of it is from three to five feet deep, of rich black soil. Yearlings put in the paddocks become fit for the butcher in two years. A friend of mine at Nelson told me how he made 24, 20,000 in Otago. He bought 5oo acres of land along the route of a projected railway. He gave 24, 2 per acre for it. The railway came, and he sold out for £20,000. The original purchase-money he had made by working at his trade as a wheelwright. Another illustration of the same thing I found on board the Aorangi. A passenger told me that he bought a section of land in Timaru some years ago for 24.30 the quarter of an acre. He had within the last five years let it on a building lease for twenty-one years at 24, Ioo a year, payable quarterly, and had stipulated that buildings of the value of 24, 3,000 should be put upon it. The property was valued under the property-tax at 265,000. The projected railways, and those already in course of formation in the North Island, will afford thousands of such chances. All that has been done in this way on the South Island—and tens of thousands of Scotchmen and others have there secured competencies—may be repeated on the North Island. The land will not be picked up so cheaply, as the sons of the prosperous Southerners will be in the field as competitors, and the Maoris will not part with their inheritances as those on the South Island did, where a whole district—the West Coast—rich in all kinds of minerals, and valued to-day at three hundred millions sterling, was bought for £600 ! I heard a member of the House of Representatives make this astounding statement in a speech in the House not three months ago; and as he represented a West Coast constituency, and was a lawyer of considerable standing, it may be assumed that he knew what he was saying. In conclusion, I have only to say, that if a party of from twenty to fifty capitalists will accept my leadership I am prepared to place myself at their service. The Government will afford every possible encouragement, and both the Chairman and Secretary of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, particulars of whose enterprise is ap- THE VOYAGE OUT. 47 pended (see p. 203), are willing to give all the guidance in their power. I believe the opportunity to be unique in its advantages, and the Direct Steam Service, with its splendid fleet of vessels, offers every facility for investigation. The second saloon accommodation is all that can be desired. For forty guineas a passage may be secured to any New Zealand port, and this means a six weeks' residence in a floating hotel. At each meal there is an abundance of fresh meat, new bread, and all the luxuries of a well-to-do home. The cabins are exquisitely clean and roomy. The electric light floods cabins and saloons with a light almost equal to day. Civil stewards attend to every want, and, once the sea-sickness is over—an affair of a few days only —there is nothing to prevent the utmost enjoyment. I am not a good sailor, but I must say that the five and a half weeks' voyage from New Zealand in the New Zealand Steam Shipping Company's superb vessel the Aorangi, which I have just made, will ever remain as one of the pleasantest episodes of my eventful life. The saloon of an evening resembled a quiet party of friends in a parlour. At one table two or three couples would be playing at chess. At another a whist party would be amusing themselves. At the piano a lady would be heard discoursing exquisite music. Others have their books. All were happy and contented. I think I need say no more. The chapters which follow will give the necessary data for arriving at a decision as to New Zealand openings. GENERAL DESCRIPTION. SITUATION AND AREA. The Colony of New Zealand consists of two islands called the North and South Islands, and a small island at the southern extremity called Stewart Island. There are also several small islets, such as the Chatham and Auckland Isles, that are dependencies of the colony. The entire group lies between 34° and 48° S. lat, and 166° and 17.9° E. long. The two principal islands, with Stewart Island, extend in length 1,100 miles, but their breadth is extremely variable, ranging from 46 miles to 250 miles, 48 NEW ZEALAND. the average being about 140 miles, but no part is anywhere more distant than 75 miles from the coast. AREA OF THE ISLANDS. Sq. Miles. Acres. The total area of New Zealand is about ... 100,000 or 64,000,000 * * * > the North Island being ... 44,000 , 28, 160,000 * * • * the South Island being ... 55,000 ,, 35,200,000 * > * > Stewart Island being --- I, OOO , , 64O,OOO It will thus be seen that the total area of New Zealand is somewhat less than that of Great Britain and Ireland. The North and South Islands are separated by a strait only thirteen miles across at the narrowest part, presenting a feature of the greatest importance from its facilitating inter- communication between the different coasts without the necessity of sailing round the extremities of the colony. The North Island was, up to the year 1876, divided into four provinces—viz., Auckland, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, and Wellington. Taranaki and Hawke's Bay lie on the west and east coasts respectively, between the two more important provinces of Auckland on the north and Wel- lington on the south. The South Island was divided into five provinces—viz., Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago, and Westland (Southland was for a short time an independent province). Nelson and Marlborough are in the north, Canterbury in the centre, Otago in the south, and Westland to the west of Canterbury. These provinces, however, in 1876 were divided into sixty-three counties—thirty-two in the North Island and thirty-one in the South Island; and provincial government ceased to exist. NAMES OF COUNTIES. In the Morth Island.--Mongonui, Hokianga, Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Hobson, Rodney, Waitemata, Eden, Manukau, Coromandel, Thames, Piako, Waikato, Waipa, Raglan, Kawhia, Taranaki, Patea, Tauranga, Whakatane, Cook, Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, Wanganui, West Taupo, East Taupo, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Waipawa, Hutt, Wairarapa West, and Wairarapa East. MOUNTAINS AND PLAINS. 49 In the South Island.—Sounds, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Waimea, Collingwood, Buller, Inangahua, Amuri, Cheviot, Grey, Ashley, Selwyn, Akaroa, Ashburton, Geraldine, Waimate, Westland, Waitaki, Waikouaiti, Maniototo, Vin- cent, Lake, Peninsula, Taieri, Bruce, Clutha, Tuapeka, Southland, Wallace, Fiord, and Stewart Island. MOUNTAINS AND PLAINS. New Zealand is mountainous, with extensive plains, which in the South Island lie principally on the eastern side of the mountain-range, while in the North Island the most exten- sive lowlands lie on the western side. In the North Island the interior mountainous parts are covered with dense forest or low scrubby vegetation; while in the South Island these parts are chiefly open and well grassed, and are used for pastoral purposes. In the North Island the mountains occupy one-tenth of the surface, and do not exceed from 1,500 to 4,000 feet in height, with the exception of a few volcanic mountains that are more lofty, one of which, Tongariro (6,500 feet), is still occasionally active. Ruapehu (9, Ioo feet) and Mount Egmont (8,3oo feet) are extinct volcanoes that reach above the limit of perpetual snow : the latter is surrounded by one of the most extensive and fertile districts in New Zealand. The mountain-range in the South Island, known as the Southern Alps, is crossed at intervals by low passes, but its summits reach a height of from Io, ooo feet to 12, ooo feet, and it has extensive snow-fields and glaciers. Flanking this mountain-range and occupying its greater valleys are ex- tensive areas of arable land, which are successfully cultivated from the sea-level to an altitude of over 2, ooo feet. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS. As New Zealand is essentially a pastoral and agricultural country, it is fitting that, in an enumeration of its products and resources, these should have our first and fullest attention. Foremost among these products, of course, stands the E. 5o NEW ZEALAND. great New Zealand staple—wool. As, however, I am mostly interested in the promotion of agricultural settle- ment, 'I shall give the leading place to such produce, and the most important article under this head is—the wheat crop. At one time South Australia was the premier colony in wheat-production of the Australasian group, but such is not now the case; instead of occupying the first place, she is the third in the list. In 1873 South Australia produced 2,000,ooo bushels of wheat more than Victoria, and nearly twice as much as New Zealand. In 1882 Victoria headed the list with 8,714,377 bushels, and New Zealand followed with 8,297,890 bushels, while the total yield in South Australia was 8,087,032 bushels. New South Wales fol- lowed with 3,405,966, Tasmania 977,365, Western Australia 153,657, and Queensland 39,611 bushels. In 1883 New Zealand headed the list with Io,270,591 bushels, and Victoria followed with 8,751,454 bushels, while the total yield in South Australia was 7,356,117 bushels. New South Wales followed with 4,042,395, Tasmania 946,889, Western Australia 249,900, and Queensland 145,752 bushels. The total quantity of wheat produced in 1873 in Australasia was 17,936,715 bushels. In 1882 it had in- creased to 29,675,899 bushels. In 1883 the total quantity was 31,763,098 bushels. As the total population is about 3,000,ooo, it will be seen that the quantity of wheat pro- duced is more than sufficient to feed twice that number of people. - A short time ago several agricultural societies in Australia instructed Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson McIvor, an agricul- tural chemist of some note, to proceed to New Zealand with the view of investigating the causes of the enormous yield of grain per acre grown in New Zealand. Mr. McIvor travelled extensively in the colony, and visited the principal agricultural districts in the North and South Islands. He collected many samples of soil, analysed them, and arrived at the conclusion that the superiority of the New Zealand climate was the chief cause of the large yield of grain per acre. He found, in addition to the fertility of the soil, a suitable distribution of warmth and moisture. He said, however, that in some parts of Australia, such as Gippsland, LAND UNDER CULTIVATION, AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE, 1883. cº- ã 3. In Wheat. In Oats. 35 wn + 5 % Acres. 2.5 5 : 3 : 8 25. §§2, DISTRICTS, it. ## g = - 58-3 ~ - 33% # ## # | # # 33 || | | ### # | # ~. # = | #5 º ### ..o o :: S- § 5 o : 2- t- Acres. H C * ſº, i. Auckland ...... ... 1883 || 4,915 6,128 27,437 10,888 245,621 8,393 3,488 83,877 92 . 1882 || 4,704 || 6,064 26,973 8, 100 213,842 || 7,589 3,268 8,319 Taranaki .............. , 1883 979 1,408 2,OIA, 4, 198 I22,367 308 3, 18O 96,048 3 * ............... 1882 943 || I, 33 I I,351 2,960 76,771 375 I,975 60,019 Hawke's Bay ......... 1883 727 I, I55 12,717 1, 148 26,598 771 4,372 90,081 3 * * * * * * * * * * I882 683 1,082 o,484 1,608 44,503 957 3,947 88,582 Wellington ............ 1883 || 2,205 || 3,524 6,057 15,038 363,022 | 1,808 || Io,549 255,038 3 * * * * * * * - - - - - - - - - 1882 || 2, 142 3,389 5,027 12, OI3 278,884 2,369 8,902 259, 150 Marlborough............ 1883 42O 644 3,367 3,252 77,533 1,807 2,417 73,4 3 * - - - - - - ... 1882 424 647 IO,4OI 3,789 88,780 | 1,408 2,08o 58,918 Nelson .................. 1883 909 I,635 2, 162 2,327 42,231 4,914 2,264 39,932 2 * * * * * * * .... 1882 866 1,605 4, 55 I 3,2O7 55,394 || 4, I37 2, IOS 47,028 Westland ... ... 1883 237 344 272 --- --- 418 22O 33 --- .... 1882 229 319 82 2 32 4II IO 233 Canterbury ............ 1883 3,843 5,928 74,761 249,163 || 6,359,992 || 14,015 136,487 || 4,086,965 3 x . . . . . . . . . . . . 1882 3,649 5,806 || IOO,662 || 237,015 || 5,047,883 || 19,633 IO2,370 || 2,540,591 Otago .................. 1883 || 4,523 6,586 | 66,61 I | 104,804 || 3,033,227 | 33,032 157,093 || 5,794,787 ; : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1882 || 4,092 || 6,055 | 89,021 | 97,021 || 2,491,8oi 24,552 | 118,730 || 3,782,008 Totals ............... 1883 || 18,758 27,352 195,398 || 390,818 || Io,270,591 || 65,466 || 319,858 || Io,520,428 23 - “ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1882 17,732 26,298 || 248,552 || 365,715 8,297,890 | 61,431 243,387 | 6,924,848 Increase in ......... 1883 || 1,026 || 1,054 --- 25, 103 | 1,972,701 || 4,035 | 76,471 || 3,595,580 Decrease in ......... 1883 - - - --- 53, 154 --- --- --- --- --- In Barley. In Potatoes. $ º In Sown Grasses. : ‘E # % % ºf Žižá - ºr ~ | r * ; , ; C c - * Z ~ -. % # ? § $ 2 DISTRICTS. § 27. 5 3 ++ 3 º: 's 2 3 + 3. % = 5. 7 st ; : = ~ : 3. ‘7 3 # 3- #33 º *::: z * 3: <; ‘H 3-5 Auckland ...... 1883 446 8,923 || 4,738 16,049 44,681 II,958 13,294 285,662 3io,655 , , , , ...... 1882 427 IO,515 5,208 29,623 40,793 | 16,615 19,454 264,962 292,844 Taranaki ...... 1883 66 1,897 548 2,456 I2,O34 I,795 2,29O 37,877 II 3,990 ”, “ . .'''''' 1882 94 2,363 644 3, 154 9,056 || 2,703 4,212 35,419 93,002 Hawke's Bay... 1883 349 12,926 | 1, 146 3,529 Io,786 || 9,112 || 13, 122 122, 119 576,363 .. ... 1882 296 7,252 84o 5,037 IO,32O 9,720 I4, 349 103,514 579,233 Wellington ... 1883 837 | 18,612 | 1, 141 5,644 || 38,651 5,623 8,497 I 17,089 || 740,069 3 * ... 1882 640 | 18,484 || 1,537 9,750 || 33,269 || 7,353 II,084 121,475 750,426 Marlborough... 1883 3,787 | 104,165 457 3,044 14,082 | 1,094 | 1,629 28,064 49,717 3 * ... 1882 2,669 76,518 587 3,756 12,282 1,085 1,471 22,574 88,233 Nelson ......... 1883 || 3,572 66,379 I, O74 5,753 18,850 3,204 || 3,558 48, IO2 79,793 3 x . . . . . . . . . 1882 3,009 || 63,230 | 1,145 5,366 18,048 || 3,232 4,206 49, IOS 76,066 Westland ...... 1883 - - - --- 218 7 I-1 752 239 177 3,381 6,636 3 x . . . . . . 1882 2 4. 247 824 I,OI5 2O8 22O 3,503 6,286 Canterbury ... 1883 || 14,443 || 378,457 || 5, 120 32,401 || 552,454 | 16,855 19,038 || 726,274 253,808 2 3 ... 1882 17,728 347,075 5,930 31,508 || 502,404 || 15,647 16,917 674,895 176,050 Otago ......... 1883 || 4,646 145,804 || 6,046 34,991 441,005 || 1 1, 174 14, 159 650,396 172,567 x 2 - - - - - - - - - 1882 4,943 138,652 | 6,402 32,872 || 375, 108 || 11,860 17, 168 496,425 | 154,054 1883 28, 146 | 737, 163 || 20,488 IO4,581 | 1, 133,295 || 61,054 75,764 2,018,964 2,303,598 1882 29,808 664,093 22,540 121,890 | 1,002,485 | 68,423 89,081 1,771,875 2,166,194 Increase in... 1883 --- 73,070 --- - - - 130,810 - - - ... , 247,089 I 37,404 Decrease in... 1883 | 1,662 --- 2,052 17,309 --- 7,639 13,317 --- --- - 3. 54 NEW ZEALAND. improved machines for harrowing and pulverising the ground. The American harrows are easily managed, whilst some of them answer the purpose of the plough. Pulverising the soil enables the smallest roots to penetrate the ground and find nutriment. Besides, the seed and surface manure (where such is used) are covered up better by harrowing than by any other method, and, moreover, time and labour are saved. The common toothed harrows that follow the plough are valuable to the farmer, but are nothing like as valuable as those which enable him to dispense with the use of the plough altogether. Mowing and reaping machines are also largely used, as well as gathering, lifting, and stack- thatching machines. The mean average of the seven years in New Zealand for oats was 33°42 bushels to the acre, while Victoria gave 1957 bushels, New South Wales 19:44 bushels, and South Australia 13-o'ſ bushels. The average of potatoes to the acre was in New Zealand 5'13 tons, in Victoria 3-27 tons, in New South Wales 2-96 tons, in Queensland 2:42 tons, and in South Australia 3'35 tons. New Zealand oats have won great reputation in European markets, on account of their superior quality. It is perhaps not generally known that there is a very great difference in the quality of this kind of grain, and that much depends on the weight per bushel. While one bushel of oats will weigh 24 lb., another will weigh 48 lb. It is seldom that New Zealand oats, and especially those grown in the North Island and in the northern part of the South Island, weigh less than from 40 lb. to 48 lb. per bushel. It will be well for the New Zealand farmer not to lose sight of the extra weight of his oats, for it is the custom in European markets to buy by the quantity and to sell by the weight. The quality of wheat grown in New Zealand is also worthy of note. There are several varieties peculiar to the colony, and which have been successfully introduced into Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. Among these is the celebrated New Zealand “Sharman’ wheat. This variety is a bearded wheat, free from red rust and smut, and yields a small but plump grain. It has a thin, hard, wiry straw, of a peculiar brightness, about 3 feet 4 inches in height, bearing heads from 3 inches to 4 inches COST OF WHEAT-GROWING. 55 in length, and containing from fifty to sixty grains each. Dr. Schomburgh, who is an authority on agriculture in Australasia, classes the Sharman wheat along with the cele- brated American brands, the “Defiance” and “Champlain.” The two latter he thinks superior to all others. Their earliness, combined with great vigour and rust-resisting properties, makes them very popular. The Defiance dis- plays great productiveness and hardness. It is a beardless white chaff wheat, with heads frequently 3 inches to 5 inches long, very closely set, with large kernels often numbering from sixty to eighty. The Champlain is also very productive. It is a bearded wheat, and yields a plump coloured grain. Its strong and vigorous straw stands erect about 3 feet 8 inches high, bearing heads from 3 inches to 5 inches in length, and containing from sixty to seventy kernels each. Velvet wheat is largely used in New Zealand for winter, and the Tuscan wheat for spring crops. The cost of growing wheat in New Zealand is becoming less every year. The progress made in the art of farming, and the very general introduction of machinery, are the principal reasons for the change. To illustrate more fully the progress made within the last few years, I will state that Messrs. Ellis and Brothers, the owners of the cele- brated Five Rivers Estate, in Otago, grew wheat in the year 1880 at the cost of 3s. Iod. per bushel, inclusive of charges for delivering the same on board ship. The cost was estimated from an average yield of 16 bushels per acre as follows:–Cost of putting in crop, 15s. 7, d. per acre; reaping to stacking, 16s. 4%d. per acre ; for threshing and delivering on board, 1 1s. 4d. per acre ; for rent and seed, Ios. 5d. per acre, equal to 24, 2. 13s. 9d. The same tract of land yielded in 1883 an average of 22% bushels per acre, and the cost of production was as follows:—Putting in crop to stacking, 24, I. 5s. 3d. ; threshing and delivering on ship- board, IIs. 11; d. per acre, equal to 24, I. 17s. 2; d. Messrs. Ellis and Brothers employed in their last harvest a large number of McCormick's wire reapers and binders, seven of which were kept running day and night, and cut on an average 140 acres per day, or 20 acres to each reaper per . day. There are in the Australasian colonies 297,800 persons 56 NEW ZEALAND. engaged in agricultural pursuits, of whom 54,447 reside in New Zealand. It is reasonable to expect that this number will soon be largely increased, as new land is being opened up every year, and the governments of all the colonies are giving especial attention and every encouragement to the immigration of farmers from European countries. There is throughout all Australasia a steady demand for farm labour. The wages paid to farm hands are in advance of the wages last year, and range from 24, 1 to 24, I. Ios. per week, with board and lodging. Harvesters and teamsters get from 24, 2 to 24.3 per week, with board and lodging. The total value of the exports of grain from New Zealand for the year ending the 31st December, 1882, was A 907,961, against 4.986,072 for 1881. Of these exports, wheat amounted to 4,736,224; oats, 24, 138,155; and barley, 2624,404. The export of flour from New Zealand during the year 1882 was larger than that of any previous year. It showed an increase of Io,379 tons over the export for the year 1880, and 7,712 tons over that of the year 1881. I give below a table showing the quantity and value of the exports of flour from the colony of New Zealand for each year from 1872 to 1882, inclusive:– Year Quantity. Value. - - - -- - -– Tons cwt. Á 1872 - - - - - - 502 7 7,554 1873 - - - - - - 934 15 II,042 1874 ... . . . . . 2,219 15 27,330 1875 - - - ... 636 14 7,700 1876 - - - . . . . 497 O 7,049 1877 - - - ... 96.O 5 I 4,3 I5 1878 - - - ... 4,031 I 48,441 1879 - - - ... 1,277 18 13,373 I88o - - - ... 553 Io 6,oo8 1881 - - - ... 3,220 5 34,970 I882 - - - ... Io,932 o I 19,805 MR. J. C. FIRTH's FARM. 57 It will be seen from the above table that there has always been great fluctuation in the quantity of these exports. In 1873 the quantity was 935 tons; in 1874 it increased to 2,211 tons; in 1877 the amount fell to 960, and rose in 1878 to 4,031 tons, and in 1882 to Io,932 tons. This fluctuation is partly due to the amount of flour available for export, and to the demand for breadstuffs in foreign markets. Great improvement has been made within the last few years in the manufacture of flour in New Zealand, and one Auckland firm, celebrated for its superior brands, has received a contract for supplying flour to the French Government at New Caledonia. The increase in the export of New Zealand flour has awakened great com- petition annongst the millers, and some of their brands com- mand a higher price than would be expected from the cost of wheat. The most extensive farm in the North Island is the celebrated Matamata Estate, belonging to Mr. J. C. Firth, one of the ablest and most public-spirited of the earlier settlers of this colony. This estate is about sixty-five miles from the city of Auckland, and contains over 60,000 acres of freehold land, four-fifths of which consists of excellent light soil, admirably suited for grass, clover, and root crops. The remaining portion is of an undulating nature, well adapted to the growth of grain. Only about 13, ooo acres have as yet been put under cultivation, of which 2,500 acres are used for wheat. The storage buildings at the wharf, on the Waihou River, are very fine, and here Mr. Firth's steamers discharge their cargoes. All the stations on the farm are connected with one another by telephone, and traction engines are used instead of drays and horses for carrying large loads between the stations and the landing- place. The agricultural machinery and implements, a large part of which are of American manufacture, cost £7,292. Mr. Firth is making preparations to put a larger portion of his land under wheat than heretofore, and the latest English and American agricultural implements have been imported for that purpose. “I was fortunate enough,” says Mr. Consul Griffin, writing in 1883, “to visit his farm during the harvesting, and the ‘ velvet winter’ wheat I saw threshed there was, I think, the finest ever grown in any PASTORAL PURSUITS. 59 Vast tracts of land were blocked up in this way: but now a change has taken place. The Maoris, through the firm- ness and energy of the New Zealand Government, have agreed to permit the construction of a railway through the proscribed region, which will result in opening up for settlement many millions of acres of the most fertile land in the southern hemisphere. Grain is not shipped in New Zealand nor in any of the Australasian colonies with that skill and expedition univer- sally practised in the United States. Indeed, even in the large grain centres of this colony, very little attention is paid to classifying the grain, and only forwarding that class adapted to stand a long voyage and command a good price in foreign markets. It is indeed deplorable to witness the vast annount of labour—and labour is money—to say nothing of the length of time, spent over the transportation of grain from the farm to the ship. The sacks in the first place are too large and heavy (each sack containing 270 lb., 4 bushels of grain) to be handled with anything like ease. The men are obliged to use hooks, which of course damage the sacks and do great harm. If the American system were adopted, much would be saved which is now lost by the old-fashioned and tedious method of weighing the grain. The farmer is at present paid for the weight of his grain per bushel—wheat at 60 lb. per bushel, barley 50 lb., and oats 40 lb. per bushel. If the grain were put into Ioo-lb. sacks, as in America, and the grain properly classed, he would know how much grain he had as soon as the last sack left his farm, whereas he has now to wait several days for his grain to be discharged and weighed. The estimated average yield of other produce for the year, 1883, for the whole colony, was — Oats ... - - - 32-89 bushels per acre. Barley ... - - - 26'19 ,, 3 * Potatoes - - - 5'Io tons : 3 PASTORAL PURSUITS. The mildness of the winter season (which does not require that any special provision for the keep of stock during that period should be made), the general suitability -60 NEW ZEALAND. of the country for grazing purposes, and the production of a superior class of wool, caused the attention of the first settlers to be much given to pastoral pursuits, so that at a very early date all grass lands were taken up as sheep or cattle runs. The success attending the pursuit enabled the runholders to a large extent to purchase the freehold of their runs, or the best portions of them; and by improve- ments in fencing and sowing with English grasses, which thrive remarkably well in the colony, the bearing capabilities of the land were increased many fold. While in the North Island there are considerable tracts of grazing ground with natural herbage, a large extent of the country consists of hill land of varying quality, covered with forest, or bush, as it is called in the colony. This land, after the bush has been cut down and set fire to, if grass seed be sown upon the ashes, is converted in ..". weeks into good grazing land. Much forest has already been destroyed in this manner, and the land supports large flocks and herds ; and the same system will, doubtless, be extensively followed, as a large portion of country that would be so used is not available for agricultural pursuits. In the South Island the bush is chiefly confined to the western slopes of the dividing range ; the open hills, plains, and downs to the east of the range being available for grazing purposes. The extent to which pastoral pursuits have been followed may be estimated by the quantity of stock in the colony in 1881 (when the census was last taken). The numbers of the under-mentioned kinds were as follow — Horses... - - - - - - - - - I61,736 Cattle ... - - - - - - - - - 698,637 Sheep ... - - - - - - ... I 2,985,085 These numbers do not include the animals in the posses- sion of aboriginal natives, no estimate of which can be given: while, however, possessing a considerable number of horses, they own but small numbers of sheep and cattle. The annual crop of wool has, on the whole, steadily increased since the first settlement of the colony in 1839. In 1881 there was a slight decrease, which is to be ex- plained chiefly by the large increase of rabbits (as during 1881 rabbit-skins were exported to the number of 8,514,685, PERMAN ENT GRASSES. 61 valued at 24.84,744), and also to the consumption of nearly a million pounds of wool in the manufacture of woollen goods within the colony. COST OF LAYING DOWN BUSH-LAND WITH PERMANENT GRASSES. The cost of bush-felling varies from A. I. Ios. to 24, 2. Ios. an acre. On the hill-sides and on lightly-timbered lands the settler can depend upon obtaining good clearings at the first burning-off. On the heavily-timbered lands the logs and stumps remain on the ground for several years before they rot off. The average cost of felling bush, burning off, and laying down with a good mixture of grasses is from 24, 2. Ios. to 24.3. Ios. per acre. While much of the country is suited only for sheep, a con- siderable portion is well adapted for the grazing of cattle. Much attention has been paid to, and capital expended on, the improvement of the various kinds of domestic animals; and some of the sheep and cattle fattened on grasses only may well bear comparison with the animals fattened on artificial food for the English markets. The horses in the colony vary much in quality: for some years they realised such low prices that but little attention was paid to the breeding of good saddle-horses, and, as the Maoris possess large numbers of mares (not included in the census numbers), and breed from them without much regard to the improvement of stock, there has been a large increase in the number of small weedy animals. Where care has been taken, excellent results have been obtained. As both draught-horses and thoroughbreds of the best strains of blood have been imported, first-class animals of either sort are obtainable, and always command a good value. The Auckland Stud Company deserves a notice in this connexion. It has done much to improve the breed of New Zealand horses. The affairs of the company have been well managed. The board of directors have exercised great care and judgment in selecting only the best stock for breeding purposes. The following sales were made by the company during 62 NEW ZEALAND. 1882 –Greendale, A74o ; Maggie, A, 64; Penrose, 26.63; Martini-Henri, A, 1,312 ; Knottingly, A, 156; Hancock, A63; Graham No. 1, 4,73; Nancy, A42; Prince Arthur, A42; Champion colt, 4.48; Champion colt No. 2, 24.42; Graham No. 1 filly, 24.21 ; Beanstalk, 24, 1 25; Moonstone, 24, 156; Aérolite, 4, 156; Farmer, 24.42; Graham No. 2, A,47; Prince Arthur colt, A, 52 ; Polly, 24.52 ; Rosey, 24.42; Fergus Duke, 24.78; Maggie filly, 24, 21 ; Prince Arthur, 24, 2 Io; and several others. The company has recently purchased a fine estate. It is situated on the Great South Road, about eight miles from Auckland, and contains 62o acres of the most fertile land in the district—dry and volcanic, and laid down in grass. The stables have a frontage of 130 feet, with a depth of 72 feet, forming a quadrangle, and divided into a series of loose boxes. Some of the boxes are 20 feet by 12 feet. At the rear are the fodder-rooms, which are easily accessible, and in the case of fire readily shut off. In the centre of the quadrangle is a large harness-room. Behind the boxes is a covered passage, 6 feet in width, to give easy supervision of the stock. Water is laid on throughout the building. The water is supplied from a tank containing 20,000 gallons. Off the passage to the harness-room are stairs leading to the rooms of the grooms in charge. A residence, containing ample accommodation, with every convenience, has been erected for Major Walmsley, the manager. A rage for American trotters has just set in in New Zealand. A Pacific mail steamer recently brought eleven thoroughbred ones, and, while I was in Nelson, Mr. John Kerr brought from America several very handsome horses, and Mr. Robert Wilkin, of Christchurch, has imported extensively. - There is every reason to believe that the importation of American horses to New Zealand will prove a profitable industry. Those that have arrived have attracted much attention. Many flattering notices have been given them in the newspaper press, and the Auckland Herald says, “These Kentucky trotters mark a new era in the history of stock-raising in New Zealand.” The various large agricultural shows periodically held in different parts of the colony, and heartily supported by A LARGE SHEEP FARM. 63 farmers, stockowners, and the general public, have done much to encourage the good breeding of horses and cattle, and all other kinds of stock. The magnificent climate affords every encouragement to the sheep and stockowner. The range of temperature passing through 13° of latitude, from temperate to semi- tropical regions, enables him to utilise almost every fodder- plant known to exist. No expense is spared to improve the condition of the soil and grasses. Some idea of the wealth and enterprise of the New Zealand farmers can be formed from the recent returns issued by the Government, that there are in the colony 133 sheepowners each owning over 20,000 sheep, and that several own over 250,000 sheep each. So much pains is taken to improve the con- dition of the sheep that this colony has produced superior varieties. The fact is so well known that New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania sheepowners frequently import New Zealand rams and ewes to improve their own breeds, the New Zealand sheep being especially adapted for combing purposes. The original stock of sheep in this colony was nearly all drawn from Australia. Occasionally a few stud sheep are imported from England, France, Spain, and America; sheepowners, however, continue to procure their high-class sheep from the other Australian colonies. Mr. Studholme has on his magnificent estate at Waimate, situated about half-way between Dunedin, and Christchurch, over 2,000 stud merino ewes. Some of these came from the estate of Mr. Kermode, the famous sheep- king of Tasmania, and others from the magnificent run of Mr. Rich, of Bushby Park, in Otago, New Zealand. Besides the merino stud flock at Waimate, there are Io, ooo merino ewes, 8,000 of which went to merino rams, and the re- mainder to Lincoln-Leicesters. In addition to these is a dry flock of 13,000 merinoes, besides 27,ooo cross-breds on various parts of the property. This splendid sheep-run does not, however, constitute the valuable part of Mr. Studholme's property. He has on his place, which consists of 120,000 acres, 2,400 short-horn cattle and 540 blood horses. Fifty thousand acres of his land run from the hills to the sea. It is all good strong wheat land, and it is said 64 NEW ZEALAND. that 15,ooo acres of it are not surpassed for fertility in the world. One field of 3,500 acres averaged over 45 bushels. of wheat to the acre ; of 1,200 acres put in oats and 4oo in barley, the average yield of the former was from 50 to Io; bushels to the acre, and the latter from 40 to 82 bushels. Mr. Studholme charters his own ships, and recently sent the Glenavon to England with 1,500 tons of wheat, and 1.5o tons of flour. WOOL, Wool is, undoubtedly, the most important production of New Zealand, its value in export approaching nearly treble that of gold. - The exports for the last nine years have risen from 42,233,479 lb. in 1873 to 60,477, 151 lb. in 1881. In 1879 the amount was 62,643,497 lb. The falling-off is attributable to various causes, not the least serious being the rabbit. Home consumption at the woollen manufac. tories will account for 1, ooo, ooo lb. Wool is divided into two classes, combing wool and clothing wool; from which are produced the two leading kinds of manufacture in the cloth trade—viz., worsted and woollen goods. The first comprises the long-stapled wools of the Lincoln, Leicester, Cotswold, and Romney Marsh breeds of English sheep. They are required for worsted goods, and, when combed, for bombazines, camlet, &c. This is a class of wool for the production of which the soil and climate of New Zea- land are very suitable. The long-woolled sheep of Great Britain improve by the change ; the length of the wool is increased, and all its valuable properties preserved, owing, doubtless, to the genial climate and absence of exposure to the extremes of an English temperature. The Leicester breed has received great attention in New Zealand, and is the favourite with the Auckland sheep- farmers. The Cotswold is a wool very similar to the Leicester, but of a somewhat deeper and harsher character, and lacks the “lustre” so much in demand for certain classes of manu- factured goods. The Cotswold appears quite as much in WOOL. 65 favour with the New Zealand breeder as the Leicester, and probably its habits and character are more generally adapted to the climate of the South Island and the mountain pastures of the colony than any other long-woolled sheep. The Cotswold bears exposure better than the Lincoln or Leicester, will live and thrive on poor land, and come to more weight of carcass than any other breed. The value of this breed as a cross with either Leicester or short-woolled sheep cannot be too much spoken of, and the favour in which crosses with the Cotswold are held is a sufficient proof of their excellence. The Romney Marsh partakes in a measure of the qualities of the Leicester and Lincoln, being a soft, rich, and good handling wool, rather finer in quality than the Leicester, and having the glossy or “lustre’ appearance of the Lincoln. Wool of this description is much in demand for certain fabrics, and is much sought after in the French markets. The Cheviot is a wool that has grown into considerable popularity of late years, and is largely used in the worsted manufacture. It is a small, fine-haired wool, of medium length and moderate weight of fleece. The varieties of fabrics manufactured from these long- stapled wools are almost innumerable, and are perpetually varying according to the changes of fashion, though there are certain fixed kinds which may be interesting to mention —viz., Sayes, which is used for clerical and academical vestments. Serge, Sateens, light woven cloths for ladies’ dresses. Reps are heavier, and from the method of weaving have a transverse ribbed appearance. Cords are like the last, but with longitudinal ribs. Moreens, watered cloths. A/erinoes, finely-woven cloths, originally made from the fine Spanish wool called merino. Paramattas, fine cloths originally made from the Paramatta wool with silk warps, though now woollen. Camlets, thin plain-woven cloths. Z)amasks, Shalloon, and, when made with cotton warps, Crapes, Coburgs, Tammies, Delaines, Zasting, and Orleans cloths. The second kind or clothing wool comprises the short- stapled wool grown by the Southdown and Shropshire Down breeds of English sheep, and the Merino (Spanish) sheep, F 66 NEW ZEALAND. from which are manufactured woollen goods, including broadcloths and fancy kinds. The Southdown is a short-stapled, fine-haired close- growing wool, used chiefly for clothing purposes. The value of this breed to New Zealand sheep-farmers consists mainly in the improvements which crossing with it imparts to the carcass. Some breeders have crossed the South- down with the Merino, and with cross-bred Romney Marsh and Merino. The Shropshire Down is a breed which is growing every year into more importance. It produces a wool longer in the staple and more lustrous than any other Down breeds. It has been cultivated in New Zealand to a small extent only. The Merino is the most valuable and important breed cultivated in New Zealand, and of sheep of this class the flocks of the colony are chiefly composed. Although most of the New Zealand wool is grown on the South Island, there is one part of the North Island where a large number of sheep are kept—the Hawke's Bay district. . It lies between Auckland and Wellington, with the former on the north and the latter on the south. Its western boundary is formed by the Ruahine range of mountains. The district comprises an area of about 3,000,ooo acres, the greater part of which is so fertile that crops of every kind can be grown without the aid of artificial manure. In the centre of the district are the famous Ahuriri Plains, which have often been compared to the rich alluvial lands forming the basin of the Trent. The Ahuriri Plains are watered by three large rivers, which take their rise in the mountains and empty into Hawke's Bay, from which the district is named. These rivers also receive the drainage of the plains. It is said that at any point on these plains an un- failing reservoir of pure water can be obtained by the expenditure of a very small sum. An artesian pipe is driven from 50 to Ioo feet, and pure water gushes forth in abundance. This fact renders the land very desirable to small farmers who reside at a distance from the rivers, thus enabling them to water their stock and irrigate their land fully as well as if they lived on the banks of running streams. The country is so fertile that even the land which is set HAwKE's BAY WOOL PRODUCE. 67 apart for sheep-runs is rich enough, according to the testimony of Mr. Consul Griffin, to maintain from five to seven large long-woolled sheep per acre all the year round. In one part of the district the forest is so exten- sive that it is known by the name of the Seventy-Mile Bush. In this forest there are extensive clearings. The number of sheep in Napier or Hawke's Bay district is 2,600,ooo. SHEEP STATIONS. The number of sheep on the large stations varies from 15,000 to 200,ooo. Each owner fences his run in order to reduce the expense of shepherding. The fence is generally composed of split posts carrying five or six wires. When timber is scarce, rough iron standards are substituted for wooden posts. Nearly all the large sheep-runs are leased from the Government. The owners pay rent for them at the rate of 7d. per head for the sheep. In shearing time the manager is constantly overlooking the shearers for the purpose of seeing that the work is well done, that the clipping is uniform and without second cuts or steps. When the fleece is taken off it is carried to the sorting-table, where it goes through the process of skirting, which consists of taking off the locks, bellies, top-knots, and shank-pieces, and in removing any stained wool. The fleece is then rolled up and assorted. It is then ready for the woolpack. The woolpacks are pressed into bales weighing about 4oo lb. each. The woolpacks chiefly in use are those manufactured in Calcutta, being made of jute and very strong, each weighing about 1o lb. The cost of these is from 3s. Iłd. to 3s. 5}d. each. The shearers are paid from 15s. to 24, 1 per every hundred sheep shorn. A good shearer will do his Ioo to 120 sheep a day. Some of the Maoris are good shearers. The merinos, especially in the South Island, prosper far better than any other kind of sheep. The New Zealand merinos include every variety, producing from small-growth clothing to broad deep clothing wool. The wool is clean and free from burs. Some owners delight in raising sheep for the finest varieties of wool; but the greater majority prefer a fair or medium quality, looking more for the return F 2 68 NEW ZEALAND. per head than per pound. There is, of course, a greater demand for intermediate wool than for fine wool, and owners naturally give their attention to that branch of the industry which is most profitable. At an annual sale of stud sheep, held at the wool ware- house of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency, Collins Street, Melbourne, in 1882, a pure-bred ram was sold to Mr. Denbigh Hall for 295 guineas; another was sold to Mr. James Winter, Dhuringile, for 185 guineas. These prices do not by any means represent the maximum paid for pure-bred stock, for it is well known that as much as 8oo guineas has been paid for a single ram in New Zealand. NEW ZEALAND CATTLE. Although sheep are the great New Zealand staple, it is a question whether the colony will not ere long be even more noted as a grazing ground. The extraordinary fatten- ing powers of the North Island clearings, when laid down in English grasses, taken in conjunction with the facilities for dealing with the beef afforded by the meat-preserving companies, mark out a great future for this industry. As the cattle census is only taken every six years, that of 1881 as given above, viz., 698,637, is much below the probable number to-day. Mr. Griffin gives the estimate of 1,000,ooo as the number of beasts in 1883. Owing probably to climatic advantages, cattle thrive wonderfully in New Zea- land. In August, 1883, a Californian grazier despatched. a cattle expert to New Zealand to purchase stock for him. This gentleman, a Mr. Saxe, took away twenty two-year-old heifers, and twenty-four bulls, all pure-blood Herefords. The New Zealand Stock and Pedigree Company, Auckland, has one of the largest herds of pure-bred Herefords in the colony. Ayrshires are bred for the dairy; they are good. milkers. A Mr. Dilworth owns a pure blood heifer of this breed that at one time produced as much as 23 lb. of butter per week. Cross breeds, three-year-olds, fetch about 24.4 to 265 each, or, fattened, from 247 to 24, Io. At auctions the price varies from 18s, to 3os. per Ioo lb. NELSON FRUIT. 69 VEGETABLE PRODUCTS. The indigenous forest of New Zealand is evergreen, and contains a large variety of valuable woods. Amongst the smaller plants the Phormium tenax, or New Zealand flax, is of special value, whilst large tracts of country are covered with nutritious indigenous grasses, which support millions of sheep, and have thus been productive of great wealth to the colony. Many of the more valuable trees of Europe, America, and Australia have been introduced, and now flourish with a vigour scarcely ever attained in their natural habitats. In many parts of the colony the hop grows with unexampled luxuriance, whilst all the European grasses and other useful plants produce returns equal to those of the most favoured localities at home. Fruit, too, is abun- dant all over New Zealand. In the Nelson district there is a profusion of fruits. Cherries are specially plentiful, and the gooseberries are remarkably fine. Peaches also abound, and the mulberry-tree flourishes. A vast quantity of Nelson fruit is sent to Wellington, where, owing to the heavy winds, comparatively little is grown. The fruit is packed in wooden cases, holding about one bushel each (see p. 182). The abundance of peaches is such, that I have frequently seen them given by the barrowful to the pigs. It is almost the only fruit that escapes the various blights. Cargoes of them arrive in the season from out- lying districts, and I have bought them as cheap as 5s. per case of, say, 60 lb. Some varieties are very delicious. Tomatoes are grown everywhere in great profusion, and a Mr. Kirkpatrick, an enterprising American, has recently added to his “Nelson Jam Factory” a sauce department, in which “Tomato Sauce” figures very extensively. It is gaining a colonial celebrity, corresponding to that of the celebrated Reading and Worcester sauces. Oranges, lemons, citrons, and loguats are also found, whilst pears, grapes, apricots, figs, melons, and, indeed, all the ordinary fruits of temperate climates, abound in most of the New Zealand districts. Roots and vegetables of all kinds grow luxuriantly. 7o NEW ZEALAND. TIMBER AND FOREST-TREES. The general character of the New Zealand woods re- sembles the growths of Tasmania and the continent of Australia, most of them being harder, heavier, and more difficult to work than the majority of European and North American timbers. They vary, however, very much among themselves. Many varieties are very durable, and Manuka, Totara, Kauri, Black-birch, Kowhai, and Matai appear to be the most highly esteemed, on the whole. HOPS. The cultivation of hops is carried on very extensively in the Nelson province. The hop-gardens of Nelson City are the finest in the colony, and the export therefrom in 1883 amounted to over 450,000. The season was exceptionally good, as prices were very high. As much as 3s. 6d. per bushel was realised. The growers reckon all over 9d. per bushel clear profit. Hundreds of small farmers in the surrounding district secured enough by their hop crop to clear off their mortgages. The industry finds profitable employment for a large number of persons. In the hop-gathering season nearly all the young folks are engaged in picking. Young ladies are wont to go out in parties, and, while enjoying a picnic, replenish their purses. I have known a young lady bring home as much as ten pounds from the month's excursion. MINERALS. GoLD.—The value of gold exported during the year ending 30th Septem- ber, 1883, was --- - - - - - - 26978,484 The total value of gold exported to º 3oth September, 1883, was ... :640,194,567 COAL.—The output of coal in 1878 was. 162,218 tons. During the year ending 31st December, 1882, the quantity of coal raised in New Zealand was ... * - e. ... 378,172 tons. VARIETIES OF COAL. 71 The imports of coal into New Zealand were— In 1878 ... - - - --- ... I 74,148 tons. In 1882 ... --- - - - ... I 29,582 tons. Coal-mines are being worked in the provincial districts of Auckland, Nelson, Canterbury, and Otago (including Southland). The different varieties of coal may be classed as follow:— Class I.-Hydrous, containing an excess of combined Water :— - Lignite. Brown Coal. Pitch Coal. Class II.-Anhydrous, containing very little combined Water:— - Glance Coal. Semi-bituminous Coal. Bituminous Coal. I. HYDROUS CoAL, containing Io to 20 per cent. of per- Innanent Water. Lignite shows distinctly woody structure; laminated ; very absorbent of water. Brown Coal rarely shows vegetable structure; fracture irregular, conchoidal; colour dark brown, lustre feeble; cracks readily on exposure to the atmosphere, losing 5 to Io per cent. of water, which is not reabsorbed; burns slowly; contains resin in large masses. Pitch Coal.-Structure compact; fracture smooth, con- choidal; jointed in large angular pieces; colour brown or black, lustre waxy; does not desiccate on exposure, nor is it absorbent of water; burns freely, and contains resin disseminated throughout its mass. II. ANHYDROUs CoAL, containing less than 6 per cent. of water. . . Glance Coal—Non-caking, massive, compact or friable; fracture cuboidal, splintery; lustre metallic; structure lami- 72 NEW ZEALAND. nated; colour black; does not form a caking coal, but slightly adheres. This variety is brown coal altered by igneous rocks, and presents every intermediate stage from brown coal to anthracite. Semi-bituminous Coal.-Compact, with laminae of bright and dull coal alternately; fracture irregular; lustre mode- rate; cakes moderately, or is non-caking. Bituminous Coal.—Much jointed, homogeneous, tender and friable; lustre pitch-like, glistening, often iridescent ; colour black with a purple hue, powder brownish ; cakes strongly, the best varieties forming a vitreous coke, with brilliant metallic lustre. Bituminous Coal is worked chiefly in the Nelson district. At Mount Rochfort or Buller mines the seams are on a high plateau, and are Io to 40 feet thick, and from 9oo to 3,000 feet above sea-level. Accurate surveys of this coal-field show it to contain 140,000,ooo tons of bituminous coal of the best quality, and easily accessible. A Govern- ment railway, seventeen miles in length, is now completed along the level country at the base of the ranges in which the coal occurs, and from which it is lowered by incline planes constructed by the coal-mining companies. The principal mine is the Banbury, which has a magnificent seam of hard bituminous coal at an altitude of 1,8oo feet above the sea-level. At the Brunner coal mine, on the Grey River, Nelson, the working face of the seam is 18 feet, and it has been proved to extend one-third of a mile on the strike without disturbance, and to be available for working in an area of thirty acres, the estimated amount of coal being 4,000,ooo tons in this mine alone, most of which can be worked above the water-level. Coal-Pit Heath is a second mine lying more to the dip of the same seam. A third mine is being opened on the south side of the river, which, with a 370-feet shaft, will command 3oo, ooo tons. The coal from the Brunner mine, Nelson, which has now been worked for twelve years, yields vitreous coke, with brilliant metallic lustre. Average evaporative power of several samples, 7% lb. of boiling water converted into steam for each pound of coal. It occurs with grits and conglomerates of Upper Mesozoic age, corresponding to the horizon of the Gault or Lower Greensand. A railway COAL-MINES. 73 has been constructed by Government to connect the mine with the port, and harbour improvements are in progress, whereby a larger class of vessels than at present will be enabled to enter the river. The small quantity of this coal hitherto obtainable in New Zealand and Australian markets has been eagerly bought up for gas-works and iron- foundries, which generally pay for it from Io to 20 per cent. more than for any other coal. Engineers of local steamers esteem it 20 per cent. better than the best New South Wales coal for steam purposes. Coke made from it is valued at 4.3 per ton. Coal-fields in other parts of the Nelson district have also yielded excellent coal. At Murray Creek, Inangahua, an 18-feet seam of semi-bituminous coal is worked, asso- ciated with quartz grits. At Pakawau, and in the same formation at Collingwood, thin seams of hard, bright, bitu- minous coal have been worked from the sandstones of the Cretaceous period. The area of the coal-field is about thirty square miles, and the facilities of access and shipping and the abundance of iron ore and limestone will probably make this an important mining district. The chief coal-mine has been opened by a tunnel 7oo feet in length, piercing the mountain at 6oo feet above the flats along the Aorere River, the coal being brought down by a self-acting incline. This description of coal also occurs in the irregular seams in sandstone of Upper Mesozoic age (Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous), at Kawakawa and Whangarei, Auckland ; Mount Hamilton and Waikawa, Otago. It rarely cakes strongly, and has commonly an evaporative power of 6% lb. Coal has been worked since 1865 in Auckland at the Kawakawa mine, Bay of Islands, from a seam 13 feet thick under a roof of greensand; it contains much sulphur. A similar quality of coal is also worked at Walton's mine, and at the Kamo mine, Whangarei Harbour; and several important mines are opened in the coal-seams at the Malvern Hills, Canterbury. One of the most important coal-mines in New Zealand is that known as the Bridgewater Estate, situated about forty miles from Auckland. A company has been formed to work the mine. Coal can be delivered on shipboard at 4s. per ton. There is a patent-fuel manufactory on the estate 74 NEW ZEALAND. which should be imitated elsewhere. The following is Mr. Griffin's account of the affair :- The owner of the Bridgewater Estate has the exclusive right to manufacture patent fuel in New Zealand similar to that so extensively used in France and Belgium. With this process he is enabled to work up all the small waste and dust coal, and form it into briguets, varying from 2 lb. to 16 lb. weight each. A ton of these brigueſs will occupy much less space than the heavier material, and, at the same time, produce far greater heat. It has also the advantage of being nearly smokeless, clean to handle, and free from dust. The greatest advantage, however, claimed for the manu- facture of patent fuel here is the cheapness of the material, whereas at Havre it has to be imported from England. The cost of the manufacture of patent fuel per ton at Havre is as follows:— S. d. s. d. Coal 4 o to 5 O Freight 6 o , 6 5 Duty ... - - - - - - ... I O , , I I Handling and manufacturing ... 2 3 , 2 6 Pitch 4 o , 4 6 I7 3 2, 19 6 The following table shows in detail the cost per ton of the manufacture of patent fuel on the Bridgewater Estate, in the district of Auckland :- S. d. Coal • - - - - - • - - - - - ... 2 O Freight ... - - - * - - - - - ... Nil Duty - - - - - - - - - Nil Handling and manufacturing 2 5 Pitch and other material ... 4 5 8 Io Glance Coal,—This description of coal does not form a caking coke, but slightly adheres, and is a variety of brown GOLD-FIELDS. 75 coal, altered by faulting or by igneous rocks, and presenting every intermediate stage from brown coal to an anthracite. Occurs at Preservation Inlet and Malvern Hills, of Lower Cretaceous age, in extensive but detached seams from two to six feet thick in micaceous and argillaceous shales. COAL WORKINGS. The first export of coal from New Zealand was made in 1866, amounting to 261 tons. The following table shows the relative quantities of coal raised in the colony and imported during the five years ending on the 31st December, 1882:- Raised in the Colony. Imported. 1878 ... 162,218 tons ... I 74,148 tons. 1879 ... 231,218 , ... I 58,076 , 188o ... 299,923 , ... I23,298 , 1881 ... 337,262 , ... I 29,962 , 1882 ... 378,172 , ... I 29,582 , THE GOLD-FIELDS OF NEW ZEALAND. The prospects of the gold-fields of New Zealand are brighter than they have been for many years. New dis- coveries are reported. The average yield of the mines for several years past has been £1,000,ooo. The total value of the exports of gold from the colony since the year 1857 has been 4.39,250,219. The largest export occurred in 1866, when the amount was 24, 2,844,517. The next largest was in 1871, when it reached the sum of 24, 2,787,520. No one, as yet, has published a systematic history of the discovery of gold in New Zealand, but the first discovery was probably made in the district of Auckland. Who was the discoverer, or in what quantities gold was found in the years preceding the occupation of the Islands as a British colony, it is impossible to state. QUARTZ-MINING. The principal quartz mines in the North are in the Coromandel and Thames districts, about thirty miles apart. 76 NEW ZEALAND. In these localities the reefs have been proved to a depth of over 6oo feet below sea-level, but the best mines have as yet been principally confined to the decomposed and com- paratively superficial rock. Weins have been discovered and gold obtained at all levels on the ranges from the sea- level to an altitude of 2,000 feet. The quantity of gold that has been obtained from some of these quartz reefs is very great, and for considerable distances the quartz has yielded very uniformly at the amazing rate of 6oo oz. to the ton: such reefs are, however, very exceptional in New Zealand, as elsewhere. The value of such a yield may be better estimated by those not conversant with the subject, when it is stated that half an ounce to the ton is in most cases a profitable return. Auriferous reefs are also extensively worked in the schistose rocks of Otago, and they occur at all altitudes, from sea-level to a height of 7,400 feet, the most elevated gold-mine in the Australasian colonies being that opened during the year 1878 on the summit of Advance Peak, near Wakatipu Lake. Several promising reefs have also been found in the West- land gold-fields, amongst which may be mentioned a reef of auriferous stibnite at Langdon's Creek, near Greymouth, which yields from a few ounces to 99 oz. of gold per ton; but, up to the present time, these reefs have not received the attention they deserve, except at Reefton and a few other localities. The importance of Reefton as a well- established mining district may be judged of from the fact that nine mining companies there, during the year ending on the 31st March, 1878, divided, as profit, the sum of 24,63,508 among the shareholders. As an illustration of the excitement of gold-mining I might instance the following:— “Between 1863 and 1871, when the export of gold was the heaviest, the rush to the mines was unparalleled. The yield of the mines was extraordinary. In less than nine months the Caledonian Mine distributed amongst its share- holders over 24,600,ooo in dividends, and the shares rose from A, 12 to 24,300 each.” So far as the more permanent form of gold-mining is concerned, there is every reason to feel confident that it is ALLUWIAL GOLD-MINING. 77 still in its infancy in this colony, and that it only awaits the judicious application of capital for its development to a vast extent. ALLUVIAL MINING. Alluvial gold is chiefly found in the South Island, in the districts of Otago, Westland, and Nelson, in which mining operations are carried on over an area of about 20,000 square miles. The following sketch of the different mining companies will give a pretty good idea of the enterprise thrown into the gold-hunt in New Zealand:— MINING IN WESTLAND. This part of the colony of New Zealand, up to the end of 1864, was practically a ferra incognita. About that time gold was discovered, and a large rush of population started for the new fields; about 40,000 persons landed upon these hitherto untrodden shores in the course of a few months. As usual in such circumstances, many retraced their steps. More, however, who were prepared to face the diffi- culties of opening up a new country, were amply repaid for their energy and perseverance. During the first three years of the enterprise in this part of the country, no less than 829,272 ounces of gold, of the value of A3,317,118, were exported from the port of Hokitika, on which duty to the amount of 24, 103,659 was paid to the Government. Without entering into details, it is worthy of note, that although this field was not discovered until the latter part of 1864—about three years after the rush to Otago took place—fully one-half of the yield of gold exported from this colony has been the production of the west coast. The bulk of the gold obtained up to the present time in West- land has been the product of individual exertions of small parties of miners. Of late, however, it has become appa- rent to those interested in the welfare and progress of the district that the time had arrived when it was desirable to seek for the introduction of capital to work the ground on 78 NEW ZEALAND. a more extensive scale than heretofore. Large areas of ground were applied for and obtained by various companies, who have expended considerable amounts in the develop- ment of their several enterprises. The great difficulty hitherto experienced has been want of a regular and con- stant supply of water to extract the gold from the deposits of auriferous drift which are known to exist at so many points along the coast-line of 250 miles. Foremost on the fields are the Ross United Gold Mining Company, holding 200 acres of ground in the Totara dis- trict; the Humphreys Gully United Gold Mining Company, holding 200 acres in the Arahura district; and the Prince of Wales Gold Mining Company, holding 60 acres in the Totara district. The two first-named companies have a capital of £150,000 each, the last-named a capital of A 30,000. A considerable proportion of the capital in each of these companies has been subscribed in London. These companies are managed by a local directory, who are largely interested in the ventures, and who give their con- stant attention to the carrying out of the works. The 200 acres obtained by the Ross United Company comprises the large area formerly worked and drained at great expense by steam power to the depth of fully 300 feet, at which level very rich gold was obtained. In order to cope with the water, the company have completed a tunnel two miles in length, which drains the flat to a depth of Ioo feet. At this level they have erected powerful hydraulic machinery, which enables them to drain the lower levels at a nominal cost, their main shaft being now sunk 314 feet. Active prepara- tions are now in progress for the erection of powerful hydraulic elevating machinery to work the surface down to the level of the drainage tunnel; and it is calculated that the machinery will raise at least from 2,000 to 2,400 yards per diem. The elevating machinery is being erected upon ground that has been worked by parties of miners, by means of inclined tramways, for years with payable results. Under the improved system of working, there can be little doubt that the shareholders in this company will reap a rich reward for their enterprise. The Prince of Wales Company is situate about half a mile from the southern boundary of the Ross Company, at GOLD-MINING COMPANIES. 79 a place called Donoghues. Here, again, a drainage tunnel has been brought up at a low level, and elevating machinery capable of lifting 140 tons an hour erected. The ma- chinery has proved to be a success, and, as soon as the water-works are completed, will be kept in constant opera- tion, and, judging by previous experience of the ground, with very profitable results to the lucky holders of stock. The Humphreys Gully Company is situate upon the Arahura River, about ten miles north of Hokitika, and holds an area of 9,200 acres of what is known by the mining public as sluicing country. It is exceptionally situated for its successful working, having a face of auriferous drift, ranging from 200 to 500 feet high, carrying gold, more or less, through the whole extent. The get away from the tailings cannot be surpassed, there being a large fall to the Arahura River, and the ground being remarkably free from large stones. The water rights held by this company are fully adequate to their requirements. Good progress is being made with extensive works, necessary for bringing in the large supply of water required, and it is expected that in about six months the company will commence sluicing operations. FISHERIES. The assemblage of fishes which we find in the New Zealand seas on the whole represent the characteristic forms of the southern or Lusitanian province of European coasts, or, in other words, our New Zealand fishes resemble those which are found on the coast between Madeira and the Bay of Biscay more than they do those which are caught about the north of Scotland. Of thirty-three sea fishes that are used as food in New Zealand, we have, among the constant residents on all parts of our coast, the Hapuku, Tarakihi, Trevally, Moki, Aua, Rock Cod, Wrasse, and Patiki; and, while the Snapper, Mullet, and Gurnet are only met with in the North, the Trumpeter, Butter-fish, and Red Cod are confined to the South. But, with the exception of the Patiki, or Flounder, and the Red Cod, none of these are representatives of fishes that are common even in the South of Britain, while from the more northern seas similar fishes are altogether absent. 8o NEW ZEALAND. In addition to those which remain throughout the year, a very large number of the fishes of the New Zealand coast, owing to its geographical position, are pelagic in their habits, and roam over a wide range of ocean, visiting our shores only irregularly in pursuit of food. Of the edible fishes of this class, by far the largest number are visitors from warmer latitudes, such as the Frost-fish, Barracouta, Horse-mackerel, King-fish, Dory, Warehou, Mackerel, and Gar-fish, while only the Ling, Hake, Haddock, and a few other fishes, which are rare, and worthless as food, are among those of more southern types which reach the New Zealand coast in their migrations. There is a peculiarity about the Frost-fish worthy of remark: it is never caught, and it is only found after a frost, and then only on the sea- shore, thrown up as it were by the sea. The theory is that it throws itself out of the water in a last effort to escape pursuit. Its flavour is delicious, and men hang about the shores all night in hope of finding any. They fetch a high price in the market, and, occasionally, are four feet long. There is, however, no reason to complain of any want of useful variety in the New Zealand fishes as compared with Britain, for we find that out of 208 species of fishes enumerated as occurring in the British seas, including many which are extremely rare or only occasional visitors, only forty are considered to have a marketable value. In New Zealand, notwithstanding our very imperfect know- ledge (especially with regard to the gregarious tribes, which there is reason to believe inhabit shoals at some distance from land), out of 192 sea fishes, some of which are only known from single specimens, we have nearly as many varieties used for food as are brought to market in the British Islands. Of 140 species of fish enumerated as found in New Zealand, 67 species are, so far as we know, peculiar to New Zealand; 75 are common to the coast of Australia or Tasmania; while Io species are found in New Zealand and other places, but not in the Australian seas. New Zealand Ichthyology thus presents a very distinct character, the thorough deciphering of which affords a wide field for future observation and scientific investigation. OYSTERS. 81 The following is a list of the fishes which are chiefly met with in the market :— Hapuku Boar-fish Ling Anchovy Kahawai Warehou Turbot Pilchard or Red Snapper Mackerel Brill Sardine Snapper Rock Cod Flounder or Sprat Tarakihi Gurnard Patiki Eel (tuna) Trumpeter Mullet Sole Black eel Moki Sea-mullet Gar-fish Conger eel Frost-fish Spotty Grayling Silver eel Barracouta Butter-fish Smelt Leather-jacket Horse-mackerel Haddock Kokopu Smooth hound Trevally Red Cod Minnow Sting-ray King-fish Whiting Sand-eel Skate, John Dory OYSTERS. I had almost forgotten the fish—if fish it be—of which New Zealand may be said to be the home par excellence— the oyster. Nowhere, save at Norfolk, Virginia, have I seen such profusion. Four species of oysters inhabit the coast of New Zealand. Of these the most important is the common rock oyster. This species appears to be confined to the northern half of the North Island, and is very abundant on rocky ground in the many sheltered harbours and creeks on the eastern coast between Auckland and Mongonui. In the numerous inlets of the Kiapara and Manukau harbours they are also plentiful in the mangrove swamps, affixing themselves to the trunks and roots of the mangroves. In all localities they are confined to the narrow strip laid bare at low water, and attain their maximum degree of development about halfway between high and low-water marks, and are seldom found in any numbers as far as the low-water marks of spring tides. Comparatively few observations have been made as to their rate of growth, or, in fact, on any part of , their history. It is believed, however, from noticing their growth on the stone embankments lately constructed in Auckland Harbour and elsewhere, that they do not attain their full size and development in less than from five to seven years. Little also is known as to the time when the young oyster is produced. G 82 NEW ZEALAND. In the early history of the colony thousands of tons of oysters were stripped from the rocks and burnt for lime, and it is said that even now this practice has not altogether ceased. The New Zealand oyster is, I think, unsurpassed in richness and delicacy of flavour. The practice of bottling them without their liquor is to be deplored. They are best eaten off the shell. Great care should be taken in cooking them not to harden the albumen. The reason why they should be eaten raw is that the fawn-coloured mass, which is the delicious portion of the fish, is its liver, and is simply a mass of glycogen. Associated with the glycogen, but withheld from actual contact with it during life, is its appropriate digestive ferment, the hepatic diastase. The mere crushing of the oyster between the teeth, it is said, brings these two bodies together, and the glycogen is at once digested without any other help than the diastase. When cooked, the associated digestive ferment is destroyed, and the oyster has to be digested by the eater's own digestive powers. Oyster shops are found in every leading town, and a common lunch for business men is a plate of oysters and bread and butter, for which one shilling is paid. Family men take home a bottle full, holding some four dozen, for which they pay from one shilling and sixpence to two shillings. MEAN ANNUAL RAINFALL. NORTH ISLAND. SOUTH ISLAND. Auckland - - - ... 45'306 || Hokitika --- ... II2"I 56 Taranaki... - - - ... 58'084 || Christchurch ... ... 25'774 Napier ... --- ... 37'26o | Dunedin... --- ... 32'OI9 Wellington --- ... 50.781 | Southland --- ... 43-674 FOREST LANDS. The right to cut timber is, under section 86 of “The Land Act, 1877,” by licence. These rights are in force within the sub-district or timber area named in the licence. There are fourteen such timber areas within the district of Westland. LAND OPEN FOR LEASING. 83 CATTLE AND TIMBER LICENCES. These may be obtained from the Commissioner of Crown Lands. In the mining district of Hokitika the following rules are in force for regulating cattle-grazing and timber- cutting. Fees for Cattle Zicences. For every cattle licence Is., in addition to the sum of 2s. 6d. for every head of great cattle and 1s. for every head of small cattle permitted to be depastured by such licence. Persons entitled to Cattle Zicences free of Charge. The holder of a miner's right or business licence... - - - ... I head of great cattle. The holder of an agricultural lease or deferred-payment allotment of 25 acres ... - - - - - - - - - For every additional 25 acres ... I The holder of a homestead selec- tion of 50 acres - - - - - - For each additional holder of a selection in the same household 1 2 Fees for Timber Zicence. 26. If granted for 12 months - - - - - - ... 5 O 2 I I O 25 3 * 23 53 I O : 53 IO RURAL LANDS OPEN FOR LEASING IN ACCORD- ANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF “THE LAND ACT 1877 AMENDMENT ACT, 1882.” The following is a specimen of how the lands available are advertised by the Government:— “All the unsold land within the area open for sale in Blocks V., VI., IX., X., XIII., and XIV., in the Kanieri Survey District, on the east side of the Hokitika and Kokatahi Rivers; two holdings taken up, 120 acres; 3,169 acres set apart; 3,049 acres remaining. Flat land, some G 2 84 NEW ZEALAND. parts open and grassed; flax land; black scrub, and part densely timbered; grassed lands, shingly soil, rest alluvial ; from five to fifteen miles distant from Hokitika; access by dray-road bordering land described.” Leases are put up to tender at upset rental of 1s. per acre per annum. Term, thirty years, with perpetual right of renewal. Purchasing clause may be exercised, subject to compliance with conditions within six years. Rental to be paid half- yearly in advance, subject to conditions of occupation and improvement. CLASSIFICATION OF GEOLOGICAL SUBSOIL. The following table gives a classification of the lands according to the geological subsoil:— | North South -- Island. Island. Totals. Sq. miles. Sq. miles. Sq. miles. 1. Fluviatile drifts, one-third agri- cultural ... --- --- --- 8,447 6,286 14,733 2. Marine Tertiary, two-thirds agri- | cultural (rest pastoral) ... 13,898 4,2OI 18,099 3. Upper Secondary, coal-bearing, pastoral ... - - - --- --- 2,390 2, I IO 4,500 4. Palaeozoic, pastoral --- --- 5,437 20,231 25,668 5. Schistose, pastoral... - - - --- --- I5,308 15,308 6. Granite, worthless ... - - - --- --- 5,978 5,978 7. Volcanic, one-sixth agricultural (rest pastoral) ... --- --- ... 14,564 I, I 50 I5,714 44,736 55,264 |IOO,OOO STATISTICS OF POPULATION FOR 1882. Estimated population, December 31, exclusive of Maoris - - - - - - - - - - - - ... 5 I 7,707 Marriages (per 1,000 of population, 7'o'7) - - - 3,600 Births (per 1,000 of population, 37:32)... ... I 9, oog. Deaths (per 1,000 of population, 11:19)... - - - 5,701 Immigrants - - - - - - - - - Io,945 Emigrants... 7,456 Excess of immigration over emigration... - - - 3,489 POPULATION. 85 It is pretty confidently assumed that, as the increase of population between April, 1881, and December 31, 1882, was 27,774 persons, the further increase in 1883 will show the population on December 31 as exceeding 540, ooo persons, excluding the Maoris. More than 19, ooo immi- grants arrived in New Zealand during 1883, while the departures were under 9, ooo persons. The total population may be put down at the end of this year (1884) at 6oo, ooo. Of the 517,707 persons forming the European population, 283,303 were males and 234,404 females. The number of Maoris at Census, April, 1881, was 44,097. - - Mationalities.—The nationalities composing the above population on April 3, 1881, were as follow :- English and Welsh ... - - - ... I 21,187 Scotch ... - - - - - - - - - ... 52,753 Irish ... - - - - - - - - - ... 49,363 Australian - - - - - - - - - ... I 7,277 New-Zealand-born (white) ... . ... 223,404 Other British possessions - - - - - - 5,339 Foreign... - - - - - - - - - ... I 9,777 Uncertain - - - ... - - - - - - 833 489,933 A further analysis of population reveals the following interesting facts. The number of farmers and market- gardeners in New Zealand at the last Census was 19,371 ; farm servants and labourers, 12,554; the number of people engaged in various forms of agricultural work was 54,447. There were 64, 177 persons enrolled under the head of industrial classes, and 21,022 commercial. Of these, 618 were merchants, and 241 capitalists; 629 travellers and salesmen, and 3,428 clerks. EMIGRATION STATISTICS. The following is a return of the numbers and nationalities of the passengers that left the United Kingdom for Austra- lasia during the month ending July 31, 1884, and the seven 86 NEW ZEALAND. months ending July 31, 1884, compared with the corre- sponding periods of the previous year:- Month ending Seven months July 31. ending July 31. NATIONALITIES. Australasia. Australasia. 1884. 1883. 1884. 1883. English ... --- --- 2,823 4,747 | 18,748 25,948 Scotch --- --- ... 362 I,309 3,262 6, 193 Irish --- ... . --- 906 I, I 3 I 4,810 5,580 Total of British Origin ... 4,091 7, 187 || 26,890 - 37,72 I Foreigners ... --- --- I94 138 954 828 Nationality not distinguished --- --- 3O --- Total ... - - - --- 4,285 7,325 | 27,874 38,549 Occupations of the Chinese.—The Chinese at the census of 1881 numbered 5,033, of whom sixteen were women. As special legislation has taken place with regard to them, the following statistics are given of their principal occupa- tlOnS :— Gold-miners ... - - - - - - 3,858 Farmers or market-gardeners ... - - - 298 Farm servants and labourers ... - - - 6o Gardeners - - - . . . . - - - - - - 95 Rabbiters - - - - - - - - - - - - 53 Cooks ... - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Servants - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Shopkeepers ... - - - - - - - - - 85 Hawkers - - - - - - - - - - - - 33 Labourers - - - • - - - - - - - - I33 Inmates of charitable institutions ... I8 Prisoner - - - - - - - - - - - - I Various occupations ... - - - - - - 347 88 NEW ZEALAND. Value of principal articles of export— Wool... - - - 263,118,554 Gold ... ... 921,664 Produce . I, 27 I,223 Tallow I65,938 Kauri gum 26o,369 Timber ... I I4,7 Oo Customs revenue - . I,515,916 Percentage of Population able to read and write. Year. Per cent. 1861 68-67 1864 72°7o 1867 7 I'35 1871 69:20 1874 68: 15 1878 69'52 1881 ... - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 I 32 A'eligions.—Out of a population of 489,933, the persons who objected to state their religious belief amounted to 13,978. - in the household schedules opposite persons. No entry was made in the column for “Religion” the names of 1,329 The following table gives a summary of the numbers of each religious denomination:— Religious Denomination. Persons. Males. Females. Church of England, and Protestants not otherwise defined --- ... 203,333 I I I,653, 91,680 Presbyterians ... 113,168 61,543 51,565 Methodists, &c. ... 38,657 23,845 22,812 Baptists --- --- --- ... I I,476 5,785 5,691 Congregational Independents 6,699 3,449, 3,250 Lutherans --- --- ... 5,773 3,703 2,070 Unitarians --- ... 485 33i 158 Society of Friends ... --- -- ... 232 I53 79 Roman Catholics, and Catholics undefined 68,984 36,963. 32,021 Hebrews --- --- --- ...] I,536 844 692 Pagans . . . . . . . 4,936, 4,931 5 Otherwise described II,403. 6,707 4,696 Undescribed... --- --- --- I, 329 950, 379 Objecting to state their religion ... I3,978. 8,748, 5,230 CHURCH STATISTICS. 89 The Protestants of all denominations amounted to 387,767; the Catholics, including the Greek Church, to 69,039. Of the Protestant denominations, the members of the Church of England (including Protestants not other- wise defined) amounted to 203,333, or 41.5o per cent. of the population. The Presbyterians numbered 113,108, or 23°o8 per cent. ; and the Methodists numbered 46,657, or 9:53 per cent. of the population. The Roman Catholics numbered 68,984, or 14'o8 per cent of the population. Of the principal denominations, the proportions to Ioo of the population were respectively in 1878 and 1881 as follow :— 1878. 1881. Church of England . . . 42'55 4I'5o Presbyterians ... ... 22'95 23'o8 Roman Catholics ... I4'2 I I4°o8 Methodists - - - ... 9°4o 9'53 Of the smaller bodies, the Baptists increased from 9,159, or 22 I per cent, to II,476, or 2.34 per cent. ; the Con- gregational Independents varied from 5,555, or 1:34 per cent., to 6,699, or I'37 per cent. ; the Lutherans from 5,643, or I'36 per cent., to 5,773, or I'18 per cent. ; and Hebrews from 1,424, or o'34 per cent, to 1,536, or o:31 per cent. - FINANCE. A'evenue.—The total revenue in 1883–4 announted to 263,493,659, against 243,470,250 in 1882–3. The ſol- lowing figures show the comparative amounts realised by this branch of the revenue during the years 1866 to 1881, inclusive :— A. A. 1866 ... 844,267 being an increase of 114,259, or 15.65 per cent. 27o 1867 ... 843,997 ,, a decrease of , , 'O3 , , 1868 ... 788,829 5 2. 35 22 55, 168 ,, 6'53 , 1869 ... 823,511 ,, an increase of 34,682 , , 4’39 , , 1870 ... 765,930 ,, a decrease of 57,581 , , 6'99 ,, 1871 ... 731,883 ,, 3 * > * 34,047 2, 4'44 , , 1872 ... 813,279 ,, an increase of 81,396 , , II ‘I2 ,, 1873 - - - 965,800 2 3 3 * 22 I52,521 2 3 1875 2 3 1874 --- 1, 188,948 2 3 3 * 3 x 223, 148 , , 23"IO 3 * 1875 ... 1,234,967 , ,, , , 46,019 , 3.87 ,, 90 NEW ZEALAND. 1876 ... 1,206,791 ,, a decrease of 28, 176 , 2.28 per cent. 1877 ... 1,224,906 ,, an increase of 18, 115 , I '50 , , 1878 ... 1,344,688 , , ,, ,, I 19,782 , , 890 , , 1879 ... 1,237,259 ,, a decrease of Ioy,429 , , 7'98 > * 1880 ... 1,258,362 ,, an increase of 21, Io9 , , I '70 >> 1881 ... 1,421,609 -> • ? > * I63,247 , 1297 2 3 The total ordinary revenue for the colony in 1881 was as under :- Ordinary revenue, raised by taxation ... ... 43,206,554 Territorial revenue, not raised by taxation --- 550,939 Total revenue --- --- ... Á3,757,493 This shows an increase of 4,311,426 in the ordinary revenue, and 24,161,025 in the territorial revenue, as com- pared with 1880. The revenue for 1882-3, as just stated, was 43,470,250; for 1883–4, 263,493,659. . Expenditure.—The ordinary general expenditure, or expenditure chargeable on general revenue, for 1882-3, was 43,638,384; for 1883–4 it was £3,681,320. The total expenditure up to March 31, 1883, out of the Public Works Fund, amounted to 24, 19,054,018. Public Debt.—The total public debt of the colony on March 31, 1884, amounted to 24, 32,367,710. The amount to the accrued sinking fund, at the same date, was 24, 2,792,808, leaving net debt 24, 29,574,902. The estimated mean population for the year 1881 was 493,482. This is inclusive of 5,033 Chinese, but exclusive of 44,097 Maoris. The latter contribute largely to the revenue through the Customs, and many of them are wealthy. For the present purpose, therefore, they may very properly be included in the general total, which thus amounted to 537,579. As the public debt in 1881—the census year—stood at 24, 29,659, III, and the total annual charge at 24, 1,510,527, these data give a total debt of 24,55. 3s. 5d. per head, and an annual charge of 262. 16s. 2d. per head of population ; but the amount of the accrued sinking fund, 24, 2,203,893, in reality reduced the public debt to 24, 27,455,218, and therefore the rate per head is COLONIAL STOCKS. 93 r - . . . Closin Share. NAME. Paid. |Q&tº S. IO New Zealand Grain Agency and **) * I. Il Company, Limited --- --- --- 2. 3 * 8 Io New Zealand Land Mortgage Co., Limited ... # 9-16 11-16 25 New Zealand Loan & Merc. Agency Co., Ltd. 2 5}, 5} 1oo 3 * > 3 4 p. c. Perpetual Debs. IOO 93, 95 Io New Zealand Mort. & Investment Assn., Ltd. 2. +, # Io New Zealand Shipping Co., Ltd. (London Reg.) 5 4, 5 to (New Zealand Thames Valley Land Co., # "Timit. Nos.'...soo.” ". . ... }| 4 || 34, 37 25 New Zealand Trust & Loan Co., Limited ... 5 15, 16% 25 3 * 3 * 3 * 2 3 Pref. 25 28, 29 Stock N. British Australasian Company, Limited ... Iod 46, 51 : 3 5 * 3 * p. c. Irredeem. Guar. 100 100, IoS Ioo Oamuru Harbour Board, 6 p. c. Mor. Deb. Reg. Ioo Io9, 111 IOO ,, 6 per cent. 1919 (Bearer) - ...] IOO II2, II4 Ioo , , Mun. Corp. Water Works, 7 p. c. 1907 Ioo 117, 119 | Ioo , ,, * * 3 * 3 * 191o IOO | 117, I 19 Io Orient Steam Navigation Company, Limited... 9 24, 3% 5 Otago and Southland Investment Co., Limited I Ił, 2} Ioo Otago Harbour Board, 6 per cent. Debs., Reg. Ioo Io8, 1 Io IOO > 3 > 3. 3 * ,, , , of 1877 IOO Io8, I IO IOO 3 * 3 * * * 5 * ,, bonds 1881 Ioo 114, 116 Ioo ,, 5 * ,, 5 p. c. Deb. Red. 1921 IOO Ioo, Io2 ... , , , Queensland Invest. & Land Mortgage Co., Ltd. 2 33, 33 Stock Peel River Land and Mineral Co., Limited ... Ioo 97, Ioo Io R. Goldsbrough & Co., Limited, Nos. 1/20, ooo. 1 13, I; Io Robert Campbell & Sons, Limited ... ...| 7 || 63, 7# Stock Scottish Australian Invest. Co., Limited IOO 225, 235 ,, . 25 3 * 5 p. ct. Guar. Preference ... IOO | Io9, 114 3 * , 5 * y 3 2 3 5 * ...] IOO I27, 32 Io Shaw, Savill, & Albion Company, Limited ... Io --- 25 | South Australian Company ... --- ... 25 75, 80 Io ſ South Australian Land Mortgage & Agency \ 2 Co., Ltd., Nos. 1/60,481 & 90,01/100,000 | 24, 2% IOO South Australian 4% per cent. Debentures, 1886 Ioo | Ioo, Io2 ſ Timaru Harbour Board 5 per cent. Debs., \ Scrip all paid, 1914 --- - - - --- ... IOO, IO2 Io Trust & Agency Co. of Australasia, Limited ... I 3, 3} IO 2 3 > * • ? 3 * IO I2, I3 IO 3 * ,, 5 per cent. Pref. Shares Io Io, 114 IO 2 3 3 * > * > * Io 10%, 1.1% IO 3 * 92 * 9 9 3 2 6%, 7 IO Union SS. Co. of New Zealand, London Regr. Io II, I2 Ioo Wanganui Harbour Board 6 per ct. Deb., 1905. Ioo 1 Io, 112 5 Wellington & Manuwatu Railway Shares, s 1 60, 184 Col. Regr. --- --- --- 2 8 × 8 IOO Wellington & Manuwatu 5 per ct. Deb., 1908 || 100 99, Ior 94 NEW ZEALAND. AUSTRALASIAN BANKS. AUGUST, 1884. Share. NAME. |ria. oś. 40 | Bank of Australasia ... --- --- º 4O 83, 85 20 | Bank of New South Wales - ... 20 64, 66 Io | Bank of New Zealand ... --- --- ... Io 24, 26 25 | Bank of South Australia - - - --- ... 25 || 41, 43 50 | Bank of Victoria --- -- - - - ... 25 36, 38 2O Chartered Bank of India, Australia, & China 23 22, 23 Io | Commercial Bank of Australia, Limited g 4 5%, 64 20 English, Scottish, & Australian Chartered Bk. 20 29, 31 2O London Chartered Bank of Australia... ... 20 | 18, 19% 5 National Bank of Australasia ... --- ... 4 9, IO Io National Bank of New Zealand, Limited 3% 3, 3 Io Queensland National Bank, Limited... ... 5 IO, II 75 Union Bank of Australia, Limited ... … 25 70, 72 Savings-Banks.-The figures given below show the opera- tions of the Post-Office Savings-Banks for three calendar years. The severe depression which existed throughout the colony during 1879 appears to have had comparatively little effect upon this business. A greater amount of money was withdrawn during the year, but the total amount left standing at the credit of the depositors on the 31st December, 1879 was very little less than in 1878, and greater than in 1877; and since that time there has been a steady increase, as the following table shows:– 1879. 1880. I88I. Number of Post-Office Savings-Banks 165 178 I90 Amount of deposits .. ... 4812,399 ×864,441 4, 1, 189,012 23 withdrawals... ... 876, 180 780,504 902, 195 33 at credit of depositors 787,006 903,765 I,232,787 Average amount at credit of each depositor --- --- #22. 12s. 11d. Á23.7s.6d. Z24, 3s. 4d. The average cost of each Post-Office Savings-Bank trans- action, deposit or withdrawal, in the year 1881, was 44; d., the average for the whole period of the existence of the Post-Office Savings-Banks in the colony being 74 sq. The proportion of depositors to the population was 1 to 13 for BANKRUPTCY LAW. 95 1878, while in 1881 it had risen to 1 in Io. The propor- tion in the United Kingdom, in 1877, was 1 in 19. On December 31, 1881, the total sum standing at credit of depositors in the Post-Office Savings-Banks amounted to --- --- - - - --- --- ... 261,232,788 At the credit of depositors of other savings- banks ... --- --- --- --- ... A 316,727 261,549,515 This amount is equal to £3. 1s. Iod. per head of the European population at the same date, as against 24, 2. 1 1s. 7d. for 1878. These figures are valuable, as giving an indication of the prosperity of the working-classes; but there is a very large amount of savings constantly being invested in building societies, and as constantly being withdrawn for the purchase or erection of dwellings, of which no official record exists. BANKRUPTCY LAW. A glance at the New Zealand Bankruptcy Law may not be out of place here, as, unhappily, the colony is excep- tionally high in its percentage of bankrupts. During 1882 there were 1,283 persons who filed their declaration of in- solvency—one in every 428 inhabitants. The amount of their liabilities was 4,931,791 ; the amount of their assets was 4,803,072, showing a deficiency of 4,128,719. This sum, however, represents but a part of the creditors' loss, as scores of harpies hang on to an insolvent's estate. The new law, which came into operation on January 1, 1884, attempts to grapple with these abuses. The most important changes are the adoption of a system of official assignees, with full power and control over im: portant matters, which at present are left in the hands of the creditors. The official assignee under the new law is authorised to preside at all meetings of the creditors, decide, subject to appeal to the court, as to the validity of proxies and proofs of debts, examine and report on the debtor's accounts, consult the creditors, take possession of, protect, and realise the property, examine the bankrupt and 96 Nr.W ZEALAND. creditors. He is also empowered to investigate voluntary settlements, fraudulent preferences, and bills of sale. The Act provides that bills of sale are void unless duly executed six months before the date of bankruptcy, except for actual value in cash or goods received at the time. The official assignee has to decide within one month all questions of the acceptance, on behalf of the creditors, of existing leases or agreements. He also distributes dividends, reports to the court before the bankrupt's final examination, and, when necessary, opposes his discharge, whether the creditors are favourable or not. The Act further provides that the official assignee shall give sufficient bond or security, and permit the creditors to examine his books at least four times a year. The creditors may appoint supervisors to check his conduct. His accounts are also examined by an auditor appointed by the governor. The Act is a long one. It provides very severe penalties for fraudulent bankrupt- cies. The offences and their punishments are clearly set forth. For certain offences the debtor must be duly indicted and tried before a jury, but the court has also summary jurisdiction to imprison for a term not exceeding twelve months, with or without hard labour, in such cases as carrying on trade with fictitious capital; omitting, with intent to conceal the true state of his affairs, to keep proper books and accounts; and for unjustifiable extravagance in mode of life. The court may make conditions as to after- acquired property, and for the payment of so many shillings in the pound before granting the discharge. The bankruptcy law of New Zealand provides that the property of the debtor divisible among his creditors shall not comprise the following: “(1.) Property held by the debtor in trust for any other person. (2.) The tools (if any) of his trade, and the necessary wearing apparel of himself, his wife and children, and his furniture, to the value, inclusive of tools, apparel, and furniture, of twenty-five pounds,” “or to such further value as the creditors in general meeting may determine.” When a person in business has once failed or been dis- credited, there is nothing to prevent him from again resum- ing business, provided he can obtain his discharge from bankruptcy. The discharge of the debtor does not release 98 NEW ZEALAND. CROWN LANDS. The total area of New Zealand is upwards of sixty-four million acres. Of this, fourteen millions have been sold, or disposed of in education and other public reserves ; sixteen millions belong to the aborigines, or to the Europeans who have purchased from them ; and thirty-four million acres of Crown lands still remain for disposal. Of the latter, fifteen millions are open grass or fern country, ten millions forest, and nine millions are barren mountain- tops, lakes, and worthless country. The Crown lands are administered under the authority of “The Land Act, 1877,” “The Land Act 1877 Amend- ment Act, 1879,” and “The Land Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1882,” by the Hon. the Minister of Lands, Wellington. The colony is divided into eleven land districts, each being locally governed by a Commisioner and a Board. It is with the Land Offices the selector has to transact all business. The names of the land districts will be found in the “Crown Lands Guide,” published by Government. Crown lands are divided into three classes:— (1.) Town and village lands—being the sites heretofore reserved or which shall be hereafter reserved for towns and villages: - (2.) Suburban land—being land in the vicinity of any town lands: (3) Rural land—being lands not reserved for towns or villages or other public purposes. ACQUIREMENT OF FREEHOLD FOR CASH. The manner of acquiring the freehold of Crown lands is either at auction or by application:— 1. At Auction.—The land is previously surveyed and marked off on the ground into sections. Maps showing the sections are on view at the Land Office, and particulars are advertised at least a month before auction. The land is sold to the highest bidder above the upset price, the PRICE OF LAND. 99 terms being an immediate payment of one-fourth the purchase-money, and the remainder within one month. 2. By Application or Free Selection.—A form, filled in and signed by the applicant or his agent, is left at the Land Office, for consideration of the Land Board. One-fourth of the purchase-money is paid on application, and the balance within one month after the applicant has been declared the purchaser. In Canterbury there is no deposit on application, but immediately on the Land Board approving of the application the whole of the purchase- money must be paid. PRICE OF LAND. Town and suburban lands are sold by auction. Town sections are usually one quarter-acre each, having a frontage of 66 feet to a street, and running back 165 feet. The minimum upset price is 247. Ios. per quarter-acre section. Suburban lands are sections of two to fifteen acres, and the minimum upset price is 4.3 per acre. Village lands, in sections under one acre, are offered on application at not less than 4.5 per section; or, if situated in an inland district not opened up by railway, the price may be 24, 2. Ios. per section. If two or more persons apply on the same day for the same section, an auction is held confined to the applicants. Village lands, in sections between one and fifty acres, are designated “small-farm allotments,” and in the case of more than one applicant for the same section its occupancy is determined by lot. The price of small-farm allotments is not less than 4, I per acre, or in a special district Ios. per acre. Small-farm allotments may also be had on lease, with or without a purchasing clause. Rural lands comprise all other Crown lands, whether agricultural, pastoral, or forest. The price varies from the mere cost of survey, under the homestead system of Auckland and Westland, up to 24, 2 per acre in Canterbury. The system of dealing with rural lands varies considerably in the different land districts. H 2 DEFERRED-PAYMENT SYSTEM. IOI his purchase for three years may have the value of the unpaid instalment capitalised at the value of an annuity of the same amount and for the same period. Interest is payable at 5 per cent. per annum, instead of the half- yearly instalments. After the capitalised value is ascer- tained, he may pay off the whole sum, or any portion, in sums of not less than 4, Io. At any time within fourteen years of the date of his licence the selector is entitled to a Crown grant, if he has paid the whole of the capital value, together with interest. On suburban land residence must begin within six months of issue of licence, and continue for four years; and on rural land the period of residence required is six years. On pastoral land residence must begin within twelve months, and continue for six years. Residence is not compulsory if the selector is residing on another deferred-payment section within three miles of his subsequent selection. Where land is wholly or mostly covered with bush, residence may be dispensed with altogether. IMPROVEMENT CONDITIONS UNDER THE DEFERRED-PAYMENT SYSTEM. Suburban.—Must bring into cultivation not less than a tenth of the allotment the first year, one-fifth the second year, and within four years must have three-fourths culti- vated, the whole fenced, and have made substantial improve- ments to the value of at least 24, 1o per acre. Aural.—If open land, one-twentieth must be brought into cultivation the first year, one-tenth the second year, and within six years one-fifth must be cultivated and per- manent improvements effected to the value of 261 per acre. … The purchaser of rural land may, at any time after the first three years, pay the balance of the purchase-money if he has effected the improvements. He is then entitled to the Crown grant of the land. The term “substantial improvements of a permanent character" includes reclamation from swamps, clearing bush I O2 NEW ZEALAND. or scrub, cultivation, planting with trees or hedges, laying out gardens, fencing, draining, making roads, sinking wells or water-tanks, constructing water-races, in any way improv- ing the character or fertility of the soil, or the erection of . any building. This definition applies to all classes of land where improvements are required as part of the contract. Pastoral.—No improvements are required. The only condition is residence for six years. The licensee may, at the end of ten years from issue of licence, pay the balance of purchase-money, and so acquire the right to the Crown grant. THE AGRICULTURAL-LEASE SYSTEM. This system is only in operation within proclaimed gold- fields. It is similar to the deferred-payment system, inas- much as the limit is 320 acres, and certain improvements have to be effected. But residence is optional. If after three years one-half the land has been improved, the pur- chase may be completed, or the lease may run on till the end of the seventh year. The yearly rent is at the rate of 2s. 6d. per acre, payable half-yearly, and the price at which the land may be bought during the currency of the lease is what may be fixed by law as the upset price of land of the same class at the time the purchase is effected. After the third year also the holder may apply for an exchange lease: if this is granted, the payment of 24, I. Is. per acre, in four- teen half-yearly equal instalments, or the balance at any time in full, completes the purchase. Another way of completing the freehold is for the holder to pay rent for Seventeen years, when the land is Crown-granted to him without any further payment. Aſomestead System.—This is in force in the Auckland and Westland districts only. The settler makes no payment for the land, the only cost being that of survey. On the fulfilment of conditions—viz., five years' residence, the erection of a house, and the cultivation of one-third of the selection if open land, and one-fifth if bush land—the Crown grant is issued. Any person of the age of eighteen years or upwards may (in Auckland district) select from 75 to 50 acres, according to quality of land and any person HOMESTEAD LANDS. Io3 under eighteen years of age 3o to 20 acres, provided that no family or household shall have more than 200 acres of first-class or 3oo acres of second-class lands. In Westland the conditions are the same, with the exception that 50, 20, and 200 acres are the limits as above, irrespective of quality of land. HOMESTEAD LANDS. The lands specified in the schedule hereunder are at the present time available for selection under the homestead system :— i ; Name of Agent to whom County. Block. Application is to be made. Acres. Mangonui Kaiaka 1, 170 R. M. Houston, Mangonui. 22 Patiki I,29O x 3 22 22 Otengi I, OOO x 3 * * 32 ... Takou ... 2,450 A. P. Ratcliffe, Whangaroa. Bay of Islands | Ruapekapeka. 5,700 || R. A. Fairburn, Waimate, Bay of Islands. 9 x Kawakawa ... 2,000 | Ditto. 3 × Okaihau 34o | Captain Burleigh, Okaihau. Whangarei ... Otonga and 2,545 J. I. Wilson, Whangarei. Opuawhanga 2 3 Otakairangi... 1,500 3 * 23. 2 3 Waipu 7,950 D. McKenzie, Waipu. 22 Mareretu 3,850 3 * 3 × 22 Tang i hua, 1,481 | Chairman of District Board, Block III. Maungakaramea. Hokianga Manginangina | 3,500 || R. A. Fairburn, Waimate, Bay of Islands. 2 3 Orira... 985 Chairman of County Council, Hokianga. Rodney Pakiri 6,700 | Crown Lands Commis- sioner, Auckland. 22 Hoteo 4,OOO > 3. Makarau 1,000 | Captain Krippner, Puhoi. Raglan Karioi 1,58o | Thomas Wilson, Okete, Raglan. Eden... Waipareira ... 220 | Crown Lands Commis- sioner, Auckland. Hobson Paparoa 1,005 || Chairman of District Board, Paparoa. 3 × Wairau 775 | Chairman of District Board, Wairau. IO4 NEW ZEALAND. N.B.—Forms of application can be obtained, and plans of the lands inspected, at the Crown Lands Office, Auckland, and at the residences of the above-named agents. Additional lands are from time to time opened for selection under this system as the necessities of applicants may require. Pastoral Runs.—These are put up to auction, at an upset rent, not less than a year before the existing licences or leases expire. Generally no more land than is sufficient to carry 5,000 sheep or 1,000 head of cattle is offered in one lot. Pastoral lands are let, subject to the licence being revoked on a year's notice being given that the land is required for sale or lease as agricultural or pastoral land. The licensee is not entitled to any compensation for revocation of his licence. The licensee may select a homestead area of 15o acres, which cannot be resumed during the currency of his lease. If a licensee does not re-acquire the licence for his run when it is submitted to auction, he is entitled to compen- sation for improvements of necessary buildings, plantations, fences, and ditches for draining, provided that the com- pensation does not exceed three times the average annual rent paid under the existing lease or licence. No claim for compensation can be made against the Crown or any Land Board. Leases or licences of pastoral lands may not exceed twenty-one years. No person occupying, by himself or jointly, pastoral lands under licence or lease from the Crown capable of carrying 20,000 sheep or 4, ooo head of cattle can be the purchaser or transferee of any other pastoral licence or lease. This prohibition does not, however, affect transfers by way of mortgage, provided that in the event of possession being taken under any mortgage, or a mortgagee becoming an absolute owner in satisfaction of his mortgage debts, a bonā-ſide sale of the land so acquired is effected within three years from the date of taking possession. PERPETUAL LEASES. Io5 LEASING OF CROWN LANDS WITH PERPETUAL RIGHT OF RENEWAL. “The Land Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1882,” gives authority to lease Crown lands, and secures to lessees the value of their improvements, and an indefeasible title, with perpetual right of renewal. The main features of the scheme are as follow :- The Governor in Council may set apart for leasing one- third of the agricultural land open for sale. Leases are sold to the highest tenderer at or above an upset rental of 5 per cent. on the capital value of the land as fixed by the Board. Thus, land valued at 24, 1 per acre, is put up at a rental of IS. per acre per annum. Six months' rent, together with 24, 1. Ios. for the lease, has to be deposited with every tender. If two or more tenderers offer the same rent, and there is no higher offer, it is decided by lot which person shall be the lessee. If a lease is not executed within a certain time, the deposits are forfeited, and the next highest tenderer may be declared the lessee. If no tenders are received, any person may apply to lease the land for which tenders have been invited. Any person may tender for two or more leases, but cannot become the lessee under more than one lease, unless the lands adjoin each other. A tenderer for more than one lease need only deposit half a year's rent of the tender largest in amount. Any person of the age of eighteen years may become a lessee. Mimit of Area for each Zessee.—No person who owns the freehold of, or who holds a licence or lease from, the Crown, of land which, together with the lands included in any lease applied for, comprises more than 640 acres, is capable of becoming a lessee. This does not apply to persons who may become lessees or sub-lessees by marriage, or under a will, or by an intestacy. º As to Preparation, Cost, Execution, and Registration of Zeases.—Leases are prepared by the Commissioners of . Crown Lands, are registered under the Land Transfer Acts, and are exempted from stamp duty. Provisions as to Zerm, Payment of Rent and Taxes.— Every lease is for a fixed term of thirty years. All leases IoG NEW ZEALAND. are renewable. All rents are payable in equal half-yearly instalments, in advance. Lessees are liable for all rates, taxes, or assessments. Provisions as to Transfers, Sub-Zeases, and Sales by Mort- gage.—Leases may be transferred or sub-let, but the limits as to area of land owned or occupied have to be complied with by the new holder. Surrenders of leases are permitted with the consent of the Land Board. Leased lands may be resumed for public purposes on payment of compensation to be fixed by arbitration, a pro- portional abatement of rent being allowed. A rovisions as to Residence.—Every lessee must reside upon his land within six months of the commencement of his term, and continue to reside for six years. The Board may, however, in the case of bush lands, dispense with residence until two years, or, in the case of youths living with their parents or relatives, until three years after the commencement of the term ; or may dispense with residence altogether if the lessee resides on land contiguous to his lease. This does not apply to leases acquired under an intestacy or by will. In case two lessees intermarry, one may be absolved from the residential condition. Improvement Conditions.—Each lessee must within one year from the date of his lease bring into cultivation not less than one-twentieth, within two years not less than one- tenth, within four years not less than one-fifth, of his lease- hold; and within six years, in addition to the cultivation of one-fifth of the land, he must put on it substantial improve- ments to the value of 24, 1 for every acre. The definition of “substantial improvements” will be found in the “Crown Lands Guide.” A’ight to acquire Freehold.—Any lessee of land outside a proclaimed gold-field has the right of purchase (if within the six years he has fulfilled all the improvement conditions) at a price fixed when the lease is granted, but not less than the estimated value on which he has paid rent at 5 per cent. Advantage must, however, be taken of the purchasing right within eleven years of the commencement of a lease. Provisions as to Æenewals.-Three years before the end of the term of a lease a valuation of the land and all sub- CROWN LANDS STATISTICS. IoW stantial improvements is made by arbitration. After the award of the arbitrators, and at least three months before the expiry of the lease, the lessee chooses whether he will accept a fresh lease for twenty-one years at a rental of 5 per cent. on the gross value, as fixed by the arbitration, after deducting the waſue of the substantial improvements of a per- manent character. If the lessee does not accept a renewal of his lease, a new valuation of the improvements is made, and the lease is submitted to public tender for twenty-one years at an upset rent not greater than the rent at which the lease was originally offered. If any other person than the lessee is declared the purchaser, he has to pay to the original lessee the value of the improvements. In the event of a lease not being sold, the existing lessee may continue in occupation from year to year, so long as he pays the rent and fulfils the covenants of his lease, until a new lessee takes up the lease. At any time during his temporary occupation the existing lessee can obtain a renewed lease for a further period of twenty-one years on the terms first offered. An existing lessee gets a month's notice of intention to sell the lease of the land he occupies, and is allowed during that time to elect to accept a new lease on the terms first offered. All the provisions relating to original leases apply to renewed leases, the only difference being that renewed leases are for twenty-one instead of thirty years. STATISTICS. Crown Zand's sold, and Revenue, during Year ending 31st March, 1882.-The total area of Crown lands sold during the year ending on the 31st March, 1882, was as under — ON IMMEDIATE PAYMENTS. Acres. Purchasers. Cash received. Scrip. Town lands ... - - - 303 to 704 Suburban lands --- 1,482 , , 271 Ž284, 199 42,840 Rural lands ... ... I95,390 , , I,257 ON DEFERRED PAYMENTS. Acres. Purchasers. Cash received. Agricultural ... ... 74,336 sold to 497 Pastoral - - - ... 24,624 , 9 A55,428 Village settlement ... I,189 ,, 198 Io8 NEW ZEALAND. There was also received for agricultural leases on gold fields, 4,7,600; for pastoral rents, 4, 182,88o; and from royalties, &c., 4, 5,500 — making a total revenue of 26535,607. Zotal land sold or otherwise disposed of—The total area of Crown land sold or otherwise disposed of, from the first return in 1856 to the 31st March, 1882, amounted to 16,833,371 acres, of which 12,265,187 acres were sold for cash, realising the sum of A, 11,958, 164. A'emaining on hand—The following tabular statement shows the area of Crown land remaining on hand on the 31st March, 1882. This does not include land for the acquisition of which the Government is negotiating with the natives, or the large area of land in permanent possession of the natives; nor does it include the large reserves made for various public purposes:— Open for Remaining at Land District sººn |lº. Total an 1strict. an Oarols o - 31st Mºth, exclusive of" Ič82. Native Lands. NORTH ISLAND. Acres. Acres. Acres. Auckland --- --- 52, III 3,037,760 Hawke's Bay ... - - - 38,065 208,320 Taranaki --- --- II, O29 568,217 Wellington ... --- 54,968 I,216,264 West Coast ... --- 1,677 241, 169 157,850 5,271,730 5,429,580 SOUTH ISLAND. Nelson ... --- --- 5,840,811 - - - Marlborough ... --- 550,500 1,067,722 Canterbury ... ... 4,390,359 8oo,ooo Westland - - - - - - 254,95 I 2,668,328 Otago ... --- --- 230,000 || Io, 183, III Southland --- --- 1,506,631 --- 12,773,252 14,719, 16I 27,492,413 LAND AVAILABLE FOR SETTLEMENT. Io9 LAND AVAILABLE FOR SETTLEMENT, ON SALE OR ON LEASE. One of the claptrap cries of a certain class of politicians in New Zealand is that all the good land of the colony has been monopolised by a powerful clique of land-grabbers. It is at best but a half-truth. Much money has been made by fortunate land speculations, but I strongly suspect that a vast deal more remains to be made. The truth is that the men who are the loudest in their denunciation of land monopoly are the labour monopolists—men who would shut the door against their toiling brothers in England lest they should become competitors with them in the labour market. The two cries—no land, and no more labourers —are deliberate frauds on human intelligence, and have their root in selfishness. As a matter of fact, but a small part of New Zealand is really settled, and the workers might be multiplied tenfold. I have before me a “Crown Lands Guide,” published in 1884. The above figures summarise the question ; but, with a view to further simplification, I will give exact particulars of available land in two or three districts—say Auckland, Nelson, and Otago. AUCKLAND. The following particulars of one block of land, out of scores being now subdivided, illustrate how the land is priced, and its character described. RURAL LANDs open ON APPLICATION. WHANGAREI COUNTY. PURUA SURVEY DISTRICT, NEAR WHANGAREI. Block I Sects. A. R. P. A. s. d. Sects A. R. P. A. s. d 25 40 O O 30 o o I3 40 o O 30 O O 26 4O O O 3O O O I4 4o o o 3o o O || 28 33 o O | 16 Io o 17 35 2 o 26 12 6 || 29 Io? O o 53 Io o 18 40 o o 3o o O || 30 I43 o O || 71 Io o I9 40 o O || 30 o O || 31 78 o o 39 o o 2I 64 2 o 32 5 o || 32 78 o O | 39 o o 22 4o o o 30 o O I 33 78 o O || 39 o o I IO NEW ZEALAND. Sects.] A. R. P.] A. s. d. ||Sects. A. R. P. £. s. d. 35 | 117 o O 58 Io o 55 IIo o O | 82 Io o 36 96 o o || 48 o o || 56 92 o O || 46 o o 37 82 o O |. 41 o O || 59 40 O O || 3O O O 38 12o o o 6o o o || 61 4o o O 20 O O 40 | 127 o o 63 Io o || 62 39 2 O | 19 15 O 4I 4o o O 20 O O || 63 53 o O 26 Io o 42 4o o O 20 o O || 64 65 2 O || 49 2 6 46 Iog o O 51 Io o || 65 40 o O 30 O O 47 13o o o 97 Io o | 66 27 o O | 20 5 O 48 4o o o 30 o O || 67 40 o O 30 o O 49 4o O O || 3o o O | 68 40 o O 30 O O 50 4o o O 3o o O || 69 52 o O 26 o o 5 I 32 o O 24 o O || 7o 209 o O 156 15 O 52 42 o O || 2 I o O 71 40 O O 20 O O 54 7O 2 O | 35 5 O I 72 32 2 o 24 7 6 Sections 13 and 14, good clay soil, undulating, ordinary mixed forest; 17, good clay soil, undulating, taraire forest with a little kauri and plenty of totara; 18 and 19, good clay soil, undulating, about one-half alluvial and level, mixed forest, bounded by the Waioreore; 21, clay soil, broken, mixed forest with totara and taraire ; 22, clay soil, undulating, mixed forest with totara and taraire and a little kauri; 25, good clay soil, undulating, mixed forest with a little kauri; 26, good clay soil, undulating, mixed forest, about one-half heavy manuka ; 28 and 29, good clay soil, broken, mixed forest with some kauri; 30, partly volcanic, partly alluvial, broken, mixed forest ; 31, 32, and 33, good clay soil, broken, mixed forest ; 35, 36, 37, and 38, good clay soil, broken, mixed forest with taraire ; 4o, volcanic, very broken, mixed forest, a little kauri; 41, good clay soil, very broken, mixed forest; 42, good clay soil, broken, mixed forest with taraire and a little kauri; 46, volcanic soil, broken, mixed taraire forest; 47, volcanic soil, undu- lating, mixed taraire forest with a good deal of kauri and totara; 48, good clay soil, level, mixed forest with a little kauri; 49, 5o, and 51, good clay soil, undulating, mixed forest, a little kauri; 52, good clay soil, broken, mixed forest, a good deal of kauri; 54, clay soil, undulating, about five acres of forest, remainder manuka, rushes, and fern; 55, alluvial and volcanic, undulating, about fifty acres forest with a good deal of kauri, well watered; 56, volcanic soil, broken, about half forest with some kauri, remainder NELSON RURAL LANDS. III fern; 59, 61, and 62, good clay soil, undulating, fern and flax, with about ten acres forest, with kahikatea on 6o ; 63, about one-half cold clay, with rushes, remainder fern. RURAL LANDs OPEN FOR SELECTION ON DEFERRED PAYMENTS. COOK COUNTY. WAIHAU AND WHAKAONGA- HANGAROA SURVEY DISTRICT. ONGA BLOCKS, HANGAROA SURVEY DISTRICT. Block VIII. Block XI. Sects. A. R. P. A. s. d. Sects. A. R. P. A. S. d. 2 || 136 I II per Acre. 29 Io9 3 20 | I37 Io 3 || 198 o 17 | Block XV. 4 I9 I O 25 8 27 i 26 4I 5 O 5 | 183 o 38 | IO 28 3 26 43 IO O 6 | 18O o 8 I O O I4 22. I 32 33 I5 O 8 || 291 3 18 17 22 2 5 34 2 6 9 || 3O4 2 O I9 29 I 4 44 5 O Io 309 o 8 . 2 I I55 2 28 233 12 6 II 299 I o 37 179 2 IO 269 12 6 º Plans may be seen, and further By bridle and dray-road from particulars of the land obtained, Gisborne, about sixteen miles. on application at the office of the Government have made a bridle- Commissioner of Crown Lands, road close up to these lands. Auckland, and at the Land Office, Gisborne. NELSON. RURAL LANDS, SURVEYED, OPEN FOR APPLICATION AND SETTLEMENT. Aazvatiri District.—This land is within nine miles of the town of Westport, and is connected by railway with that township and port. The total area is 8,407 acres, divided into 146 sections, ranging from 25 to 70 acres each, distri- buted through six blocks as follows; upset price, 24, I per acre :- Block I.-961 acres; 18 sections; level country, fair soil, clayey subsoil; birch bush. Block II.-946 acres; 13 sections; level country, good soil; half open swampy land, flax and rushes; other half bush land, birch and pines. II 2 NEW ZEALAND. Block IV.-1,244 acres; 22 sections; half open land, flax, rushes, and fern, subject to floods, poor soil; re- mainder birch and pine bush, fair soil. Block V.-1,773 acres; 34 sections; three-fifths open land, flax, rushes, and fern, poor soil, subject to floods ; remainder birch and pine bush, fair soil. Block VII.-881 acres; 19 sections; fair land of all kinds, bush, swampy, and terraces. Block VIII.-2,788 acres; 49 sections; terrace land, altitude Ioo to 5oo feet, very poor soil, numerous ravines; about one-third open, with rushes and grass; remainder birch bush. Agakawau District.—Block V., 148 acres, 2 sections; level country, good soil, swampy land, flax and scrub. Ohika District.—Block II., 528 acres, 6 sections; bush terraces, very poor soil, clay and gravel; land much broken by deep gullies. Reefton District.—This land is situated between the town of Reefton and the junction of the rivers Buller and Inan- gahua, and connected with the Westport and Reefton Road, and may be described as follows: 4,819 acres; 91 sections, of an average size of about 50 to 60 acres; terrace land, altitude from Ioo to 5oo feet, fair soil; bush, pine, and birch; price per acre, 24, I to 24, I. Ios. Aorere.—This land is situated in Golden Bay, about fifty miles from Nelson by sea, Collingwood being the town and port; 1,184 acres; 41 sections, average about 25 acres; principally steep hills, altitude 5oo to 1,000 feet; soil rather poor; bush land, pines and birch; price per acre, IoS, to 24, 1. Amuri.-This land is situated in Waiau district; steep hills; fair soil; birch and pine bush ; 4oo acres; 19 sec- tions, averaging about 28 acres; assessed price, 263 per aCre. RURAL LAND.—UNSURVEYED. Counties.—There are very large blocks of rural land in the counties of Waimea, Collingwood, Buller, Inangahua, Amuri, and Grey that are unsurveyed, principally bush land. It is, however, almost impossible to estimate the area of available timber suitable for building purposes. The road OTAGO LANDS. II3 between Nelson and Westport taps several large valleys— viz., the Owen, the Matakitaki, the Maruia, the Matiri, and the Inangahua. In the Maruia Valley there is a large open grass plain, and in the others very fine timber—birch and pines. OTAGO. RURAL LANDS OPEN ON APPLICATION. §º | Area. "º." | \º area. | "...” ARATORE, Block IX. Block I. A. R. P. £. s. d. A. R. P. | A. s. 2O I45 3 24 I O O 2 of II | 40 o o I o o The land is hilly, covered Block III. with fern and flax. Bush and 2 || 69 2 7 lignite in the neighbourhood. 4 || 83 2 Io From five to twelve miles from 5 7o o 29 Milton Township. 8 || 88 2 9 Io 7o I 15 CLARENDON. 19 | 66 o 26 20 82 o 7 } 1 o o Block IV. 21 91 O 32 13 | II5 2 34 | I o o 22 || 81 2 29 23 II9 3 4 Block V. 24 || Ioſ I 8 5 74 o O ||Y 25 | 85 3 9 6 81 3 9 26 96 2 37 18 86 ſ 14 || 1 o o 27 | 63 I 9 19 || IoI 2 25 Block IV. 21 117 o 15 I4 73 2 20 22 IO2 I 20 ! J 26 || 95 3 25 } I O O 27 | IoT 1 16 19 º Block VIII. 20 | 77 o 17 8||114 2 9 () 21 | 20 2 26 9 || 96 o 15 | 27 | 83 2 19 I3 Io9 O 3o 28 82 1 31 |} 1 o o 24 || 7 I 3 I9 | 29 || 79 2 5 25 || 36 2 33 32 || 76 I 33 26 4o I 31 I o O || 2 of 36 || 31 2 o 27 | 86 2 36 51 50 o o 29 156 3 12 - 3o 165 o 8 Three to five miles from 31 || 51 3 18 Waihola; country hilly, partly 36 || 75 3 29 bush and partly fern. LAND TRANSFER ACT. II5 them in making the land productive; and (4) the rest of the community with whom they have commercial trans- actions. From this point of view (and we are convinced it is the only sound and practical one) the people never really enter into possession of the land until it is sold and dealt with for the purposes of settlement and production.”— Złmaru Herald. The total number of acres of Crown lands held for depasturing purposes on the 31st March, 1882, was 12,028,966 acres, in the hands of 1,020 holders, the rents and assessments of which amounted to 24, 182,88o. LAND TRANSFER. The Land Transfer Act, modelled upon the famous system introduced by the late Sir Robert Torrens in South Australia, has now been in operation in New Zealand for some years, and the simple and inexpensive means which it offers for dealing with landed property and mortgages have been freely and extensively taken advantage of, as is indicated by the figures in the following returns:– - Extent. Number. Value. Acres. Application for registration ... - - - I,2OI A. Transfers --- - - - --- --- 7,715 1,264,848 Crown grants— 2,814,446 Town and suburban... --- 4,326 2. IoS Country --- --- ... 393,912 , IO --- Mortgages - - - --- --- 5,883 6, 151,795 The fees paid to the Government on the above-men- tioned transactions amounted to A, 28,242, being £23,587 for general fees and 264,655 for land assurance, equivalent to an average of 24, I. 13s.5d. on each transaction. Titles guaranteed.—The sum of £4,655 for land assur- ance represents a charge of one halfpenny in the pound on the value of land brought under the operation of the Act, I 2 I 16 NEW ZEALAND. in consideration of which the Government guarantees the titles. No claim, however, has yet arisen upon the assur- ance fund thus formed. The balance to credit of this fund on March 31, 1882, was 433,826. Mortgages.—The following return shows the mortgage transactions under the Land Transfer Act for the year ending March 31, 1882 :— Total A s: º; Total Amount tº a t DISTRICT. º; ºft. ºa Acts during the ": p.” ". Acts, sºis. 31st March, 1882. A. A. A. Auckland 714,536 186,990 1,602,666 Otago .. 817,996 475,995 4,239,08o Canterbury 2,948,745 I,033,936 7,549,772 Wellington 52O, I I4 313,541 I,938,713 Nelson .... 74,723 37,4I4 276,239 Southland 706,495 307,658 2,207,581 Hawke's Bay 244,928 178,476 1,167,988 Westland 7,oi6 I3,29O. 68,075 Taranaki 88,889 40,496 2O7,346 Marlborough 28,353 8,295 136,067 Totals 6, 151,795 2,596,091 I9,393,527 *..."; }| 6727,898 || 2,402,207 15,837.823 TOTAL AREA OF LAND DISPOSED OF IN NEW ZEALAND ACCORDING TO CROWN IANDS DEPARTMENT REPORT, MARCH, 1884:— Area—17,477,765 acres, realising 24, 12,397,509. Amounts realised in the various districts, with respective average prices:— Canterbury, 45,964,248—average price per acre, 4os. 4d. Otago and Southland, 24.3,457,799—average price per acre (Otago, 25s. 6d. ; Southland 2 IS. I I d. PUBLIC WORKS. II 7 Wellington, 24,827,292—average price per acre 18s. 1d. Auckland, 4,531,773 35 23 25 13s. 2d. Hawke's Bay, 24,473,352 , 33 35 IIs. 8d. West Coast, North Island , 33 35 31s. 8d. Nelson - - - - - - 22 35 33 12s. 2d. Westland - - - - - - 3 * 23 32 20s. od. Marlborough ... - - - 37 32 25 IIs. od. Taranaki - - - - - - 35 22 25 32s. 3d. PUBLIC WORKS. Any account of New Zealand's progress that failed to make special mention of the extraordinary changes wrought by what is commonly known as the “Immigration and Public Works policy” would, indeed, be incomplete. The rugged character of the country generally, and the natural difficulties appertaining to many of the sites upon which the chief towns were built, very early necessitated a large outlay on roads and public works. The necessity was fully recognised, and to some extent met, by most of the provincial governments, who have justly received great credit for their far-seeing and liberal exertions in that direction. A great deal of road-making, often of a very costly character, was accomplished, harbour and other improvements begun, and immigration handsomely en- couraged. Something was also done in the way of the making of railways, notably in Canterbury, where a line unusually difficult and expensive in construction, involving some heavy tunnelling, was successfully undertaken and carried through by the Provincial Government, in order to provide easy means of communication between Christ- church and the Port of Lyttelton. Some advance towards the construction of a main trunk line had also been made in the same province. In Otago, also, the city of Dunedin had been connected with Port Chalmers by a railway, constructed under the guarantee of the Otago Provincial Government, and some miles of railway had been made in Southland. But the work to be done in the colony generally was too vast to be grappled with by the separate exertions of a few local governments. It was therefore proposed that the General Government should take in I 18 NEW ZEALAND. hand the execution of all public works of a colonial cha- racter, upon an extensive and well-defined system, and that a loan of ten millions be raised to provide funds for that purpose. The objects sought to be accomplished were defined to be :— I. Systematic immigration on a large scale. II. Construction of a main trunk railway throughout each island. III. Construction of roads through the interior of the north island. IV. The purchase of native land in the north island. V. The supply of water on gold fields. VI. The extension of telegraph works. In accordance with the plan thus laid down, “The Im- migration and Public Works Act, 1870,” was passed by the legislature, and many who were greatly alarmed when the scheme was first propounded to the country by Mr. (now Sir Julius) Vogel, and thought it wild and extravagant, have since admitted that the step taken was as wise as it was bold. A considerable extent of country has been opened up and settled by a large and thriving population in a surprisingly short space of time. As facilities were offered for the conveyance of the products of agriculture, the value of land, of course, greatly increased: not its nominal value merely, but its actual value. Hundreds of thousands of acres, worth, before the advent of railways, from 24, 1 to 24.3 an acre, were afterwards sold at prices ranging from 24, 1o to 24, 20 per acre, and, for the most part, bought by experienced farmers, who had made their money in the colony, and knew the real capability and value of the land so purchased. It may also be said that, in ad- dition to the enormous reproductive indirect results of the Public Works policy, the outlay incurred, at least in the case of the railways constructed, is likely to prove a capital investment, and so be directly reproductive, many of the principal lines already yielding a fair interest on the money expended in their construction. The total amount expended on public works by the General Government, from the date of the Immigration and Public Works Act of 1870, and similar subsequent ROADS AND BRIDGES. II9 Acts, and under their authority, up to the 31st March, 1882, is as under :— Railways ... - - - - - - 269,869,670 Roads and road boards ... - - - 1,353,8oo Coal mines - - - - - - - - - Io,835 Water supply on-gold fields - - - 460,779 Works on Thames Gold-field ... 50,000 Telegraphs - - - - - - --- 420,032 Public buildings ... - - - - - - 986, IoS Lighthouses and harbours - - - Io9,045 Miscellaneous works - - - - - - 557,278 Departmental - - - - - - - - - I70,576 24, 13,988,120 ROADS AND BRIDGES. A great deal of road-making has been done in New Zealand. The district roads are undertaken by the various Road Eoards. The total number of these Boards in 1882 was 321, and their expenditure in the same year amounted to a total of 4,244,381, the whole being expended on actual works, less the sum of 24, 27,504 for expenses of adminis- tration. Much road-making has also been done by the General Government, especially in the North Island. During the period extending from June, 1869, to March, 1882, the General Government expenditure in this department amounted to the sum of 24, 1,324,887, the roads constructed being over 3, ooo miles. To this must be added 24, 225,000 paid to Road Boards previous to the 31st March, 1881, and a considerable amount included in the returns under the head of “Miscellaneous Public Works.” During the year ending on the 31st March, 1882, the expenditure by the General Government under this head was 2669,871 in the North Island, and 24; 28,896 in the South Island. I 20 NEW ZEALAND. RAILWAYS. Soon after the passing of the Immigration and Public Works Act in 1870, the construction of railways on a large and systematic scale was commenced, and has proceeded vigorously since that time. The total length of lines open for traffic on the 31st March, 1882, was 1,334 miles; and there were under construction 188 miles. The total amount of money expended in the construction of railways up to the 31st March, 1882, was 24, Io,974, ooo; but the cost of lines open for traffic at the same date was 269,443,000. The following table gives a view of the progress made in railway construction between the years 1876 and 1882, and the annual revenue and expenditure:– - Number of Miles. | Expendi- Year ending Revenue. Eºſi. ... ºf Con- Under Revenue. structed. tiºn. A. A. 3oth June, 1887 |469,051 || 337,445 || 71 ‘94 86O 3O4. ,, . 1878 || 569,898 || 405,896 || 71°22 | 1,053 I63 2 3 1879 |758,096 || 545,479 || 71 ‘95 || I, I4o 2O4 31st March, 188o"| 762,573 580,016 || 76°06 1, 181 257 33 1881 |836,077 521,958 62:43 1,288 I92 33 1882 | 892,026 523,099 58-64 I,334 I88 It will be seen that the cost of working the railways for the twelve months ending on the 31st March, 1882, was very much less than in previous years, for the revenue for that period exceeded the expenditure by 24,368,927, the ratio of the expenditure to the revenue being only 58-64 per cent. The receipts per mile for the same period averaged 4,668. 13s. 8d., and the expenditure A392. 2s. 7d. The railways which are open for traffic thus made a return on the capital spent in their construction of 263. 18s. 2d. * Owing to the change in the financial year this statement overlaps the previous year, for purposes of comparison. POST AND TELEGRAPH. I2 I per cent., which may be taken as a favourable result, for it may reasonably be expected that, when the many links in the chain of railways contemplated for the North Island are completed, some of the North Island lines will give a better result than they do at present. The latest statistics, as will be seen by the following, do not bear out this optimist view of the case:— “From the annual report of the general manager of New Zealand railways presented to Parliament it appears that the mileage lines worked by the department on March 31, 1884, was 1,446 miles, inclusive of private lines worked at the expense of the owners, and the Shag Point Railway. Two miles have been closed, owing to the stoppage of the coal-mine. The net earnings amount to 24, 2. Ios. 2d. per cent. on the gross capital expenditure on railways opened and unopened. The highest rate is paid by the Napier line, 43. 16s. 9d. per cent., and the next highest by the Hurunui-Bluff, 263. 3s. 11d. per cent. The ratio of expenses to revenue is 68°24 per cent., against 62° 18 during the previous year.” The railway income for 1883–4 was 4,963,119. POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT. The difficulty of communication, naturally incidental to a newly-settled country like New Zealand, has been well met and mastered by an energetic and able postal organisa- tion, aided also by a very efficient telegraph system. In both services the policy has been to charge low rates, so as to give the public the greatest facilities for intercom- munication. The following figures, taken from the last report of the Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs, will afford an indication of the extent to which these advantages have been made use of by the people. The total revenue of the department for the year was 24, 234,529, showing an increase of 24, 11,937 on the previous year. Taking into account the sum of 4,58,585 for official postage, and 24; 22,738 for official telegrams, the gross earnings of the department for the year amounted to no less than 4,82,560 in excess of the expenditure. I 2.2 NEW ZEALAND. Postal Business.-The total number of letters, news- papers, post-cards, and book-packets received during the year 1881, for delivery in New Zealand, may be seen in the following table:– Where from. Letters. Newspapers. : rººt. United Kingdom... 547,219 1,464,781 --- 234,737 Australian Colonies 341,956 508,408 --- 45,259 Other places --- 48, 166 77,248 --- 17,867 From places within the colony ... II,969, 191 5,019,38o 490,366 || 921,944 Totals ... 12,906,532 7,069,817 || 490,366 1,219,807 Compared with the returns of the previous year, letters increased II'97 per cent., post-cards 45-69, book-packets II 27, and newspapers 1923. This shows a considerable increase on the work of the previous year; and the work of the department, compared with former years, continues to advance in a proportion greater than the increase of popula- tion would seem to warrant, showing that the facilities for communication between the different parts of the colony are being annually improved. The average number of letters posted in proportion to the estimated population was 23-89 to each person, the average in 1877 being 14:51. The increase of post-cards, since their introduction in 1877, is very marked. There were 868 post-offices opened on December 31, I88I. In the transaction of money-order business, 13,556 orders were issued during the year for 24,452,182. The money- orders issued in New Zealand for payment in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Australian colonies were 36,033 in number for 24, 130,547, and 8,115 orders for 2432,942 were issued in the United Kingdom and Aus- tralia for payment in New Zealand. There was, accordingly, a balance of 2497,605 remitted out of the colony by means of money-orders. POSTAL BUSINESS. I23 The telegraph was used during the year for the trans- mission of 14,241 orders, amounting to 24,55,516. Postal communication with the United Kingdom is principally by way of San Francisco. The service is four- weekly, and the average number of days within which the mails were delivered from London during the year was— to Auckland, 39'36 days; to Wellington, 41'57; and to Dunedin, 42'93 days. A considerable amount of correspondence also goes by way of Melbourne and Point de Galle. This route, how- ever, takes longer than the San Francisco service. The direct steam service is also utilised for post-office service. The Aorangi brought quite a heavy mail. POSTAGE RATES. The charge for postage of letters is, within towns, one penny per half-ounce or fraction thereof, and double that rate for delivery in any part of the colony or in any part of Australia. Penny stamped post-cards are also issued de- liverable anywhere in New Zealand. The postage for book- packets is at the rate of one penny for every two ounces, and the same scale applies to parcels coming within the category of the pattern and sample-post. The limit of weight allowed for the inland pattern, sample, and book- post is five pounds; and a packet must not exceed two feet in length, or one foot in width or depth. The postage rate on newspapers is one halfpenny within the colony, and double that sum for delivery in Australia and England. Aond-ſide magazines are charged one halfpenny for two Olin Ces. TELEGRAPH SYSTEM. The telegraph system is entirely in the hands of the Government. The difficulties to be overcome before tele- graphic communication was generally established were of an unusual character, the country being to a large extent rugged and wild, while the Islands being divided by Cook Strait rendered it necessary to undertake the laying of a telegraph cable to connect them. The work, however, was I 24 NEW ZEALAND. pushed forward with great vigour. By July, 1873, 2,356 miles of line had been completed, carrying 4,574 miles of wire, at a cost (inclusive of the submarine cable) of 24, 224,580. The number of miles of line now open is 4,011 ; of wire, 13,000. TELEGRAPH BUSINESS. The following figures show the telegraph business done during the years ending on the 31st March, 1881, and 31st March, 1882 — ISS I. I882. Number of messages ... 1,304,712 1,438,772 Cash received ... ... 2673,002 Á78,829 Value of Government mes- Sages ... - - - ... 26.27,oz I A22,738 According to the report of the Postmaster-General, the receipts of the telegraph branch of the department for the financial year ending on the 31st March, 1882, including credit taken for the value of Government messages, show a balance over working expenses of 24, 14, Io9. TELEGRAPH CHARGES. The large telegraph business indicated by the foregoing figures is doubtless due, in no small degree, to the introduc- tion of a uniform and low scale of charges. For the first four years a mileage rate was charged of from 2d. to 6d. per word. In 1869 this was altered to a uniform rate of 2s. 6d. for the first ten words, and 6d. for every additional five words. In 1870 the charge was reduced to 1s. for the first ten words, and 6d. for each additional five words; and in 1873 the charge was yet further reduced, any additional words over the first ten being rated at one penny for each word. More recently a still further reduction has been made for a certain class of messages called by the somewhat awkward term of “delayed telegrams.” GOVERNMENT LIFE ASSURANCE. An Act was passed in 1869 empowering the Government to grant life assurances and annuities on the security of the GOVERNMENT LIFE ASSURANCE. I 25 colonial revenue, and the business was actually commenced in March, 1870. As may be seen by the statement below, from very small beginnings the business steadily increased, the total number of policies issued up to the 3oth June, 1882, being 19,456, representing an aggregate insurance amounting to 24, 6,507,528, while the amount of the funds at the same date was 4,653,890. It may be useful in this manual to notice the principal advantages offered to policy-holders by the Government Insurance Department of New Zealand, which is the first British colony that has, by special legislation and excep- tional attractions, stimulated the growth of those self- dependent and provident habits that lie at the root of the life-assurance system. These advantages may be briefly stated as follows:— 1. The inviolable security offered to the assured, the payment of every policy being guaranteed by the colony under a special Act of Parliament. 2. The division of profits, the whole of which are by law to be divided amongst policy-holders only, who thereby enjoy the advantages possessed by members of mutual companies, in addition to that of having the security of the colony for the payment of claims. The first quinquennial investigation showed a profit of over 24, 12,000 ; and the investigation which took place on the 3oth June, 1880, showed the surplus funds to amount to 24,77,595. Out of this sum, 4,56,ooo was divided amongst policy-holders. 3. The low scale of premiums comes next in order. The premiums are as low as the non-participating rates in other offices, and yet they entitle policy-holders to a full share of the profits that may accrue. 4. The regulations affecting policy-holders are liberal, and compare favourably with those of other institutions. Thus policies contain no restrictive conditions as to voyaging, trade, or occupation. A policy-holder may travel in any part of the world, or engage in any occupation. Admission of age is indorsed on policies when issued, if a certificate of birth or the best evidence available is pro- duced. Policies are kept in force as long as the surrender value is sufficient to pay the premium in arrear and interest, and may be revived within twelve months after the sur- 126 NEW ZEALAND. render value is exhausted, on proof of unimpaired health and payment of arrears. Policy-holders can borrow 90 per cent. of the surrender value of their policies. Policies are indisputable and unchallengeable after five years’ duration, if age has been admitted. The subjoined tabular statement will show the remark- able growth of the business of this department:- COMPARATIVE RETURN OF POLICIES ISSUED. Year ending 3oth June. Number of Policies. Sum Assured. 1870 53 A 27,800 1871 4O9 I78,674 1872 I,355 456,225 1873 I, I61 429,450 1874 I,499 506,910 1875 I,450 498,715 1876 I,485 504,509 1877 I,4O9 563,928 1878 I,991 68O,600 1879 2,057 682,200 188o 2,274 725,254 1881 I,790 550,351 I882 2,523 702,912 19,456 A 6,507,528 EDUCATION. STATE SCHOOLS, PRIVATE SCHOOLS. The total number of common schools receiving Govern- ment aid and under the control of education boards was, in December, 1881, 869 (against 836 in 1880), having a total of 2,087 teachers, and with the names of 83,560 pupils on the books, the daily average attendance num- bering 64,744. There were also at the principal centres of population superior schools, most of which have been en- dowed, directly or indirectly, with lands and money out of the public estate. The number of private schools in December, 1881 (from which returns were received), was 266, the number of teachers being 590, and pupils 9,987. EDUCATION. I 27 The public schools are free, and the instruction im- parted in them is secular, because the cost is defrayed by an annual parliamentary vote. For 1881 the expenditure was 24,324,268, of which 4,58,254 was for buildings. The average expenditure for each scholar in attendance was 264. 1s. 6d., of which 18s. 3}d. has been for buildings. Some of the endowed secondary schools, and the three endowed collegiate institutions in Otago, Canterbury, and Auckland, are affiliated to the New Zealand University, which is an examining body, having power to confer degrees and to grant scholarships, and is maintained by an annual grant from the consolidated revenue. NATIVE SCHOOLS. The number of schools at the end of 1881 for the educa- tion of the Maori race was 68. The number of pupils amounted to 2,010, an increase, as compared with the previous year, of nearly 4oo. The average attendance during the year was 1,562. The number of instructors was 112. The cost of the education of native children (ex- cluding those who attend the public schools) was, for the year 1881, 4, 18,699. Many European schools also received subsidies from the Government for the support of Maori pupils : 632 Maoris, —viz., 349 boys and 283 girls—attended these schools, an increase on the previous year of III boys and 86 girls. Thus the total number of Maori children receiving educa- tion in 1881 amounted to 2,642. The instruction given is exclusively in English. While it is pleasing to see that the colony is doing its duty by the Maoris in the way of education, it is pitiable to see its shortcomings in other respects. Perhaps the greatest Maori wrong is the European infliction of the liquor-shop upon them. The following should awaken something more than pity in every Christian breast. It is the severest satire on our boasted civilisation that could be penned:— “THE MAORIS AND THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC.—While on the subject of the Maoris, it is deserving of notice 128 NEW ZEALAND. that there is a strong movement amongst them at the present time against the liquor traffic. This is especially marked in ‘the King Country.’ The Maoris have felt that they are unable to resist the temptation which an open public-house presents to them. Knowing their weakness in this respect, they are moving the Government by petition to proclaim the whole of ‘the King Country’ a district where public-houses will be excluded. Some Auckland citizens, such as Messrs. C. O. Davies, T. B. Hill, &c., who are strong sympathisers with the Temperance move- ment, are interesting themselves in this Maori movement. They have aided in canvassing the settlements in ‘the King Country,’ and almost everywhere met with a hearty welcome and generous support. There is something pathetic in this movement among the “King Natives,’ as the Maoris living in ‘the King Country’ are called. They feel and know their weakness. They have become con- vinced that strong drink is the ruin of their race, but they are fully well aware that wherever it is within their reach they cannot restrain their craving for the excitement which drink produces. In this difficulty they appealed to the Governor, on his last visit to Kawhia Harbour, to keep strong drink out of their district. They have since appealed to leading citizens, whom they believed would support their claims, to aid them. These gentlemen have waited upon the Governor, and asked him to proclaim a district within whose boundaries no public-house should be permitted. This power is given by the Licensing Act, and the deputation believed that his Excellency alone had the power to define and proclaim such a district. The Governor, while sympa- thising with the movement, doubted whether he had the sole power to do as requested, and preferred to read this portion of the Licensing Act as meaning the Governor and Executive Council. It will now rest with the present Govern- ment of New Zealand to say whether they will withhold from the Maoris the one enemy they fear, or whether public-houses will be forced upon them, against the wish of the majority of the residents.” CONSTABULARY AND VOLUNTEERS. I 29 CONSTABULARY, VOLUNTEERS, FIRE BRIGADES. CONSTABULARY. The total strength of the armed constabulary on the 31st March, 1882, amounted to 1,404 men of all ranks. Of this number, 447—viz., II officers, 75 non-commissioned officers, and 361 constables—were engaged in the police duty of the colony; while the reserves, consisting of 21 officers, 81 non-commissioned officers, and 855 constables, were performing duties of a military character. VOLUNTEERS. The various branches of the volunteer force on the 31st December, 1881, had a total strength of Io,294 officers and men, including 1,783 cadets, belonging to 144 corps. The totals of each branch of the service were as follow :- Corps. Strength. Cavalry - - - 9 - - - 820 Artillery - - - I3 - - - 989 Engineers ... 3 - - - 253 Rifles - - - 79 - - - 5,300 Naval -- 8 - - - 956 Cadets - - - 32 - - - 1,976 In October, 1881, when it was decided to advance against Te Whiti at Parihaka, the districts of Auckland, Nelson, Marlborough, Wellington, and Canterbury were called upon for volunteers for active service, and readily afforded a contingent of 64 officers and 1,048 men, while hundreds were anxious to go whose services were not accepted. The campaign was, however, only demonstra- tive, as the Maoris suffered themselves to be taken into custody without offering resistance; but the officer com- manding the forces recorded his high appreciation of the exemplary and soldierlike manner in which the whole force behaved under the circumstances. K GOVERNMENT. I31 of Representatives was elected for five years, but by an Act passed in 1879 its normal term of service is now limited to a period of three years, which, however, may be shortened, if the Governor should see fit to exercise his prerogative of dissolving it. This prerogative was exercised at the in- stance of the Atkinson ministry, in the 1884 session. The ministry, finding itself in a minority on the assembling of the House, advised his Excellency the Governor to dissolve Parliament, and appeal to the country. The ultimate issue of this appeal is the present ministry, which gives promise of permanency and great benefit to the colony. Except in matters of purely Imperial concern, the Go- vernor, as a rule, acts on the advice of his ministers. He has power to dismiss them and appoint others, but the ultimate control rests with the representatives of the people, who hold the strings of the public purse. Members of the House of Representatives receive an /lonorarium of 200 guineas each for the session, however short it may be. Owing to a ministerial defeat, the session of this year (1884) only lasted a fortnight. The members, however, with true colonial instinct, held to their contract, and, to the intense disgust of the whole colony, pocketed their 200 guineas. ELECTORAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Any man, of twenty-one years and upwards, who is a born or naturalised British subject, and who has held for six months a freehold of the clear value of £25, or who has resided for one year in the colony and in an electoral dis- trict during the six months immediately preceding the registration of his vote, is now, according to an Act passed in 1879, entitled to be registered as an elector and to vote for the election of a member of the House of Representa- tives; also, every male Maori, of the same age, whose name is enrolled upon a ratepayers' roll, or who has a free- hold estate of the clear value of £25. And, by another Act, passed on the same day, the duty is imposed upon the registrar of each electoral district of placing on the elec- toral roll the names of all persons who are qualified to vote. Any person qualified to vote for the election of a member of the House of Representatives is also, generally K 2 VALUE OF PROPERTY. I33 in New Zealand suffices to show that the leading charac- teristics of the British constitution—self-government and localised self-administration—are preserved and, in fact, extended under the New Zealand constitution ; that there is ample power to regulate its institutions, and to adapt them from time to time to the growth and progress of the colony, and to its varied requirements; and that it is the privilege of every colonist to take a personal part to some extent, either as elector or elected, in the conduct of public affairs and in the promotion of the welfare of the community. The voting for members of the House of Representatives is by ballot. You are given a paper with the names of the candidates on, and you then retire behind a screen and cross through each name but the one you vote for. You then fold it up and drop it into a box. The whole per- formance is as quiet as a funeral. VALUE OF PROPERTY IN NEW ZEALAND. The Property Tax Commissioner has issued, in the form of a broad-sheet, a quantity of information of a valuable nature on the possessions of the colony. First on the list is a return showing the value of all real property in New Zealand (exclusive of native land situated beyond five miles of any road suitable for horse traffic), and of all personal property. It is as follows:— Real estate, exclusive of native lands situated five miles A. beyond a road suitable for horse traffic --- ... IOI, OOO,OOO - Personal property ... - - - --- --- --- ... 64,000,000 A 165,000,000 Crown lands ... --- --- --- ... 8,500,000 Native lands within five miles of a road suitable for horse traffic ... --- ... 5,750,000 Education, Church, Municipal, and other reserves -- - - - --- --- ... I I,750,000 Taxable real estate ... - - - --- ... 45,000,000 Non-taxable real estate, owned by persons not liable, being of less value than 4,500 each. --- - - - --- 30,000,000 ——A IoI,000,000 LANDOWNERS. I35 FREEHOLDERs of LAND outside Boroughs, Town districts, and Townships, classified by area, showing total value of each class, 1882 :— PERsons. AREA. - - - Number. Value. 5 acres and under ... --- IO I,4II 296,538 Under --- --- --- 2O I,924 579, 137 Under --- --- --- 30 1,854 58o,81o Under --- --- --- 4O I,075 445,492 Under --- --- --- 5o I,991 538,389 Under --- --- --- 6o 2, 187 799,878 Under - - - --- --- 7o 1,277 456,756 Under - - - --- --- 8o 97o 507,416 Under --- - - - --- 90 I,274 5O2,925 Under --- --- --- IOO 777 442,874 Under --- --- --- 2OO 6,745 4,791,026 Under --- - - - --- 32O 3,887 4,342,292 Under --- --- --- 500 I,953 3,503,704 |Under --- --- --- 640 737 I,777,274 Under --- --- --- 1,000 926 3,444, 357 Under --- --- --- 2,000 812 4,322,082 Under --- - - - --- 3,000 243 2,331,213 Under --- --- --- 4,000 | I42 I,583,515 Under --- --- --- 5,000 73 I, 138,590 Under --- --- --- 6, ooo 65 I,202,47 Under --- --- --- 7,OOO 47. 944, I4 Under --- --- --- 8,000 37 886,206 Under --- --- --- 9, OOO 26 782,846 Under --- --- ... IO, OOO 2I 555,236 Under - - - --- ... 20,000 138 5,171,761 Under --- - - - ... 3O,OOO 46 2,652,992 Under - - - --- ... 4O,OOO 23 2,058,685 Under --- - - - ... 50,000 8 632,825 Under --- --- ... 75,000 9 I,096,423 Under --- --- ... 100,000 6 I, I46,797 Totals --- --- 30,684 |449,414,662 | | Besides these, there are eight companies owning estates to the value of £3,936,150. Of these two hold areas over 150,000 acres, two over Ioo, ooo, one over 75,000, and three over 50,000. The total number of freeholders in the 136 . NEW ZEALAND. colony is 71,240, of whom 30,764 own five acres and over of country land, that is, outside boroughs and town dis- tricts, and exclusive of land classed as township lands. From a return laid on the table of the House of Repre- sentatives in Wellington it appears that there are in the colony 14,740 persons and twenty-six companies owning pieces of land between five and i oo acres in area, and 14,248 persons and nineteen companies owning pieces varying in size from Ioo to 1,000 acres. Owning tracts between 1,000 and 10,000 acres in extent, there are 1,466 persons and eighteen companies. There are only 215 persons and nine companies in possession of land of Io, ooo acres and under 50,000 acres in extent; while, in regard to blocks of 50,000 acres and over, the names of only fifteen persons and eight companies appear as owners. The number of persons who paid their property-tax in the colony of New Zealand during the financial year 1883–84, as reported to Parliament, was 25,460, as against 22,087 the previous year. The taxable property has grown from 2472,500,ooo assessed in 1879 to 4,85,ooo,0oo assessed in 1883. The value of the total real property in the colony is set down as 24, IoI,ooo,000 in 1883, as against 2693, ooo, ooo in 1880. 2,045 taxpayers paid the tax on sums under 24, loo, excluding the exemption, in 1883; 2,674 persons paid on 24, 1oo and under 4,200; and 2,189 on 24, 200 and under 24,300. Coming to larger figures, II 2 persons paid on sums between 450,000 and 24, Ioo,ooo; forty-four on amounts between 4, 1oo, ooo and 24, 200,ooo; and thirty-three on 24, 200,ooo and over. In other words, 8,698 pay under 24, I. 5s. per annum in property-tax; while, going to the other extreme, 543 pay £62. Ios. The tax on large properties of 24, 200,ooo would amount to 24,625. LOCAL INDUSTRIES. Nothing has occasioned me more satisfaction during my residence in New Zealand than the development of local industries on every hand. It is but a beginning as yet; but, as the following somewhat detailed statement will show, there is promise of much greater things in the near distance. I see no limit to the industrial capacity of the colony. The 138 NEW ZEALAND. INDUSTRIES AND MANUFACTURES. NUMBER and DESCRIPTION of MANUFACTORIES, WoRKs, &c., in operation in New Zealand, April, 1881. s: . g? § | 8 ## 4'; äää ă's ## - .# | ##| | #3; ": g:5ā # # ##| | #: Zº Gº ro : A. Á PRINTING ESTABLISHMENTS... -- 106 || 1,779 99,449 I29,717 MUSICAL-INSTRUMENTS FACTORY ... I 3 -- --- MACHINEs, Tools, IMPLEMENTs . . Agricultural-implements factories ... 23 315 27,582 16,272 Machinists and millwrights... 8 90 6,690 6,703 CARRIAGES AND HARNess— Coach-building and painting works 49 387 35,570 Io,760 SHIPS AND BOATs — Ship and boat-building works 25 IOO 8,068 2,500 Block and pump factories ... 3 6 1,800 I,300 Patent slips - --- 4. 3I 6,700 3O,22O FURNITURE– Furniture factories ... --- --- 45 464 7I,415 4,512 Chair and washboard factories --- 3 8 I,075 47O Bellows factory - - - - - - - - - I 5 --- --- CHEMICALS- Chemical works --- - - - --- 2 I2 --- - - - Cleaning and dyeing works... --- IO 26 4, 170 655 Haematite-paint factories ... - - - 2 4 --- - - - TEXTILE FABRICs— Woollen mills --- - - - --- 4. 417 36,000 62,500 Ornamental-silk factory ... --- I I . . . ; --- DRESS— Boot factories 3I I,299 33, IOO 13,267 Clothing factories 8 756 6,2OO 2,480 Hat and cap factories 8 58 3,892 I, I90 Oilskin factories - - - 5 I9 --- --- Stocking-weaving factories... 2 2 FIBROUS MATERIALS- Flax mills ... --- - - - - - - 4O 284 --- --- Rope and twine works - - - --- I8 I24 9,735 8,285 Sail factories ... --- - - - --- I3 37 6,038 I30 ANIMAL FOOD- Boiling-down and meat-preserving works --- - - - --- - - - 40 468 62,525 34,32O Bacon-curing factories --- - - - 2O 64 Io,030 I, O60 Fish-curing factories... --- --- I4 68 2,655 905 Carried forward ... ... 486 || 6,727 432,694 | 321,246 WOOLLEN MANUFACTURES. I4 I Waipu, East Cape. This produces a pale-brown oil, nearly transparent, specific gravity of 829, at 60°Fahr., and burns well in a kerosene lamp. It is described as being of a very superior class. It contains traces of paraffin, and produces 84 per cent. of illuminating oil fit for use in kerosene lamps by means of a single distillation.” WOOLLEN MANUFACTURES. The value of the various kinds of woollen goods, in- cluding blankets, imported into New Zealand during the year 1882 was 24, 155,314. The duty charged on them is 15 per cent. ad valorem. It has been the opinion of the leading public men of New Zealand for many years past that certain grades of woollen goods can be manufactured in the colony much cheaper than they can be imported from Europe and America. The average annual value of the raw-wool product of the colony is between 43,125,000 and 243,750,000, and there is every reason to believe that the value of the product will be still further increased.* * It is believed that the following figures will closely approximate the wool export from Australia for the year ending June 30, 1884:— 1883–4. 1882–3. Colony. #.t j...". j.º Decrease. Increase. Bales. Bales. | Bales. Bales. Victoria ... ... June 28 || 329,828 || 313,318 --- 16,510 New South Wales June 21 || 321,461 265,316 --- 56, 145 Queensland ... June 13 | 73,493 || 53,253 --- 20,240 South Australia ... June 28 || 121,781 || 150,320 28,539 --- Tasmania... ... April 30 | 18,899 || 20,527 1,628 Totals --- --- 865,462 | 802,734 || 30, 167 92,895 30, 167 Total increase --- --- - - - --- 62,728 The export of New Zealand wool for 1883–4 was 77, 140,000 lb., valued at £3,137,000. I42 NEW ZEALAND. This fact, together with the almost boundless supply of cheap coal for steaming purposes, has led people to consider the propriety of sending their wool abroad to be manu- factured, and thus incur the extra charges in the way of freight, insurance, duty, and the intermediate profits of the manufacturers and commission merchants, when the raw product can be manufactured at home. The truth is, the industry of sheep-farming in New Zealand is becoming every year more and more profitable. The three woollen mills established in the South Island have been successful to a degree far beyond the expectations of their founders. Already over 2, ooo, ooo lb. of wool are consumed annually by them. One of these mills is the Mosgiel Woollen Works, situated about ten miles from the City of Dunedin ; another is the Roslyn Mills; and the other is at Kaiapoi, fourteen miles from Christchurch. Much of the machinery used in the Mosgiel works was manufactured in the United States, the most remarkable of which is a machine for clipping the nap of the cloth. It is no longer a disputed fact that it was an American who first invented what is known as the helicoidal shears, a cutting machine with spiral blades on a cylinder acting against a straight steel blade and shearing the nap of the cloth perfectly even. The automatic Bigelow carpet - loom, Simpson's wool-comber, and the compounder, which makes from comparatively thin yarns the heavy pile goods known as the Windsor fabrics, are all American inventions. The blankets and other goods made at the Mosgiel Woollen Works are absolutely unsurpassed in quality and finish. They carried off the first prizes at the International Exhibition at Sydney. The blankets are heavier than those imported from England, and are pure wool, not mixed with cotton or any other material. These blankets find a ready sale at about 3s. 73d. per pound weight. The blankets imported from England sell at from Is. 7d. to 2s. 74d. per pound. Some of the English blankets are largely made of shoddy. Many are under the impression that the manu- facture of shoddy blankets is something new in the manufacture of woollen fabrics, but such is not the case. As far back as the time of Hugh Latimer this fraud was practised. Indeed, that sturdy old divine denounced from I44 NEW ZEALAND. in width. The machinery is driven by a fine horizontal tandem engine of 60-horse power. Two boilers, one of Galloway iron and the other of Siemens-Martin steel, supply steam to the engine, and also, through pipes, to different parts of the factory for boiling water and other purposes. Over the boilers is a room for drying yarn, thus utilising the heat which would otherwise be wasted. The new patent rope-belting is used, the advantage of which is, that should two or even three strands give way the works are not brought to a standstill. The building is lighted by the electric light, showing that the people of this distant land know how to keep pace with the times. I have been unable to procure a balance-sheet showing the assets and liabilities of the Roslyn Woollen Company, or of the celebrated Kaiapoi Woollen Works, near Christ- church; but both of these factories are based upon the most solid business principles, and pay handsome dividends to the stockholders. I give below a table showing the value of all the various kinds of woollen goods, exclusive of carpetings, imported into New Zealand for each year from 1871 to 1882 inclusive:– Year. Value. Year. Value. A. A. 1871 ... - a - 85,247 1877 ... - - - IO7,594 1872 ... --- I23,283 1878 ... --- I37,2O7 1873 ... --- I46,228 1879 ... --- I39,535 1874 ... --- I84,418 188o ... --- IO5, IO3 1875 ... --- 216,088 1881 ... - - - 97,245 1876 ... * - - I37,765 1882 ... --- I55,314 The Customs returns do not classify the various kinds of woollen goods imported into the colony, but tweeds and coatings and blankets form the most valuable part of the imports. About 24, 25,000 worth of blankets are imported annually. Scotch tweeds sell in New Zealand from 3s. Iłd. to 5s. 2%d. per yard. The prices of coatings, cloths, and flannels vary greatly, and are fluctuating. There is a steady demand throughout the colony for Scotch, Yorkshire, and West of England tweeds. Crossley's carpets (tapestry), AUSTRALASIAN SHIPPING. I45 best quality, sell readily for 3s. 73d. per yard, and good Brussels bring from 4s. 2d. to 5s. 2 #d. per yard. Axminster carpeting varies from 4s. 2d. to 4s. 8d. per yard, according to quality. Crimean coloured shirts, of which large quan- tities are brought to New Zealand, sell from 4, 1. 1 1s. 3d. to 24.4. 1 1s. 8d. per dozen. Woollen undershirts, woven Leicester, sell from 24, 2. 1s. 8d. to 24, 3.. 6s. 8d. per dozen, and woollen drawers bring about the same prices. All the various styles of woollen goods used in Great Britain and the United States find ready sale in the colony. AUSTRALASIAN SHIPPING. It may be interesting to give here a few particulars as to the shipping employed in the Australasian trade. The total amount of net tonnage cleared for the Australasian ports during the year 1881, excluding vessels for Indian ports taking cargo for transhipment at ports of call, was over 696, ooo tons, showing an increase of 144, ooo tons, or 25 per cent., over the preceding year, 1880. The pro- portion of steam to the aggregate tonnage is growing every day. There are now 28 steamers, having a tonnage of 99, ooo tons, with 70, ooo horse-power, on the berth to clear for the Australasian ports. The Peninsular and Oriental ships are now carrying at the rate of 50,000 tons of cargo per annum from London to Australia. The Orient line carries 2,000 tons in each monthly steamer. Their rates outward have ranged for ton measurement from 24, I. 1 1s. 3d. up to 24, 2. 12s. 1d. ; and for express cargo from 24, 2. 12s. 1d. to £5.4s.2d. The French Government has now subsidised a line of steamers to the Australian colonies to the tune of 24, 138,541 per annum for 15 years. At the last yearly meeting of the Peninsular and Oriental Company, the following interesting facts came out, illus- trating the working of the great steam traffic:- PENINSULAR AND ORIENTAL COMPANY. The meeting of the Peninsular and Oriental Company passed off very successfully. The shareholders, bearing in mind the great depression in the shipping trade generally, seemed more than satisfied with the result of the half-year's L DIRECT STEAM SERVICE. I47 over one hundred passengers in each compartment— saloon and steerage. The voyage to and from Sydney or Melbourne is usually done in four and a half to five days. Nothing can exceed the elegance of the saloons and the state cabins. The electric light and all modern improve- ments are found in them. The company is well supported by the colony, and pays handsome dividends to its share- holders. It is in contemplation to extend the service to China and Japan during the tea season. The importation of tea is increasing yearly, and already reaches the astounding figure of 4,350,611 lb. a year, of the value of A. 278,994. During the summer season pleasure trips are arranged by the company, giving the colonists an opportunity of visiting the sounds, lakes, and other natural attractions which abound in both islands. NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING COMPANY. This enterprising company is hardly second to the Union Steamship Company in importance. The following report to their shareholders on August 14, 1883, states as fol- lows:– “Z)irect Steam.—Following the policy indicated at the last general meeting of shareholders, your directors have entered into a contract with the celebrated firm of Messrs. John Elder & Co., of Glasgow, to build three steamers, each of 4,000 tons gross register, with a sea-going speed of twelve knots. The steamers are being built of steel, are of the highest class, and will be in every way a credit to the company. All the vessels are now far advanced: the first will be launched during the present month, and is appointed to leave England for the colony in October next. Pending the completion of the company's vessels, your directors in January last established a monthly direct line of steamers, comprising the White Starliners ſonic and Doric, the Cunard liner Caſa/onia, and the British Shipowners' Company's Aritish Aing and British Queen, all of which are new vessels, built within the last two years, and the most suitable the company could charter. These steamers have all made successful passages, especially the Ionic, which vessel accomplished the voyage from Plymouth to Wellington in L 2 I48 NEW ZEALAND. 43 days 22 hours; and, considering the short time the service has been established, your directors are well pleased with the support they have received from passengers and shippers, and with the results and future prospects of the company. “A’efrigeration. — The carriage of frozen meat, your directors believe, will form a most important element in the future trade of the colony, and space has been reserved for large shipments in the steamers now under charter to the company and also in those in course of construction.” At the annual general meeting, held at Christchurch, August 7, 1884, a dividend of Io per cent. was declared. DOCKS IN THE AUSTRALASIAN COLONIES. The following are the dimensions of the principal docks in the Australasian Colonies: Mort's Dock, Sydney, New South Wales, 409 feet long, 68 feet wide at entrance, 19 feet 6 inches of water on sill at high water; Fitzroy Dock, Sydney, New South Wales, 450 feet long, 58 feet wide at entrance, 20 feet 6 inches of water on sill at high tide; Alfred Dock, Melbourne, Victoria, 450 feet long, 80 feet wide at entrance, 27 feet of water on sill at high water; Government Dock, Brisbane, Queensland, 320 feet long, 60 feet wide at entrance, 20 feet of water on sill at high water; Port Chalmers Dock, Dunedin, New Zealand, 328 feet long, 50 feet wide at entrance, 19 feet of water on sill at high water; Lyttelton Dock, Lyttelton, New Zealand, 450 feet long, 62 feet at entrance, 23 feet of water on sill at high water; Auckland Dock, Auckland, New Zealand, 3oo feet long, 46 feet wide at entrance, 15 feet of water on sill at high water; the North Shore Dock, Auckland, New Zealand, 5oo feet long, 80 feet wide at entrance, 33 feet of water on sill at high water. The central and commanding position of Auckland can easily be determined by examining the various routes which connect the ports of Europe and America with the South Pacific Ocean. By referring to a map it will be seen that the distance from Liverpool to Auckland by the Suez Canal is 12,706 miles ; by the Cape of Good Hope, 14,073 miles; and by Cape Horn, 12,057 miles. It will also be CANNED MEAT. 151 latitudes it is not found necessary to use the machine for more than four to six hours per day. Sir F. Dillon Bell, the Agent-General for New Zealand in London, is fully satisfied that mutton from this colony can be placed on the London market at 6d. per lb., and leave a good profit both for the grower and the shipper. He esti- mates the meat supply of the Australasian colonies at 7oo,ooo tons per annum. But the real limit of the sup- plying power of the colonies is the amount of tonnage that they can command ; and, as meat can form only a portion of the cargoes of steamers or sailing-vessels, and as these vessels must secure inward as well as outward freights in order to pay, there is not much prospect of even a fourth of this quantity being reached for some years to come. At an average of 350 tons per vessel, equal to three times that tonnage in bulk, including machinery and coal, it would take about three hundred large vessels annually to carry Ioo, ooo tons. The meat trade in the future, at least as far as Australasia is concerned, will be from New Zealand. The high price of meat in Victoria and New South Wales is said to be exceptional, on account of the drought. Indeed, the long drought was given as a reason for the losses of the Austra- lian Frozen Meat Company during the year 1882. CANNED MEAT. Until the last year or two there has been a marked falling-off in the quantity and value of the exports of canned meat from New Zealand. During the year 1878 the total value of the exports of New Zealand preserved meat amounted to 24,74,225. In 1881 the amount declined to 24, 22,391. In 1882 the amount increased to 24,54,397. The subjoined table shows the quantity and value of potted and preserved meat exported from New Zealand for each year from 1878 to 1882 inclusive — Cwt. A. º 1878 - - - - - - 28,292 - - - 74,225 1879 - - - - - - 20,616 - - - 54, 2I4 I88o - - - - - - I5,279 - - - 38,563 I88I - - - - - - 9,595 - - - 22, 39 I I882 - - - - - - 26,016 - - - 54,397 I52 NEW ZEALAND. I found on a visit to Wellington in August (1884) a flourishing business in canned meat being carried on under the name of the “Gear Meat Preserving Company,” and on board the Aorangi a large quantity of tinned beef was shipped for the English market. It is of a superior quality, and the business is rapidly developing. There were in April, 1881, no less than forty meat-preserving factories in operation in New Zealand ; four in the Auckland district ; three in Taranaki; nine in Wellington; five in Hawke's Bay; seven in Canterbury; nine in Marlborough ; and three in Otago. The number of hands regularly employed in these factories is about 500. The total value of the ground and buildings is estimated at 4,62,525, and the cost of machinery at 24, 34,320. It is clear that the colony is waking up to the importance of this industry, although American competition precludes the indulgence of exaggerated hopes respecting it. When it is remembered that one firm alone in California—Messrs. Armour & Co.—kill no less than Ioo, ooo head of cattle every year, and employ 5oo hands canning the same, and that according to the figures furnished by the Hon. J. R. Dodge, statistician at Washington, the number of beef cattle annually slaughtered in the United States is 6,250,000 head, the utmost that can be done by way of competition in New Zealand is comparatively unimportant. The prospective value of this industry may be inferred from the fact that one London firm alone imported during a period of eleven months 594,000 cases of canned meat from the United States, valued at 24, 1,041,666. TANNERY AND LEATHER TRADES. These are leading industries in New Zealand, as may be inferred from the statistics (see pp. 138, 139). The develop- ment of the meat industry throws an ever-increasing number of skins upon the market. Near Christchurch there is a flourishing tannery, &c., belonging to Messrs. Allan, Light- band, & Co. A large trade in sheepskins is done by this firm. At Wellington one or two companies were in course of formation for dealing with skins. An ever-increasing I54 NEW ZEALAND. the framework of their houses, and for making clothing, baskets, mats, fishing-nets and lines, and sails for their boats and canoes. The name Phormium tenax is derived from the Greek word phormos (a basket), and femax (strong). It belongs to the liliaceous family of plants, a species of plants whose history can be traced from the earliest ages. Phormium tenax is sometimes called the flax lily. The leaf varies in size from 3 feet to 14 feet in length, and from ! inch to 5 inches in breadth at the widest part. It grows in bunches or groups of plants; each shoot has five leaves. On an average, about ten of these shoots form a bunch. The leaves are perennial, hard, and sword-shaped, with a stalk rising 5 feet or 6 feet above them, bearing a profusion of yellow and sometimes red flowers, followed by triangular seed-vessels filled with flat and thin black shining seed. The plant attains its full growth in three years, when the leaves generally split at the end, and it first comes into flower. It is said that in rich soil the flower-stalk rises to a height of 20 feet. The leaves are smaller in structure than those of European flax and hemp plants, being com- posed of cellular trusses running the whole length of the leaf, incased in a green substance. The trusses consist of two parts, wood and bast, the latter forming the fibre so highly prized. The following is a brief description of its manufacture : —The green leaves are stripped by revolving rollers with projecting beaters travelling at a high rate of speed, which crush the epidermis against a fixed plate, so set as to allow room for the fibre to remain intact. The fibre, thus freed from the leaf of the plant, is washed by various methods, put on the ground or on lines to dry and bleach, finished by an arm or barrel scutch, and, when baled, is ready for market. The price realised at the time of my leaving New Zealand was 24, 16 per ton. New Zealand flax was generally supposed to be the strongest fibre in the world, but such is not the case. Recent experiments with testing machines show that, while it is more than double the strength of ordinary hemp and flax, it is not as strong as silk. The following table, furnished by Mr. T. F. Cheeseman, of the Auckland CEMENT TRADE. I55 Institute, shows the comparative strength of various kinds of fibres — lb. Silk will bear a strain of ... ... 34 A hormium femax, a strain of . 231's Russian hemp, a strain of ... ... 16% Common flax, a strain of ... ... I I } Agaze Americana, a strain of 7 This table does not vary much from that given by Pro- fessor Lindley, which is as follows:— lb. Silk will bear a strain of ... . . . 34 A hormium femax, a strain of . . . 23 European hemp, a strain of ... ... 16 European flax, a strain of ... ... II It is more than probable that the cultivation of Phormum femax in New Zealand will soon become a profitable in- dustry. The rapid spread of colonisation and the aliena- tion of the waste lands of the Crown to private proprietors have very much narrowed the source of supply of wild flax, which principally grows most luxuriantly in soil that is selected by the settlers for agricultural purposes. Of course, as the stock of wild flax becomes scarce, the neces- sity for cultivating the plant is greater. Experience proves that the wild flax will soon become insufficient for the demand, and due consideration must be given to the fact that flax, like nearly all other plants, can be improved by cultivation. THE CEMENT TRADE. The large quantity and value of cement imported annu- ally into New Zealand, together with the keen competition amongst the various manufacturers of hydraulic limes in the colony, furnish strong evidence of commercial activity and substantial progress. The total value of the imports of cement into New Zealand during the year ending December 31, 1883, was £52,905. In 1873 the value of these imports was only 24, 23,235. The subjoined table 156 NEW ZEALAND. shows the quantity and value of cement imported into the colony of New Zealand for each year from 1873 to 1883 inclusive:— Year. Quantity. Value. A. 1873 --- ... 25,300 barrels ... 23,235 1874 - - - ... 27,74O , , --- 34,640 1875 --- ... 54,536 , --- 40,068 1876 • - - ... | 72,588 , , --- 60,730 1877 --- ... 5O,3O3 2, - - - 50,203 1878 --- ... IOI,769 , , --- 81,471 1879 ... ... 70,439 , , --- 57,797 I88O --- ... II.5, 156 , , --- 86,212 1881 --- ... I38, 197 , --- 99,689 1882 - - - ... l I43,382 , - - - IO2,054 1883 --- ... 74,997 , , --- 52,905 On the average five barrels are equal to 2,240 lb. These imports consisted almost exclusively of what is known to the trade as “English Portland cement.” The favourite brands here are those of Knight, Bevan, & Sturge, and Robinson & Co. Dr. Hector is of the opinion that New Zealand will not long be dependent on foreign markets for Portland cement. The natural cement-stones of the colony he thinks quite equal, if not superior, to those burnt for the manufacture of hydraulic lime in Europe. I am indebted to Dr. Hector for the following table, showing the component parts of the natural cement-stones at Moeraki and Amuri, in the South Island of New Zealand. Numbers 1 and 3 are analyses of the whole nodules, while numbers 2 and 4 are without the calcareous veins. The Moeraki stones are hard and compact, of a mottled-grey colour; specific gravity, 2-655; hydroscopic water, 60 per cent. The stones from Amuri are of similar character. Those of England and France are given for comparison :- HYDRAULIC LIME INDUSTRY. I57 New Zealand. England. | France. Constituents. Moeraki. Amuri. Sheppy. Boulogne. - I. 2. 3. 4. Carbonate of lime 72°4 50:8 68-6 54.9 || 69°o 63'9 Carbonate of mag- nesia ... --- "3 ... 17 | 1.5 Alumina and iron oxides ... ... 8-7 || 7-6 || 6′5 || 6’4 Io'5 12'3 Soluble silica ’8 ... I to I to 8. - Sand and clay ... 17:8 41-6 || 31 ‘2 31°9 is “o 15'o Water ... ... *6 ... l I “I I “2 I 3 •6 There are now four companies at Mahurangi alone engaged in the manufacture of hydraulic limes. The most extensive is that of J. Wilson & Co., situated about two miles below Warkworth, on the south bank of the Mahurangi river, Auckland district. This firm was the first to engage in the hydraulic lime industry in this colony. Lime was produced where their works now stand as far back as 1851. They experienced great difficulty in slaking the lime, and the industry was for a time discontinued, but was started again in 1878. In 1878 they had only two kilns working at irregular intervals. In 1883, they had eighteen kilns in full operation, and turned out about 350,000 bushels per annum. The supply of suitable stone accessible to the works is practically inexhaustible. The stone is burnt as it comes from the quarry. It is then taken to the crushing-mills and reduced to powder without being touched by water. The machinery consists of one of Mottes's universal crushers. The lime is then passed through a sieve, and the coarse particles are placed under a crusher, being passed through the stones again and sifted so as to produce a uniform article. The proprietors are not entirely satisfied with their present method of grinding lime, and I have no doubt that the industry here could be greatly improved by the introduction of improved machinery. Mottes's universal crusher is like a mortar without a bottom, and is so arranged that it can be raised 158 NEW ZEALAND. or lowered at pleasure so as to reduce the material to whatever size is required. The pestle is driven by an eccentric on its head, which produces an oscillating motion and crushes the stone against the walls of the mortar. The kilns are all built of concrete and lined with brick. They are 5 feet across the top, tapering to 2 feet 6 inches at the base. Between each kiln at the top there is a wall 18 inches thick. The fuel and raw stone are put into the kiln at the top, and the burnt lime drawn from below at stated periods. The fires are kept burning all the time, except when the brick lining needs repairing. The heat is often so intense as to melt the brick, but it has no injurious effect whatever on the concrete behind. In the Nelson province several cement works have been recently started, and, just before I left New Zealand, the plant for new works on the West Coast had been shipped from Wellington. Mr. Consul Griffin thus writes of New Zealand cement: —“The Portland cement manufactured from the native hydraulic limestones of New Zealand has met with such favour that it will not improbably be very extensively used at an early day in the construction of the public works of the colony. The government has called for tenders for Ioo tons for public works.” The manufacture of Portland cement might be made an important industry in New Zealand, excellent chalk and lime and non-ferruginous clay being obtainable. The Italian pozzuolana might be imitated also, as there are extensive deposits of volcanic tufas occurring in the • North and South Islands. These volcanic sands would require to be ground up with an admixture of lime, making, when Correctly proportioned, an excellent hydraulic mortar. In Auckland an artificial cement is largely in use, prepared from hydraulic lime from the Tertiary strata at Mahurangi, which, when properly mixed with scoria dust, forms a most valuable cement for concrete buildings, and also for sub- marine walls and docks. I 6o NEW ZEALAND. Kind. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Year 1881. Year 1882. Tons A. Tons A. Angle iron ... --- --- 36 350 6O 573 Bar, bolt, and rod ... ... 7, 181 57,455 || 7,600 63,630 Bolts and nuts --- --- 262 5,005 442 IO,924 Castings ... - - - --- 28 53O 82 I,294 Galvanised (corrugated) ... 6,461 | 128,455 7,778 157,275 Galvanised (plain sheet) ... 805 I6,591 | 1,028 22, 112 Gates and posts --- I 47 # 22 Hoop iron ... --- --- 629 5,749 745 6,926 Pig iron --- - - - ... 2,832 IO,574 || 4,272 I4, I 30 Pipes (cast) ... --- ... 6, 148 46,903 || 2,426 22,329 Pipes (wrought) ... - - - 299 3,742 577 9,2O6 Plate ... • - - --- --- 508 4,975 912 II,652 Railway bolts, &c. ... - - - 229 2,654 354 3,233 Sheet... --- --- --- 434 4,959 747 8,8oo No. No. Tanks --- - - - ... 2, 136 7,600 || 2,381 8,763 Tons - Tons Wire (fencing) - - - ... 6, 126 81,697 | Io,452 | 150,223 Wire (telegraph) ... - - - 43 I, I45 6I6 7,930 Wire (for reapers and binders) 377 I5,7OI 43I 17, 172 Steel ... --- --- --- 305 4,79 I 2II 5,940 Steel rails ... --- ... | 6,609 41,957 || 3,207 || 23,687 There are thirty-five iron and brass foundries in New Zealand, all of which are doing a prosperous business. Of these, ten are located in the district of Auckland, six in Wellington, one in Nelson, one in Westland, five in Canterbury, one in Hawke's Bay, one in Marlborough, and ten in Otago. Nearly one thousand hands are constantly employed in these foundries. The total value of the grounds and buildings connected therewith is 483,581. The total value of the machinery and plant is 24,71,686. The average wages of the engine and boiler-makers em- ployed in these foundries is from Ios. to 12s. per day. IRON-SAND OF TARANKI. . One of the extraordinary minerals of New Zealand is the iron-sand, found in various parts, but chiefly at Taranaki, where millions of tons of it are found. Hitherto all attempts TIMBER TRADE. I61 to make iron out of it have failed, but, at length, American ingenuity has come to the rescue, and a vigorous start in the new industry has been made. A furnace has been erected at Onehunga, about six miles from Auckland, by Messrs. Gardner & Chambers. It was opened to the general public on the 8th of February, 1883. The furnace used is the invention of Joel Wilson, of New Jersey. It was first patented in the United States, but patents have been secured for it in all the Australasian colonies. The managers claim that they can manufacture iron in Auckland much cheaper than it can be brought from England. Mr. Jones, of Philadelphia, who is working the furnace at Onehunga, offered to make pig-iron at £4 per ton, the present market value being 24.5. Ios. per ton. The managers have made a series of experiments with New Zealand coal for the purpose of finding a substitute for charcoal, the high price of which here interferes mate- rially with the economical manufacture of iron. These experiments, it is said, have resulted in the discovery that the slaked coal from the Taupiri Coal-mine, in the Waikato district, answers the purpose much better than any other kind of coal, and, in some respects, it is even better than charcoal, as it does not require to be ground, and burns at a red heat, leaving a pure, clean, white ash. The managers expect to have ten furnaces in operation shortly. The Government of New Zealand has taken great interest in the development of the iron-mines, and offers a bonus of 24, 1,000 to any one who will make in this colony the first 200 tons of iron blooms out of New Zealand ore. THE TIMBER TRADE. The district of Auckland takes the lead in the timber trade, if, indeed, it is not the seat of the largest timber industry in the Southern Hemisphere. The forests, which are evergreen, and contain a variety of valuable woods, are so vast, that one may well stand amazed at the thought of the wealth they will yield to the colony. Dr. Hector, who is perhaps the highest authority on this subject in Austral- asia, states that the forests of New Zealand cover an area of about 20,000,ooo acres. The forests on the Crown lands M 162 NEW ZEALAND. alone are estimated at Io, ooo, ooo acres; about 5,000,ooo acres are the private property of the European population, and the remainder is owned by the Maoris. The country is so well watered, and is so adapted to the growth of timber, that even when the forests are cut down they soon reproduce themselves; but this productiveness is no excuse for the wanton waste which takes place after trees have been cut for timber purposes. Of the timber trees, the kauri pine (Dammara australis), one of the most valuable trees in the world, is found only in the district of Auckland, and in that district it does not exist farther south than the East Cape, latitude 37° 30'. Like the cedar of Australia, it is confined to the vicinity of the sea. It loves low, sheltered localities, and a wet, clay soil. The kauri forest covers about 60,000 acres of Crown lands, and about 120,000 acres of private property. The tree often grows to a height of 150 feet, and measures from 12 to 3o feet in circumference. Indeed, the kauri is often met with measuring much more than the latter figure. A log which Mr. Consul Griffin saw at Remuera, near Auckland, was 4o feet long, and 5 feet by 5% feet section. Squared sticks are often got up over 60 feet in length for the keels of vessels. Two trees are known to exist over 20 feet in diameter, one on the East Coast, and the other on the Tutamoe Mountains, near Hokianga. This last tree measures exactly one chain (66 feet) in circumference, or 22 feet in diameter. The logs are got out of the bush by rolling or sliding on prepared slip-ways; also loaded on trucks on tramways of wood or iron. Occasionally small locomotives are used. Logs are accumulated in Creeks, the waters of which are kept back and suddenly let out during or after a freshet, by opening a trap. The logs are then made into rafts, and towed to the mill-booms; they are hauled out of the water endways, put into frames, and placed against improved “circular saws,” which cut them into boards as fast as a man can walk along the bench. It was for a long time believed that the kauri pine could not be cut with a deal or gang frame—a theory now ex- ploded. The log, however, frequently nips the saw at starting, and has to be run back to get a new or clear start. Kauri works perfectly into mouldings, planed, SAW-MILLS. 163 matched, and covered forms. An entire house may be built without a single knot. Kauri pine, however, unfortunately shrinks endways if used before being thoroughly dry. In free air, sheltered from the sun, or when put under ground, it is almost imperishable. It is not unfrequently dug out of swamps and about the edges of “foot-hills,” where it had been lying for years. The tree rises to a height of Ioo feet without a branch. The cone is nearly round, and when dry falls to pieces. Occasionally kauri trees are discovered with a rugged surface, and on being cut the grain is found to be mottled something after the fashion of bird’s-eye maple. The kauri is exported largely in what is called “junk,” the logs being squared with an axe, thus wasting a considerable quantity of good timber. The kauri splits well for roofing shingles. It also splits tolerably well for fence-palings, but it is not so good for that purpose as other woods, or the celebrated Tasmanian gum, now being largely imported into New Zealand. The annual output of kauri timber is about 1 Io, ooo, ooo feet, and the highest estimate that I have seen, from autho- ritative sources, of the amount of timber in the kauri forests, at present known, is 23, ooo, ooo, ooo feet. The subject of conserving the kauri forests is attracting much attention in the colony, not only on account of the ex- cellent timber it produces, but on account of the gum which exudes from this tree, and which for many years has formed a most valuable article of export in the district of Auckland. SAW-MILLS. The number of saw-mills in the colony is about 250. In 1879 there were 204, and at that time Mr. Lecoy, in a report to the New Zealand Government, estimated the yearly supply from each of these mills at 1,000,ooo super- ficial feet, or about 200,000,ooo superficial feet as the total annual product. The sawn and round timber annually cut out of the forests of the colony would together represent a cubic volume equal to 4oo, ooo, ooo superficial feet. The average value of sawn timber at Auckland, Wellington, Invercargill, and Dunedin is, 13s. for Ioo superficial feet. M 2 I64 NEW ZEALAND. At Nelson the prices are much lower. A settler living at Wakefield, whom I visited, had just bought the timber for his house of a neighbouring saw-miller. The price paid was 6s. 9d. per Ioo feet delivered on the ground. An additional charge of about 3s. per Ioo feet is made for dressing or planing. The timber most common in that district is rimu, a good, durable wood, easily worked and often very handsome in its grain. The subjoined table shows the quantity and value of timber exported from New Zealand during the years 1881 and 1882 :— Articles. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Year 1881. Year 1882. A. 4. Laths - - - --- --- 71,900 No. 5 I Logs ... --- 1,709 No. 6, 184 5,635 , |2O, IO5 Palings... --- 600 ,, 6 3,600 , , 39 Sawn, undressed 7, 133,926 ft. 29,573 7,825,408 ft. 39,963 ,, dressed... 6,046,394 ,, 35,596 8,661,493 , , 54,530 Shingles --- 26,000 No. 19 26,500 No. I2 Firewood --- 48 tons 22 IO3 tons 45 Other kinds ... 2,965 pkg. 2,526 5,951 pkg, 4,595 The duty charged on sawn timber imported into the colony is 2s. per Ioo superficial feet, and on sawn dressed timber 4s. per Ioo superficial feet. The duty on shingles and laths, per 1,000, is 2s. ; on palings, 2s. per Ioo ; on posts, 8S. per Ioo; and on rails, 4s. These protective duties are an undoubted help to the young industry, as is the 6d. per pound duty to the Nelson Hop industry. WOOD FACTORIES. New Zealand has developed the largest timber industry in the Southern Hemisphere. The immense forests of kauri, totara, and other timber trees are fully appreciated by its enterprising inhabitants. AUCKLAND TIMBER COMPANY. 165 There are about 250 saw-mills and sash-and-door manu- ſactories in New Zealand. The value of the land and buildings is about 4.397,084, and the value of the machinery and plant is 26376,544. About 4,300 persons are employed in connexion with these mills. The New Zealand wood factories excel in the excellence of their doors and window-sashes. These factories, how- ever, make only a limited quantity of articles known to the trade as wooden ware. Their articles of coopery are worthy of praise, especially their butter-kegs, which are made of kauri, totara, and puriri. Amongst the native woods suitable for the manufacture of wooden ware may be mentioned tawa and taraire. White birch, honeysuckle, and other similar woods are used in considerable quantities for axe-handles and small cabinet- work. Agricultural implements are sometimes made of mangeo. Mapau is another excellent native wood, and makes superb carpenters' tools. The greatest obstacle in the way of the wood manufacturers is the high price of labour. There are several broom factories in Auckland making excellent brooms, and at low prices, the broom being imported from the United States free of duty. The handles, made of kauri, are more inclined to shrink than American pine, but nevertheless are very strong. The wash- boards turned out by the Auckland Timber Company are the best that I have seen manufactured in the colony. Astonishment is expressed by woodware dealers that the Americans do not manufacture butter-prints for this market. Butter-prints, like bread-platters, must be handmade, and no machine capable of cutting platters in hollow hemi- spheres has as yet been introduced. The Auckland Timber Company uses almost every variety of wood-working machinery known to the trade, amongst which are Boult's carving and dovetailing machine; Brown and Howe's gauge lathe; the Challenge scroll saw; the Eclipse perforator; the Variety wood-turning lathe; Howley and Hermane's new-style power mortiser, with speed of 8oo strokes per minute, &c. The Variety wood- turning lathe will turn out several thousand druggists' boxes in a few hours, and an equal number of button and tassel I66 NEW ZEALAND. moulds, knobs, tops, toys, pencil-cases, spools, pipe-stems, checkers, &c. wº, º Tºl. The Eclipse perforator, used by the Auckland Timber Company, is said to be the only round-hole power perfor- ating machine ever placed before the public that will do. stub and checker work, and lift at any given or required point. The cutters are so arranged that they shear out the holes, leaving the sheets free, clear cut, and without any bur, and, as the punches are run by gear, they act inde- pendently of each other, and run for a long period without wearing out. The cutters are easily sharpened by tapping them on the face with a light hammer. Stub and straight work can be run through at equal speed, as fast as the feeder can put in the sheets, three or four together, the work being delivered in the drop-box clean and flat. The Timber Company also use the Excelsior lathe of the Globe Manufacturing Company, Middletown, Con- necticut. This lathe is so simple in construction that it can be used even by unpractised hands. The length of its bed is 25 inches, and the swing is 5% inches. The ways are of iron instead of wood. The machine is capable of doing both fine and common work. This Auckland Timber Company is worthy of a more extended notice. Its products find their way all over the colony. When the company was established its capital was. about 24,60,ooo. It has since been increased to 24, 120,000, of which 4,80,ooo has been subscribed. It is divided into 24,000 shares, at 4.5 each. The company owns some very valuable property, part of which consists of kauri forests acquired years ago, long before the great value of this grand timber became fully understood, and of course purchased at a very small price. The timber lands now in possession of the company are so extensive that, even at the present rate of consumption, years will elapse before a new supply will be needed. At Whangaroa the company has a double saw-mill, complete, together with freehold, leasehold, and agreements for extensive forests; at Port Charles, a single saw-mill, with freehold and leasehold forests; at Kennedy's Bay, a saw-mill and forests. In addition to the above, there are about 5,000 acres of freehold forest land at Mangonui, with an excellent mill WHALING. 167 site, on which the company propose to erect a mill. At these mills and in the creeks, ready to be floated out by freshets, they have a supply of over 12,000,ooo feet of log timber, which they are capable of converting into sawn timber at the rate of about 170,000 feet per week. These properties are situated at points along the east coast affording every facility for carrying on an extensive business in timber. In Auckland there are the sash-and-door manufactories at Newton and in Customhouse Street. These include the lease, for sixty-six years, of 5oo feet of water frontage on the reclaimed land in Auckland Harbour, on which the company has erected a series of splendid buildings, sur- passing anything of the kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The buildings cover an area of about 14 acre. The main building is three stories in height, and contains every pos- sible kind of wood-working machinery of the latest and most improved English and American manufacture. This machinery is driven by six steam-engines, the largest of which is a pair of 20-inch cylinder, high pressure. The total weight of machinery, engines, shafting, gear, &c., is from 7oo to 8oo tons, and the total length of shafting about 7oo feet. In addition to the working machinery, the com- pany does most of its own engineer work, and has there- fore fitted up forges, engineers’ lathes, drilling, planing, and shaping machines, and other necessary plant for this depart- ment. The number of hands employed is about 500. Vessels load and unload alongside the company's wharf. The offices and store are built of brick in the most sub- stantial manner, with five floors, each having an area of about 5,000 feet. An elevator, 9 feet square, runs from bottom to top, worked by a steam-engine, which is also used to drive a putty-mill and other machinery. WHALING. Among the New Zealand products it will be seen that whale-oil figures for some 4, 5, ooo annually. Mr. Consul Griffin, in the pursuit of information respecting the colony, elicited the following interesting account of whaling:— The proprietor of one of the whaling stations has I68 NEW ZEALAND. described to me the method of catching the whale by the shore-parties. The men are enrolled under three classes, viz., headsman, boat-steerer, and common man. The heads- man is the commander of a boat, and his post is at the stern, except during the time of killing the whale, which honour falls to his lot. The boat-steerer pulls the oar nearest to the bow, always steering under the direction of the headsman. The common men have nothing to do but ply their oars according to orders, except one, called the tub-oarsman, who sits near the tub containing the whale- line, and sees that no entanglement takes place. The wages are the shares of the profits of the fishery, apportioned to the men according to their rank. A code of etiquette, or laws, exists among the whalers. This code has been handed down by tradition, and is faithfully ad- hered to. It regulates and settles the various claims to the whale. It is a rule among them that he who once made fast to the whale has the right to it, even should he be obliged to cut his line, provided his harpoon remains in the whale. Each harpoon has its owner's private mark, and there can be no dispute about the ownership of the weapon. The boat making fast to the calf has a right to the cow, because the cow will not desert her young. A boat demanding assistance from a rival party must share equally. These unwritten laws are universally recognised among whalers. A dispute seldom occurs as to the owner- ship of a whale. Should such a dispute arise, it is always satisfactorily settled according to custom. The whale-boat used by the shore parties differs in size and construction from those used by whaling vessels. The former is clinker-shaped, sharp at both ends, and is higher out of the water at the bow and stern than it is amidships. It is usually about thirty feet long, narrow, and specially adapted for riding upon the surf. A platform is erected at the stern, reaching forward about six feet, even with the gunwales. To this is attached a cylindrical piece of wood called “the loggerhead,” used for checking the whale-line, and it is a custom to cut a notch in this for every whale killed by the boat. A constant look-out for whales is kept from a site near the station, and when a whale is sighted three or four boats W HALING ADVENTURES. i 69 are immediately launched and proceed towards the spout of the whale, which, like a small column of smoke, indi- cates the direction to be taken. When the fastest boat reaches the whale the headsman drives the harpoon straight into the animal. A turn is taken around the loggerhead to check the rapidity with which the line runs out, and the boat flies through the water. The skill of the headsman is now shown in steering and in watching the course of the whale. Other harpoons are thrown into the animal, which, after diving several times, soon becomes exhausted. The headsman then lets fly his lance into the spot where life is said to be. The animal spouts thick blood and is a sure prize. This method of catching whales is, however, not so satisfactory or profitable as that pur- sued by whaling vessels, and is now principally practised by the Maoris. The sperm whale is frequently met with in the New Zealand waters. Mr. Eldridge, the first officer of the American barque /anus, informed me that during March, 1881, he saw fifty of these whales near the East Cape. The sperm whale travels at the rate of four or five miles an hour. Adult females, or those with young in their company, evince a strong affection for each other, and when one is killed or sustains injury the others hover about, and even render assistance. The whalers take ad- vantage of this trait, and kill a number before the others make off. When, however, a company of male whales are found, and one is attacked, all the others desert their wounded companion. The whale will sometimes lie with its mouth wide open as if baiting for the “squid,” its principal article of food, and will close upon it like a trap. Some say that the squid is attracted by the pearly teeth of the whale. The sperm whale is known by the act of blowing, which is performed with regularity every ten minutes. The spout sent up can be seen at a considerable distance. When one is sighted, the boats leave the ships very quietly, the men making as little noise as possible with their oars. On being struck the whale generally sounds, or descends to a great depth, taking out the lines belonging to the boat. When spent with the loss of blood it becomes unable to sound, and moves rapidly along the KAURI. GUM. 171 is compared, in this respect, to mordants in dyes, without which the colour would fail to become permanent. Per- fumes that contain ambergris are very expensive, and those made without it smell of alcohol. It varies in price from 262. Ios. to 24, Io. 8s. 4d. per ounce. KAURI. GUM. Kauri gum, which is so extensively used in the manu- facture of varnish, is a product peculiar to New Zealand. It consists of the dried and solidified sap of the kauri tree, a species of pine known to botanists as the Dammara australis. This tree does not exist in any other part of the world. It is found only in that part of the colony lying north- ward of 39° south latitude. But within the last few years a good deal of gum has been found in the swamps of the Waikato Valley, and 38° south may be regarded as its extreme limit southward. It is certain, however, that the tree does not now grow in the Waikato district, the climate being too cold. A few kauri trees are to be found in an isolated clump in a forest about forty miles to the south- ward of Auckland; but no young trees are growing up among them; and, as it is in the neighbourhood of several ancient volcanic points of eruption, probably when they grew the climate of the locality was warmer than it now is. To the northward of Auckland, however, is the great district where the kauri is found at the present time, and there, too, the largest quantities of the kauri gum are found. It was the opinion of many for a long time, and I doubt not is the opinion of many still, living out of New Zealand, that kauri gum is a fossil article, like amber, and is no longer being produced. This, of course, is a mistake; but it is, nevertheless, true that the best and by far the largest quantity of merchantable kauri gum is dug out of the ground. It is found at various depths, from just above the surface of the soil to many feet below the surface. The places where it is found in greatest abundance are places which have been in former ages covered with the kauri-pine tree, but which are now generally bare of forest growth. It is found on bare hillsides, on flat clay lands, 172 NEW ZEALAND. in swamps, and even in some places that are covered with a more or less thick coating of volcanic débris. As a rule, however, the kauri tree loves a clay soil and subsoil, and is generally ſound growing upon steep hillsides. Not unfrequently around the edges of these swamps, and along the low-lying portion of the flat land where kauri gum is found, grows in abundance the “tea-tree” of the settlers. Sometimes the gum is found in small detached lumps, and at other times large deposits-will be found in one spot. On cultivated land it is not unfrequently turned up by the plough, and in many places the cutting of drains in swamps has revealed large deposits of this vegetable product. It is also not unfrequently found in the forest; but, as the kauri trees, and nearly all the New Zealand trees, do not send out large tap-roots, but immense num- bers of large surface roots, the difficulty of finding and digging kauri gum on forest-covered lands is proportion- ately increased. It became an article of commerce soon after New Zea- land was settled as a British colony. The first person who engaged in this export was Mr. Busby, of the Bay of Islands, and this venture proved a commercial failure. At first the exports were small, amounting to about 1oo tons per annum. The price of gum at that time ranged from A 5 to 24.6 per ton. The natives then were the only persons engaged in searching for it and bringing it to market. The implements used in digging for the gum consist of a spade and a spear. The spear is a long steel rod about half an inch in diameter, with a wooden handle with a cross on the top like that of a spade or a shovel. The rod is brought to a point, and the gum-digger pierces it into the ground. Practice and experience enable him to tell whether he is touching a stone or a piece of gum. When he touches the gum he digs round it until it is extricated, and then renews the search as before. The number of persons engaged in digging gum varies from 1,600 to 2,000, of whom a great many are Maoris. Europeans have resorted to this kind of work; but they belong generally to a class who are unruly and impatient of the restraints which a civilised life imposes upon them, and who prefer to camp out and live in tents and raupo (a long grass) huts. The KAURI. GUM-DIGGING. I73 gum-digger generally camps upon unsold Crown or native lands, where he can pursue his occupation without being disturbed. Each man takes his chance and works when he likes. Sometimes he may earn as much as 12s. to 16s. per day, but his average earnings do not exceed 261 to A, 1.5s. per week. His remuneration, of course, depends upon the quantity and quality of the gum he is fortunate enough to get, which in his case depends as much upon chance or luck as upon. the amount of skill or diligence he may bring to bear upon his occupation. The gum-digger seldom, if ever, takes care of his earnings. The money he gets is generally expended at the nearest tavern in having what he calls a “jolly good spree.” It is generally supposed that a European who resorts to gum-digging is unfitted for any other occupation. He leads a reckless, dare-devil sort of life, away from friends and kindred and from the restraints of civilisation. All the finer feelings of his nature become blunted, and he falls to a lower depth than the savages with whom he makes his home. The gum on being taken out of the ground is covered with earth, and its surface is found to be in a partial state of decay. When the digger is tired of work he carries his fund of gum in a bag to his tent or hut, and in the evening or upon rainy days he scrapes off the decayed surface until the clear solid gum beneath is reached. When a sufficient quantity has been scraped, it is taken to the nearest shop or public-house, where it is sold for what it will bring. Sometimes the purchaser will assort it; but it is not generally sorted till it reaches the city buyer, who employs skilled hands for that purpose. The gum, after it is scraped and assorted, is packed carefully in boxes, so as to prevent the lumps from breaking. It is then ready for export. The dust and scrapings are also exported. Some of the gum is used in New Zealand for the manufacture of a kind of varnish, but in no great quantity. The price of gum varies ac- cording to the quality and condition of the market. It ranges from £43 to £56 per ton. The average price may be safely set down at £46 per ton. At this rate the total value of the shipment for the year 1882, namely, 5,230 tons, was 4,240,580. More than two-thirds cf the gum goes to the United MANGANESE BRONZE. I75 MANGANESE. A new substance, known as manganese bronze, is now being very generally used in the construction of machinery. It consists of manganese and copper, the proportion of copper being 78 per cent. The new propeller of the Pacific mail steamer Zealandia is made of manganese bronze. The great strength of this material, and its perfect freedom from corrosion, render it possible to make the blades of the screw very much thinner than those composed of other metals, and, in addition to this, a perfectly smooth surface for the blade is obtained, thus almost entirely doing away with the loss occasioned by friction of the blades upon the water. It is claimed that the new propeller of the Zealandia has increased the speed of that vessel fully 1} knot per hour. Although manganese has been exported from New Zealand in considerable quantities for many years, it was not specified in the list of colonial exports until 1878, and during that year 2,516 tons, valued at 24, 10,416, were ex- ported. The manganese that had been previously exported was included under the general head of “Copper and other Metals.” The following table shows the quantity and value of manganese exported from New Zealand from 1878 to 1882 inclusive:- - Year. ºy Value. A. 1878 - - - --- --- 2,516 Io,416 1879 --- --- --- 2, 140 8,338 188o --- --- --- 2,611 IO,423 1881 --- --- - - - I,271 3,283 I882 --- --- --- 2, 181 6,963 The extent of the trade for this year will probably be limited by the quantity sailing-vessels will take to London and New York. The price is so fluctuating in both cities that exporters cannot afford to pay a heavy freight upon it. It is sometimes taken as ballast, or at a nominal freight. 18o NEW ZEALAND. this part of my work than by giving the following table showing the quantity and value of the principal articles, the produce of the colony, exported during two years of my residence there, 1880 and 1881. Articles. Quantity. .Value. Quantity., Value. Year I 88O. Year 1881. PASTORAL– A. A. Wool 66,860, 150 lb. 3, 169,300 59,415,940 lb. 2,909,760 Tallow ... IOI,470 cwt. I46,535 83, 150 cwt. I2O,61 I Hides ... 20,839 No. 17,653 9,296 No. 9, IQ4 Sheep-skins 275,243 , , 32,598 || 332,789 , 42,616 Rabbit-skins 7,505,616 , , 66,976 || 8,514,685 , , 84,774 Leather... 4,210 cwt. 26,097 13,600 cwt. 42,980 MINERAL– Gold 303,215 oz. [I,220,263 250,683 oz. 996,867 Silver 2O,OO5 , , 4,500 18,885 , 4,236 Coal -- 7,020 tons 5,977 6,621 tons 5,610 AGRICULTURAL– Flour - - - 553+ , 6,008 3,22O+ , , 34,97O Bran and sharps 4,00I# , , I5,596 3,465 , I4,795 Wheat ... "... 3, 120,463 bush. 632,943 || 3,761,258 bush. 745,739 Barley ... 476,52O , 84,783 494,9 II , , 79,881 Malt 35,33O , , II,609 60,531 , , 17,883 Oats. ... 1,908, I32 , , I69,662 | 1,499,260 , , I42,569 Oatmeal 24,482 cwt. I3,455 12,511 cwt. 8,228 Potatoes 9,935 tons 23, IQ4 I2, IOO} tons 3O, II9 Butter ... 2,717% cwt. 8,350 2,426 cwt. 8,496 Cheese ... --- 7I7+ , 1,983 3,056} ,, 6, II2 Bacon and hams 67# , , 3I2 I38 , 536 Salt Beef I,53O+ , , 2,432 I,381 , 2,370 Preserved meats I5,279% , 38,563 9,595 , , 22,391 Grass seed 25,236 bush. 6,698 2O,OI6 bush. 4,882 MISCELLANEOUS— Kauri gum 4,725 tons 242,817 5,460% tons 253,778 Phormium (New Zealand hemp) 894 , 15,617 I,307; , , , 26,285 Cordage -- 21.6% cwt. 438 277 cwt. 6O2 Timber (sawn)... 7,611,576 feet 40,321 || 13, 180,320 feet 65, I 19 2 3 (logs) --- 2,533 Io,820 I,709 6, 184 Fungus... --- 3,832 cwt. 6,503 4,328 cwt. 9,735 Whale-oil 27,830 gals. 5,730 22,566 gals. 5,319 Seal-skins 2,648 3, I 79 I,259 I,717 Soap. 2,836% cwt. 2,894 3,669 cwt. 3,534 Biscuits... 3,741%. , 4,454 3,018 , 3,592 RABBIT-SKINS. 181 One of the above items, the rabbit-skin export, is worthy of notice as illustrating the colonial enterprise in converting a nuisance into a profitable industry. The subjoined table shows the quantity and value of rabbit-skins exported from New Zealand for each year from 1873 to 1882 inclusive — Year. Number. Value. A. 1873 --- --- --- 36,716 I,263 1874 --- --- --- 56,504 1,878 1875 --- --- ... III, I42 3,913 1876 --- --- --- 31 1,632 4,418 1877 --- --- --- 918,236 8,630 1878 --- --- --- 3,951,209 33,460 1879 --- --- --- 5,384,506 46,759 188o --- --- --- 7,505,616 66,976 1881 --- --- --- 8,514,685 84,774 I882 --- --- --- 9, 198,837 88,725 The rabbit-skin industry finds employment for a large number of persons. A considerable army of men are profitably engaged in killing the rodents—getting from 12s. to 16s. a day. Then there is the preparation of the skins for export. Immediately after death the rabbits are skinned, and the heads, feet, and all fat removed. The skins are then placed in the open air to dry, and, when dried, are tied in bundles and put into bales. A little carbolic acid is used in packing. Large numbers go to Germany and the United States for the manufacture of furs. The art of colouring rabbit-fur is such that it is made to look like fine sable. It will be seen from the above table that the increase in the value of rabbit-skins exported from New Zealand has been, during the last four or five years, far greater than the increase in the quantity—a fact owing to a market having been found for them in the United States, and the variety of uses to which these skins are now applied. A small quantity of rabbit-skins is consumed in the manufacture of hats. Mr. Fenton, of Queen Street, Auck- 182 NEW ZEALAND. land, made some beautiful felt hats out of them. These hats are soft and pliable to the touch, and are becoming popular. When the fur is long it is sometimes cut in two, and the finer or inner portions mixed with wool. Various kinds of machines have been invented for the manufacture of hats out of rabbit-fur, some of which distribute the fur with marvellous rapidity and evenness on revolving metal cones, the size of felt cones used by the hatters. After the fur is scraped off, the skins are disposed of for the manu- facture of glue and sizing. CANNED FRUIT INDUSTRY. There is one more New Zealand industry which I must not pass by. The extensive importation of English and American canned or bottled fruit has suggested the desir- ableness of developing a home trade to meet the colonial demand. In 1881 the value of imported fruit into New Zealand was 24.70,871, and in 1882 it fell to 24,64,540. The American fruits are chiefly pears, apricots, peaches, plums, prunes, cherries, and apples. They are put up in 2-lb. tins, and fetch from 8s. 6d. to 16s. 6d. per dozen tins. A 15 per cent. duty is charged. The English imports are principally of J. T. Morton and Crosse & Blackwell's well- known brands. They consist of rhubarb, blackberries, quinces, black currant, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, raspberry, gooseberry, &c. A Nelson jam factory was started during my residence there, and is fairly prosperous. Other similar industries are in existence. A firm on the North Island has ordered a plant from America, and already we hear of extensive operations in various localities for fruit culture to supply these works. In Auckland there is an apple company on a large scale, growing some thirty-four different sorts of apples. 184 NEW ZEALAND. “in the United States.” “American wood-working ma- chinery is largely employed in all the principal factories of New Zealand.” And so in all directions he sees and rejoices in the almost universal adoption of American in- ventions in home, and field, and factory. “Nearly all the wooden ware imported into New Zealand,” he writes, “is of American manufacture.” The fact that the value of American imports for 1882 amounted to no less than £463,493 is, perhaps, the most eloquent attestation to Mr. Consul Griffin's patriotic boast- ing. Referring to a visit which he paid to the Christchurch Exhibition, he says:– “I was greatly impressed with the magnificent display of American machinery and agricultural implements, also many other branches of American industry. I saw the American flag flying in various parts of the grounds over the display of Singer's sewing machines, the Grover & Baker machine, Davis, White, Wheeler & Wilson, and others; also over the courts allotted to the exhibitors of American carriages, buggies, wagons, harness, ironmongery, boots, shoes, woodware, toilet articles, rubber goods, &c.” I cannot close this somewhat extended survey of the industrial pursuits of New Zealand without earnestly in- viting the attention of English capitalists to the openings in all directions for their capital and energy. The colony is but in its infancy as yet, but what promise there is in its stalwart limbs | Those millions of acres of magnificent timber 1 The vast mineral deposits—merely tapped at present . The countless acres of fertile soil . The millions of sheep and cattle ! Who can estimate the varied possi- bilities to the men of spirit and enterprise? Instead of idlers to loaf about the cities, New Zealand asks for men— the men who have transformed the sterile wastes of Scot- land into splendid farms, and who have made the England of to-day. NATURAL ATTRACTIONS OF NEW ZEALAND. My work demands some reſerence to the natural attractions of New Zealand. I have dwelt fully on its openings for trade and commerce, as they are, necessarily, NATUR.AL ATTRACTIONS. 185 a primary consideration. But “the life is more than meat; ” man needs something more than a workshop. The most melancholy spectacle presented by colonial life is the prosperous squatter, merchant, or manufacturer, who is nothing else. He is found everywhere—a mere money- bag, cultureless and without internal resource. There is no excuse for such self-destruction in New Zealand. The elements of culture lie all around. The beautiful is never far off. I have a thousand times wandered along trickling streams, with verdure-clad mountains on either side reach- ing up to the very skies, and realised to the full Byron's well-known lines — To sit on rocks, to muse o'er flood and fell, To slowly trace the forest's shady scene, Where things that own not man's dominion dwell, And mortal foot hath ne'er or rarely been ; To climb the trackless mountain all unseen, With the wild flock that never needs a ſold ; Alone o'er steeps and foaming falls to lean ; This is not solitude 1–’tis but to hold Converse with Nature's charms, and view her stores unroll’d. My residence at Nelson was on a grassy slope over- looking the bay. In the far distance were what are known as the Moutere Hills, and towering up behind them was a range of lofty mountains whose tops were rarely free from snow. Behind those snow-tipped mountains sank the sun, and a more glorious spectacle than was every now and then presented was never even in a poet's dream. The vision will linger in my memory for ever. A favourite stroll on a summer's evening was along a road at the foot of a huge range of hills known as the Grampian Hills. The charm of the walk lay in an ever-varying suc- cession of shades on the vast slopes. Verdure-clad to their summits, the sinking sun seemed to bring out an infinite variety of colours which came and went like the views of a high-class dissolving-view apparatus. But these are not the natural attractions to which I wished to refer. New Zealand is rich beyond the dreams of avarice in natural wonders. I cannot do justice to them all in this limited space. I must, therefore, leave untold the glories of the Southern Alps—that grand series of mountains, I 92 NEW ZEALAND. “All the ordinary cares of housekeeping are here greatly facilitated by Nature. She provides so many cooking pots that fires are needless—all stewing and boiling does itself to perfection. The food is either placed in a flax basket and hung in the nearest pool, or else it is laid in a shallow hole, and covered with layers of fern and earth to keep in the steam. In either case the result is excellent, and the cookery clean and simple. Laundry work is made equally easy. Certain pools are set aside in which to boil clothes, and one of these, which is called Kairua, is the village laundry par excellence. Its waters are alkaline, and produce a cleansing lather; and they are so soft and warm that washing is merely a pleasant pastime to the laughing Maori girls. No soap is required; mother Nature has provided all that is needful. Sulphate of soda, chloride of potassium and of sodium enter largely into her preparations for washing-day.” NEW ZEALAND CITIES. My picture of the “England of the Pacific” demands a sketch of its four leading cities, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland. I shall borrow the words of an American visitor, of whose work on New Zealand I have made such free use. The following are the names and population of the principal cities and towns of New Zealand, including suburbs — Dunedin and sub- Wanganui... ... 4,646 urbs ... ... 42,794 | Invercargill ... 4,596 Auckland and sub- Lyttelton ... . . . 4, I27 urbs ... ... 30,952 | Timaru ... ... 3,917 Christchurch and New Plymouth ... 3,310 suburbs... ... 30,715 Hokitika ... ... 2,600 Wellington ... 20,563 || Greymouth . . . 2,544 Nelson ... ... , 6,764 Masterton ... . . . 2, 24 I Oamaru ... ... 5,791 Onehunga ... ... 2, 2I 7 Napier ... ... 5,756 | Port Chalmers ... 2, 181 Thames ... ... 4,863 | Blenheim ... ... 2, Io'7 CHRISTCHURCH. I95 vince of Canterbury, in which Christchurch is situated, is one of the richest agricultural regions in New Zealand, comprising an area of 8,693, ooo acres, of which 2,500,ooo acres form a vast plain, sloping gradually from the moun- tain range called the Southern Alps to the sea; and an Agricultural and Pastoral Exhibition held within a few miles of the city was actually unsurpassed in the Austra- lasian colonies. The horses, sheep, and cattle exhibited there were among the finest in the world. At this Exhi- bition, which I attended, over twenty thousand people visited the ground during the day. I was greatly impressed with the magnificent display of American machinery and agricultural implements, also many other branches of American industry. I saw the American flag flying in various parts of the grounds over the display of Singer's sewing machines, the Grover & Baker machine, Davis, White, Wheeler & Wilson, and others; also over the courts allotted to the exhibitors of American carriages, buggies, wagons, harness, ironmongery, boots, shoes, wood- ware, toilet articles, rubber goods, &c. The prizes offered were very liberal, and the foremost men in the country did their utmost to promote the interests of the Exhibition by encouraging home industries and inviting foreign com- petitors. - “The public and private buildings in Christchurch will compare very favourably with those in the large cities of Europe and America. The cathedral, which has just been opened for service, though still unfinished, has cost over 24, 41,666, and is one of the most beautiful in the Southern Hemisphere.” He might have referred to the museum and other public buildings, and to that general air of refinement visible in the cultured grounds of the suburban villas which gives to this “City of the Plains” so thoroughly English an appear- ance. But, as an American, this could hardly be expected of the patriotic consul. Having visited the city within the last two months, and ridden on a steam tramcar for three miles through streets lined with handsome shops or tasteful villas, I gladly bear witness to the wonderful improvements effected since my first visit six years ago. O 2 196 NEW ZEALAND. AUCKLAND. Auckland receives the longest and most enthusiastic notice. This is Mr. Griffin's account of the “Southern Corinth'':— “The proximity of Auckland to the American ports, its central position, and its magnificent harbours, one on the east and the other on the west coast, give it advantages not enjoyed by any other Australasian city. A glance at the map will show that there is no other port in the colonies so equidistant on the different routes from England as Auckland. The distance from Liverpool to Auckland by the Suez Canal is 12,706 miles; by the Cape of Good Hope, 14,073 miles; by Cape Horn, 12,057 miles; and by the Panama Canal, 11,549 miles. Auckland is not only nearer to San Francisco but to New York than any other Australasian port. The distance from New York to Auck- land by the Suez Canal is 14,637 miles; by the Cape of Good Hope, 14,505 miles; by Cape Horn, I 1,860 miles ; and by the Panama Canal, 8,940 miles. “The harbour of Auckland on the east coast is one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. The entrance to the port between North Head and Rangitoto is two miles in width. In fact, the harbour takes in a large portion of the Hauraki Gulf, and is large enough to float the navies of every nation on the globe. Its depth is 36 feet at dead low-water spring-tides, to which may be added Io feet for rise and fall. “Auckland has more than doubled its population within the last few years. When the canal across the Isthmus of Panama is completed, Auckland will come in contact with the direct trade between the old and the new world. It will probably be the first port of call and the last of de- parture for all vessels trading between Australia, Europe, and America. The projected canal across the narrow neck of land at the Whau when finished will enable vessels coming from Europe and America to continue their voyage to Australia by way of the Manukau Harbour without going around the North Cape. It will be well enough to men- tion amongst the proposed improvements in the Auckland NELSON. 197 Harbour the dredging of the intervening space between the two wharves, so as to gain a depth of 24 feet at low spring-tides, thus providing an inner harbour or tidal basin fifty-three acres in extent. It is also proposed to illuminate this basin with Edison's electric light. Indeed, when I think of the commanding and central position of Auckland, together with the vast resources of the surrounding country, I stand amazed at the promise of her future greatness. She will soon be placed in communication by railway with Wellington, the capital of the colony, and with other im- portant towns of the North Island. If a more general knowledge prevailed abroad in regard to the genial climate of Auckland, I am sure that a large migration hitherward would be the result, and I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that as a site for extensive commerce she stands the peerless queen of the Pacific. The scenery by which she is surrounded is not surpassed anywhere on earth in beauty and magnificence.” NELSON. Having spent four years in the quiet little city of Nelson, I feel that it would be unfair in me to act on the usual rule of ignoring this comparatively insignificant place. I will therefore, add a brief sketch of it. A glance at the map reveals the situation at the head of Blind Bay. The city is built on a broad belt of level land lying at the feet of a huge semicircular range of hills. Its area is about 1,000 acres. There are over fifty miles of wide streets laid out, and thirty miles of side-paths. The chief business street is Trafalgar Street. Here are found some really handsome shops and bank buildings. There are two Anglican churches, one Roman Catholic, Wesleyan, Presbyterian, Congregational, and Baptist. There is a museum, free library and reading-room. A number of State schools are scattered over the city, and two high-class colleges, one for boys and one for girls. Over the latter a daughter of the late Rev. S. Edger, B.A., presides. She, with her equally accomplished sister, enjoys the unique honour of appending “M.A.” to her name, having been the first lady to carry off the prize from the New Zealand University. 198 NEW ZEALAND. The charm of Nelson consists in its incomparable cli- mate. Nothing approaching it is to be found anywhere else. For eleven months out of the twelve a glorious sun- shine floods the vast panorama, and a delicious breeze invariably tempers the summer's heat. Another charm of the place is its wealth of flowers and fruit. Every house— beyond the business streets—is detached, and has its garden. Here peaches, cherries, and apples are found in abundance. The geranium and other half hardy flowers bloom all the year round. A third charm of Nelson is its admirable roads. No English turnpike roads can excel them. There is a railway of some twenty-six miles opening up a fertile valley known as the Waimeas. Along this charming route lie the agricultural villages of Stoke, Richmond, Spring Grove, Wakefield, and Fox Hill. Pleasant villas dot the surrounding hills, and a variety of fascinating pic-nic haunts are found in the neighbourhood. A tramway connects the city with the port, where steamers from all parts of the colony are daily coming and going. - There are two daily papers—the Colonist and the Evening Mail. A large part of the city area is occupied with hop- gardens, the produce of which has gained a world-wide celebrity. An inexhaustible water supply and capital gas- works complete the charms of this Torquay of the “England of the Pacific.” NEW ZEALAND PRESS. No sketch of New Zealand would be complete without a reference to the everywhere-present newspaper. Every city, town, or village has its paper. The leading papers of the colony give the cue to the rest, and the Press Associa- tion extends to all who subscribe to it its wondrous epitomes of European news. The telegraph is in universal use. A ministerial statement in the House of Representatives, however long, is in every paper the following morning in extenso. Mr. Gladstone's doings of one day are also before every New Zealander's eyes on the next. The enterprise of the New Zealand Press is relatively fully abreast of that in any part of the world. On the whole, too, I am inclined to say that it is behind none in literary ability. The the PRESS. 199 Mező Zealand Herald, Canterbury Times, Otago Witness, Timaru Herald, Wellington Post, Canterbury Press, and a dozen other papers that one might name are deserving of honourable mention. A considerable number of the mem- bers of the House of Representatives are newspaper owners or editors: hence various abuses highly derogatory to the dignity of the Press. Ministries are openly accused of purchasing newspaper support, and, as a matter of fact, some 24, 20,000 a year finds its way from the public ex- chequer to the Press—of course, only in the way of business for advertisements. In illustration of the influential position of the Press in New Zealand, I might state here that two members, at least, of the present Ministry—Sir Julius Vogel and Mr. John Ballance—are, or were, connected with it. Sir Julius Vogel made his mark in the colony as a dashing Otago leader- writer, and Mr. Ballance is the proprietor of an influential Wanganui paper. Mr. Edward Wakefield, who held office for a short time in the Atkinson Ministry, owed his ele- vation mainly to his able articles in the Canterbury journals. In discussions in the House of Representatives, frequent allusions are made to the relations of Government with the Press of a very prejudicial character. CONCLUSION. My task is now finished. It only remains for me to point the way to all this prospective wealth and present enjoyment. Thanks to the enterprise to which I have before referred, and which cannot be too highly praised, New Zealand is now as accessible as the United States. It is only a question of little more than five weeks' steaming over the usually calm Indian and Pacific Oceans, as against one week over the almost invariably-stormy Atlantic. I have now made four Atlantic trips, and have four times crossed the Australian seas, and I unhesitatingly affirm that I ex- perienced on board the A’epublic, in one of my voyages from New York, a far rougher sea than in all the voyages to and from New Zealand. A P P E N D IX, TO CAPITALISTS. I HAVE referred in the preceding pages to two specially attractive openings for capital and enterprise in New Zealand—a large Coal Mine Industry, and Land Specula- tions along the route of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway, now in course of rapid formation. I will here give full particulars of each, premising that I have not a shilling embarked in either enterprise, and therefore may be depended on for impartial information. The coal mine in question is an extremely valuable property known as the “Koranui Coal Mining Company, Limited.” Early in this year (1884), in consequence of want of capital, and, as many think, of unfair action on the part of one or two large creditors, the company failed. Tenders were called for the whole concern, and, but one being offered, it was sold at a ridiculously low figure. The purchaser, an extensive coal merchant and shipowner at Wellington, having already more on his hands than his age and strength are equal to, is willing to part with his bargain for the sum of £20,000—a third of the amount spent upon the undertaking. The property consists of a lease- hold coal-field of 8oo acres extent, situated at Westport— the district referred to at page 72 as being so rich in bitu- minous coal. The land is Crown land, and the terms of the lease (forty years) are a royalty of 6d. per ton to be paid for the first twenty years, and 1s. per ton for the next twenty years. The works carried out by the company consist of a tram- way two and a half miles in length, consisting of five inclines 2O2 NEW ZEALAND. (self-acting) perfectly straight, and laid with a double line of steel rails; five brakes made from material on the pre- mises; rollers in frames at a distance of ten yards to sup- port and preserve the rope with proper tension-frames at the foot of each incline. There is also a branch railway of one and a quarter mile in length connecting with the Government line, and worked by the Government on terms mutually advantageous. The company also possesses several houses for workmen, and offices, and a set of six coke-ovens. The selling price of the coal averaged 12s. 6d. to 13s. per ton, and a Wellington coal merchant was willing to take from 3,000 to 4,000 tons a month. - The cost of getting and delivering coal from the mine to ship-board is as follows:— A. S. d. Io men at brakes, per day, Ios. each ... 5 o o 3 men mending and repairing, per day, Ios. each - - - - - - ... I IO O 2 men repairing road, per day, Ios. each I o o Carpenter, Smith, and mate I I3 o Under overseer, 12s. Foreman of roads, 12s. | -- ... I O 2 Horses, 24.3. Driver, A.I. ... ... 4 O O Getting Ioo tons of coal, at 3s. per ton 15 o o 24, 29 7 o Cost per ton, with 2s. 6d. for carriage ... 8/6 If 200 tons per day were got out ... 7/- If 3oo tons 3. 6/6 To this must be added the 6d for royalty. A sale of Ioo tons per day would thus leave a profit of about £6,000 a year, and the sale of 200 tons 269,000 a year. There is also a revenue accruing from the railway, esti- mated at 4.45 per month, with a prospective increase to from 24, 1,000 to 24, 1,500 a year, the company's line being the only highway to and from other properties. WELLINGTON AND MAN AWATU RAI LWAY. 2O3 What I should recommend would be the purchase of the concern by a syndicate of practical men who could reduce the labour bill by themselves doing much of the work. Twenty men of energy and business acumen, with a couple of thousand pounds' capital each, might work the whole thing. The demand for steam coal,—and the coal from this mine and the neighbouring ones is the best for steam purposes in the Southern Hemisphere, is ever increasing, and, as the supply is practically inexhaustible, it is hard to conceive of an opening for British capital and enterprise more thoroughly Sound and attractive. WELLINGTON AND MAN AWATU RAILWAY COMPANY. The other fine opening for capitalists is chiefly of interest to agriculturists. An opportunity occurs through the form- ation of a railway from Wellington, some 84 miles into the country, thus opening up many thousands of acres of fine agricultural land, of repeating in the North Island the fortune-making of the South Island. Land can be pur- chased at from A3 to 24.5 per acre, which must in the course of time be worth from A, 12 to £20 an acre. Thou- sands of Scotch settlers in Otago and Canterbury did this same thing twenty years ago, and they are to-day the very backbone of the colony. I do not hold out the promise of quite such results in the North Island, as the competition for the land will be keener—the sons of the wealthy southerners being probably early in the field. A thousand openings, however, for successful investment, whether for occupation or speculation, must be offered. In the prospectus of the company, I find these statements:— “The railway this company is constructing passes from Wellington to Manawatu, a distance of about 84 miles, and is the only connexion between the capital of New Zealand and the Northern trunk line, extending from the Manawatu to Taranaki, and now opened and running for upwards of 195 miles. A large part of the district through which this 2O4 NEW ZEALAND. railway chiefly runs has, until recently, been held by native owners, and, though densely populated at one time, is now almost unoccupied, in consequence of the migration and death of many of the original occupiers, and the diffi- culty in extinguishing the native title. “A reference to the extracts from evidence given before the Railway Commission in 1880, and attached to their report, will show the value of the country for settlement: the soil is rich and fruitful, and the special advantages of the climate in this particular part of the colony adapt it for the growth of all profitable produce, for dairy farming, for grazing, and for pastoral purposes. “Large tracts of the district are covered with valuable timber. “An enormous area of the country lands in this district are secured to the company by allocation, under the con- tract with the Government, or by purchase direct from the native owners. The West Coast of the North Island, from Manawatu to Taranaki, served by the Northern govern- ment trunk line, is settled and occupied, and is celebrated as the best grazing land in New Zealand. Its fattening properties are unexcelled, three-year-old cattle being easily raised to 9oo lb. each on ordinary pasture, and are ripe for killing ten months in the year. “In addition to connecting with the trunk line, the rail- way will also be the outlet for a large area of valuable land in the Forty-Mile Bush, by the link which will join Pal- merston to the Napier railway viá Woodville, and which is now provided for in the Schedule of Railways to be con- structed out of the Government loan of 1882. “The Government have also arranged for the survey and construction of the continuation of the Northern Trunk railway to Auckland. The route which has most evidence in its favour leads from Manawatu through the centre of the island opening up large tracts of valuable bush and open country now secured by the Crown. This line, when completed, will give access from Wellington to the cele- brated hot springs country. “The details of the area, population, and stock of the provincial districts of Wellington, Taranaki, and Napier, and portions of which the Wellington and Manawatu LAND SPECULATION. 205 railway will ultimately join and give traffic facilities for, are given in full in the Appendix attached hereto. The slightest consideration of these facts will show that the important trade of frozen and preserved meat, so rapidly developing, has no field in New Zealand, so promising in supply and margin of profit, as that which this district will afford. “The necessity for the construction of this line of railway may be judged from the fact that, with the exception of the city of Wellington, which has an unequalled harbour, the whole of the large and fruitful districts tapped by the line have no harbour accommodation, and have to rely on open roadways or bar-bound rivers. It is therefore impossible for them to enter upon these trades until the Wellington and Manawatu railway gives them access to Wellington, where the largest shipping operations can be carried on at all times with the greatest ease. “The company has secured the right to make the railway by virtue of a contract made with the Government of New Zealand, who were empowered to do so by Parliament under “The Land and Railways Construction Act, 1881.’ “Under the contract the company undertakes to con- struct the railway, and receive a bonus in Crown lands equal to 3o per cent. of the cost thereof, such cost not to exceed 45,000 per mile ; these lands to be valued without respect to their prospective value. “The Surveyor-General and a valuator appointed by the company have valued the land. It has been withdrawn from sale, and allocated to the company. The land has an area of 2 Io,0oo acres, and has been assessed at an aggregate value of 24.96,570. The Crown lands held by the govern- ment proving insufficient to make up the percentage, the company have a claim for the deficiency, during the en- suing five years, upon any land the Crown may buy from the native owners within the area of allocation.” The land which the company has been successful in purchasing from the natives is of a superior class, being chiefly good agricultural country—a large alluvial swamp— that the railway work will both drain and reclaim, and superior bush. The following valuable testimony respecting the land 206 NEW ZEALAND. opened up by this railway, was given by the late Mr. J. G. Holdsworth, Commissioner of Crown Lands, before a Railway Parliamentary Committee — “THURSDAY, 16TH AUGUST, 1877. “Mr. J. G. Holdsworth, Commissioner of Crown Lands, examined. - “I. The Chairman.—You are the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the provincial district of Wellington P- Yes. “2. Are you acquainted with the country lying between Paikakarika and Palmerston?—Yes, generally. “3. Can you state what portions remain in the hands of the natives?—I cannot. “4. What is the general character and extent of the land between these two points?—436,ooo acres, of which about 17,ooo have been sold; balance of about 419, ooo acres unsold. With regard to character, 250,000 acres are good agricultural land, the remainder, including the western slopes of the Tararua range, so far as is known, is of good quality, capable of bearing pasture.” The following is an extract from a report on the lands of the company, drawn up by an eminent firm of surveyors and land agents, Messrs. Palmerston & Scott:- Estimated AREA of LANDs from the MANAwatu Gorge to the North boundary of the Horowhenua Block. Allocated to and Purchased by THE WELLINGTON-MANAwatu RAILWAY CoMPANY, Limited. Block. - 29,955% 45,960 || 75,915} EstimateD AREA of LANDs from the South boundary of the HoRowHENUA Block, to the North boundary of the NCARARA Block, three miles North of the WAKANAE River. Agricultural Pastoral Name of Blocks. Allocated. | Purchased. rea. Area. Total Area. Remarks. | Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Fitzherbert Blocks ... 18,000 --- 6,000 12,000 | 18,000 Kukutauaki Blocks ... 37,262 7,262 30,000 37,262 Takapu No. 2 262% 26.2% --- 262% Totara No.3. - - - 354% --- 354% --- 354% Kukutauaki Blocks ... --- 17,960 I4,OOO 3,960 17,969 | Moorhouse Block 2,076 2,076 --- 2,076 Known as Buckley's 55,879} | 20,036 62, 138 25,000 37, 138 62, 138 118, or 7 20,036 54,955% 83,098 138,053 Total area of pur- chased and allo- cated land. § 208 NEW ZEALAND. “The railway company's purchase of the Kukutauaki's Block, viz., 17,960 acres, contains some of the very best land in the Manawatu County. About 9,000 acres of this is flat, toi-toi and raupo Swamp, about 1,000 acres of open, dry land; nearly 4, ooo acres are level, and the remainder, 3,960 acres, is more or less undulating and hilly. [The adjoining blocks (native) between the above and the Manawatu River, viz., Tuwhakatupa No. 1 and 2, contains about 4,500 of open swamp, and 2,000 of bush, partly dry land: the whole of this is level land, a portion of the swamp is subject to floods from the Manawatu River; when very high, the overflow can be stopped by an embankment on the lowest portion of the river bank.] When the railway is con- structed through the upper part of the company's purchase, and thoroughly drained, having one main drain from the head of the Fitzherbert Swamp, to within about one and a half mile of what is known as “Buckley's Block,” into the Manawatu River, the whole of this vast swamp, which con- tains nearly 23,000 acres of the very best land, could be brought into the market for small farm settlement. The allotments should be from 40 acres to not larger than 8o acres, having a fair proportion of frontage to drains. This land, when once reclaimed, must be, at least, worth from 24, Io to 24, 15 per acre.” I will only add, that the names of such men as Sir Penrose Julyan, Sir Edward Stafford, and the Right Hon. A. J. Mundella, on the London Board of Directors, is a guarantee as to the bond ſide character of this company. A New Zealand land company with a very attractive prospectus is “The Auckland and Hawke's Bay Land Company, Limited.” If this company is able to offer land in the Hawke's Bay district at a low figure, it should attract settlers, for there is no better land in New Zealand. As one of the various projects for utilising English capital in the development of colonial resources, the company deserves success. The “King Country,” where some of its operations are to be carried on, is full of promise. Many fortunes will probably be made there when once it becomes opened up to British settlers. Another very promising opening for English practical agriculturists is the “Auckland Agricultural Company.” The RELIGIOUS LIFE. 2 I 3 “Wives be like pilchards; when they be good, they be only middlin'; but, when they be bad, they be bad, sure 'nough * —would have abundant confirmation of his unhappy creed in colonial society. A redeeming feature is the universal passion for music. The piano or organ is heard in every home. The English lord who took the farmers to task for allowing their daughters to play pianos would be appalled here. He would find a piano in his coachman's home, and his stable-boy's sister would be heard playing opera music by the hour. Harmonic societies are found in every town, and concerts are always a success. As a set-off against the hard work, there is the cheapness of provisions. Here, for instance, is one of my butcher's accounts:–“ 2 lb. beef, Iod. ; 7 lb. lamb, 4s. 6d. ; 3 lb. beef, Is. ; 6 lb. sirloin, 3s. 3d. ; 64 lb. veal, 3s. I d. ; 4 lb. mutton, 1s. 6d.” These prices will make the careful London housewife's mouth water; for the meat is as good as it is cheap. Then, again, instead of two shillings per pound for very speculative fresh butter, the New Zealand provider secures the richest for a good part of the year at less than one shilling per pound. 5. What are the religious advantages 2 Here I am on ticklish ground, for if I should say, You must not ex- pect, if you are a Churchman, to hear a Farrar, a Dean Stanley, or a Liddon; or, if you are a Dissenter, a Parker, an Allon, or a Dale, I shall seem to reflect on the colonial pulpit. In truth, this is rather a weak point in colonial life. I am afraid a sad lot of ministerial rubbish finds its way to the colonies. The universal craving for sensational- ism begets a supply. New Zealand is the paradise of reli- gious adventurers. Just now the Salvation Army is carrying all before it. Night after night for weeks the zealous frater- nity have been shouting and gesticulating to such purpose that, if their own estimate of their work is taken, Nelson should be in a fair way to become as beautiful morally as she is naturally. One thing is clear, at any rate, no reli- gionist can fail to get suited out here. I suppose there are in this quiet little nook of Nelson at least a dozen different sects in full blast. The old lady of whom Dr. Guthrie once told us, who, on having a tract given her, exclaimed, “I have had six religions thrust at me already this morning !” 2I4 NEW ZEALAND. would here be in danger of having at least twice the number introduced. I gladly record my conviction that, taken as a whole, the religious life of the colonies will compare favour- ably with that of England. There are a good many men at work who make up in earnestness what they lack in power. 6. What are the amusements P Many and varied. Colonists believe in play. Horse-racing is a universal passion. Dancing is no less common. The theatre is always thronged. Cricket is gaining ground, and football may be called the national sport. Lawn tennis is very general. A few adventurous spirits affect boating. Then, there is the volunteer force, with all its more or less grand occasions. Never do the colonial youth seem more in character than when marching along the streets to the sound of fife and drum, amid the glancing eyes of their charming sisters and sweethearts. What foe the brave warriors ever expect to meet is a question never yet answered. Two or three years ago the Maori prophet, Te Whiti, talked rather wildly as to his divine mission, and the Government, pre- tending to be alarmed, called our volunteers to arms. They went some three thousand strong to the prophet's village of Parihaka; but, instead of war, Te Whiti received the gallant host with heaps of food, thinking the youths might be hungry after their march. The whole thing re- solved itself into a broad farce, and the only defect in the burlesque was the omission of Mr. Gladstone to make a knight of the chief hero of the occasion, Mr. Bryce. Had this been done, the future historian of New Zealand would have had one of the most ludicrous incidents to record that has occurred since the exploit of the French king who “marched ten thousand men up hill and then marched down again.” 7. How, on the whole, does colonial life fit in with the tastes and habits of an Old-world civilisation ? This is a crucial test. My advice to all Englishmen and English women over forty, who have been used to good society and learnt its ways, to whose tastes the amenities of life are as necessary as the very atmosphere they breathe, is to leave colonial life severely alone. Better a thousand times a London garret with the ring of life in one's ears, and the nameless charm of an accumulated culture within one's HOME LIFE. 2 I 5 reach, than the best prize of a crude settlement abroad. “The life is more than meat.” “How do you get these velvety lawns?” asked an American lady of a Christ Church College gardener at Oxford one day. “We rolls and mows 'em, mam, for a thousand years,” was the reply. Just so. And the cultured Englishman, when he finds himself in a colonial town, soon comes to learn, by a more or less bitter experience, that he has turned his back on a priceless heri- tage—the glorious product of a thousand years’ “rolling and mowing.” Do not, however, let me be mistaken. I am an enthusiastic emigrationist. Five years ago I volun- tarily placed my services at the disposal of the New Zealand Government to set before the English people the advan- tages of New Zealand as a second home for them. It is purely a question of the right sort of emigrant. Unhappily my efforts resulted in too large a percentage of the wrong sort of people coming out. The mistake occurs through the family exigencies of the good folks. A father sees half a dozen boys and girls growing up around him, and he wonders what is to become of them. He falls under the spell of an emigration agent. It is just the very thing ! Had he not been singing for years of a land Where children are blessings, and he who has most Hath aid for his fortune, and riches to boast 2 The flaw in the argument is the probable utter unsuitable- ness of both himself and these said genteelly-brought-up youngsters. They come out, and, as a rule, a more deplor- able spectacle than they present is not to be seen. On the other hand, let a practical man, with half a dozen industrious children and an energetic wife, find his way here, and the chances are ten to one that in five years' time he is on his way to fortune. I have several such families before me at this moment. The young people take to the colonial ways, and the parents, if casting a longing glance every now and then at the dear old home, are contented in their children's contentment. This, then, is the conclusion of the whole matter :—Life in New Zealand—and, for that, all colonial life—is just what you make it. Fulfil its con- ditions, and there is restfulness; neglect them, and your last state is worse than your first. VOYAGE HOME. 2 19 “Full speed" was rung out by the gong, and we were oſſ to Madeira, our next coaling station. The abrupt moun- tains of Rio soon melted in the distance, and the 150,000 of toiling, sweltering, bargaining, and luxuriating citizens, with their beauteous gardens, their stately palms, their unique mansions, and their crowded streets, passed away into that region of happy memories which is the traveller's guerdon for all his toils and inconveniences. Of the remainder of the voyage, little more need be said. No one was allowed to land at Madeira; so, having taken in what coal was needed, we made for Plymouth, wondering how the treacherous Bay of Biscay would be- have on the occasion. Happily our noble vessel had no fear of the Bay before her eyes, and, almost before we knew where we were, the Bay was behind us, and the Eddystone Lighthouse right before us. Thus ended this marvellous exploit. Ten thousand sheep which, two months ago were running about on the Canterbury plains, or the Otago hills of New Zealand, brought to the very doors of English consumers, with less human exertion than a drove of one hundred sheep requires to be placed in Smithfield Market. And a flock of thirteen millions left behind in New Zealand to draw future supplies from. Here, then, is the solution of England's mutton supply difficulty. It is simply a question of a 4,000 ton steamer, 2, ooo tons of coal, a good captain, and an efficient engineer. Yonder, in Australasia, is a producing power, capable of supplying 7oo,ooo tons of first-class meat annually. I leave to others the lessons of this unique modern enterprise, contenting myself with an expression of my profound admiration of the pluck, the energy, and the enterprise of that great New Zealand Shipping Company whose fleet of steamers is so well represented by the vessel on board which I pen these lines, after a voyage of thirty-seven days and six hours' actual steaming. A. C. On board the Aorangi, off Plymouth, AVovember 6, 1884. DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH. 22 I the statement that they are absolutely reliable, being actual Government returns. First, then, as to the freeholders outside of boroughs, there are in New Zealand just 30,684, and they are divided as under :— Those who own Acres. Persons. Companies. 5 acres and under IOO I4,740 26 I OO ..., 25 I,ooo 14,248 19 I, OCO , ,, Io, Ooo 1,466 18 IO, Ooo , , ,, 5o, ooo 2 I 5 9 50,000 , , OVer - I5 8 The total number of landowners, including companies, is 30,764. The total number of freeholders in the colony, including the owners of city sites, &c., is 71,240. So much for the land monopoly. Now, as regards the worth of this property. All persons having over 4,500 worth of property pay a tax of three farthings in the pound.* There are 25,460 persons who pay this tax. Its total amount last year was £270,243, of which 451,312 was paid by companies, 24, 11,355 by banks, and 264,568 by insurance companies. The distribution of this tax-paying power is very in- structive. There were 3o tax-payers who paid on over 24, 200,000; 44 who paid on between A, Ioo, ooo and 24, 200,ooo; 112 paid on between 2650,000 and 24, 1oo,ooo; 357 were returned at over 24, 20,000 and under 4,50,000; 670 at from 24, Io,0oo to A. 20,000; and 1,337 at 265,000 to 24, Io,0oo. The number of tax-payers whose taxable property was valued at between 4, 1,000 and 45,000 is 7,754. The actual amounts paid by the respective property-owners were as follows:–8,698 pay under 24, I. 5s. ; 4,926 pay 261. 5s, and under A.2. Ios. ; 5,774 pay £2. Ios, and under 266 5s. ; 2,846 pay £6.5s, and under 24, 12. Ios. ; 2,673 pay £12. Ios. and under 4,62. Ios.; and 543 pay 62. 1 os. and over. So much for those who pay the property-tax; but, as all * By a recent enactment this property-tax is reduced to a half- penny. CHEAP LIVING. 223 If we apply this rule to New Zealand, we shall get an answer to the pessimist cry no less emphatic than that of the property-tax returns. The 5oo, ooo inhabitants actually spend over three millions sterling every year on strong drink. Now, as a large number like myself spend nothing on this perilous trash, it is hardly too much to assume that the consumers of alcoholic drinks do not spend less than 24, Io a year each on this one luxury. The moral of my story, then, is this:–No sober, indus- trious Englishman who feels moved to emigrate New Zea- landwards need pay any attention to alarmist cries. Here is a splendid alternative for the hard-pressed practical man. I know home well, and I now know New Zealand well; and from the bottom of my heart I say,+Would God that at least a hundred thousand of those hungry English agri- cultural labourers of my former acquaintance were revelling amid the varied delights of this “England of the Pacific " A. C. NELSON, New Zealand, July 14, 1884. VALUE OF NEW ZEALAND TO PERSONS OF SMALL COMPETENCIES. The following facts should be more generally known than they are by that large class of English people who are “living on their means,” as the saying goes. 1. Money can be invested on mortgages of a first-class security in New Zealand at 8 per cent. per annum. 2. The New Zealand banks will give from 5 to 6 per cent. on fixed deposits, interest payable quarterly. 3. Bank shares pay an average of Io.per cent. 4. Insurance companies pay from 7% to 8 per cent. 5. Building societies—usually very prosperous—pay from 7% to Io per cent. 6. A comfortable home may be maintained in country districts on a very small income. In one of the healthiest valleys, not 25 miles from Nelson, a five-acre plot of land can be had for £50. A pretty verandahed house of six HINTS TO EMIGRANTS. 225 beyond your strength; (c) Look about you, and pick up hints; (d) Take care what implements you buy ; do not bring any with you from England; (e) See what produce has a market at hand; (f) Beware of employed labour, it is too dear; (g) Plant fruit-trees early ; (h) Lease govern- ment land, with purchasing clause. 9. For outfit, buy a few good things, in the shape of underclothing only. Clothes and blankets are now to be bought in New Zealand equal or superior to English make. The best outfit is a well-filled purse. 1o. Pack up every good book you possess. 11. Do not rely on letters of introduction. A sound character is wholly independent of the prop, and a shaky one is not helped thereby. 12. Pay no attention to colonial croakers. 13. Watch for opportunities. 14. Do not encumber yourself with much luggage. 15. If you “go into the bush,” meaning really going in for a country life, be on your guard against the common danger of relapsing into barbarism. 16. Avoid, as you would perdition, the three colonial vices—gambling, shouting,” swearing. 17. Have nothing to do with colonial auction marts, 18. Leave puffing advertisers severely alone. 19. Do not touch speculative companies until you are sure of the soundings. 20. Avoid partnerships. 21. Keep up your religious habits and associations. 22. If you have children, hold the reins with a firm hand. * By “shouting” is meant a foolish drinking custom. Half a dozen friends enter an hotel, and one after another calls for a drink all round, and pays for it—the hotel-keeper usually participating in the debauch. 226 NEW ZEALAND. A NEW ZEALAND STATESMAN ON EMIGRATION, The following very valuable letter from the pen of the Hon. R. Stout, Premier of New Zealand, is well worth the perusal of intending emigrants. PUBLIC LANDS IN OTAGO, NEw ZEALAND. By the Hon. Robert Stout, one of the Commissioners of the Land Board of Otago, Premier and Attorney- General, New Zealand. The desire of acquiring land, and thus forming a home in the colonies, yet influences the greater portion of the immigrants that land in New Zealand; and no one who knows the circumstances of this colony, its still undeveloped lands, its but nascent industries, its comparatively few manu- factures, but will admit that there is a far better field open to the agriculturist than to the mechanic. There is always some demand for mechanics engaged in the building trades, but this demand is often intermittent. There is not the same permanence of employment in these trades as in old countries, and other trades are worse situated, for New Zealand has but few manufactories yet. Industries are of slow growth and require capital, trained men, and, what is of as much importance, colonists trained to purchase the colonially-produced article. Then, there are some trades that require a large output to pay, and we are only half a million of people in this large colony. It is surprising, to one who has watched the growth of industries in the colony, to mark the great progress they have made, and how year by year we are relying less on the products of foreign countries. We have excellent iron, brass, tin works; we produce tweeds unrivalled by the best imported; we can produce the best candles, Stearine, and other kinds. Our soaps have driven out most of the common foreign kinds, and we export now some manufactured articles. Why, then, should there not be as good a field for the English mechanic as for the agriculturist P I reply, in industries we are in the hon. R. STOUT ON EMIGRATION. 227 day of small things, and our market, as well as our capital for industrial development, is limited. When, then, a hun- dred or two of trained mechanics come to one of our towns, there must necessarily be a “glut” of skilled labour in the market. The wonder is that, considering the number of skilled labourers that come as in migrants, there are not more men out of work. Our power of absorption is certainly great. So far, however, as agriculturists are con- cerned, there is rarely a want of employment for them ; and they look to becoming their own employers some day. This is the baton in their knapsack. What chance is there of getting land in the colony? is the question put by, I believe, one-half of the immigrants. Let me see if I can give some hints to help the intending immigrant to formu- late a reply. New Zealand is divided into eleven land districts, and each district has a principal land office where the Commis- sioners of Lands sit and deal with applications. The land districts and their offices are as follows:— LAND DISTRICT. PRINCIPAL LAND OFFICE IN Auckland - - - - - - - - - ... Auckland. Taranaki - New Plymouth. South-west coast of North Island, be. Patia tween Taranaki and Wellington - Hawke's Bay ... - - - - - - ... Napier. Wellington ... - - - - - - ... Wellington. Nelson - - - --- - - - ... Nelson. Marlborough ... - - - - - - ... Blenheim. Canterbury ... . ... - - - ... Christchurch. Otago ... - - - - - - - - - ... Dunedin. Southland - - - - - - - - - ... Invercargill. Westland - - - - - - - - - ... Hokitika. There are some Crown or public lands for sale or lease in all these land districts; but in Auckland, though there are vast areas of unoccupied lands, the native title to millions of acres still exists, and the area open for settlement in Hawke's Bay, Wellington, and Taranaki, is limited. In Canterbury also the best of the agri- cultural land has passed into private hands, and there Q 2 LAND IN OTAGO. 229 extending over fifteen years, and the highest bidder becomes the purchaser. The blocks vary from 9oo acres to 5,000 acres, and generally contain some good agricultural land, so that the settler may have mixed farming, cereal-growing, and stock-raising. This system has become rather un- popular through the breaches of the law committed by some licensees, and it is doubtful if many large areas will in future be opened under it. 3. The Deferred Payment system is also applied to agri- cultural and suburban land. In the case of agricultural land, the holding cannot exceed 320 acres. The land selected is, however, generally good land, and capable of growing cereals, wheat, oats, or barley. The upset price is not less than 2C1 per acre, and intending purchasers of more than one for the same section may either bid or tender—according as the Land Board determines. The payments extend over ten years, but the sums to be paid may be capitalised, and five per cent. interest paid after three years' occupancy. Many have availed themselves of this permission, as they can pay off the sums due when and how they please. The selector has to reside on the land, unless it is bush land, when the board may dispense with residence. After three years' residence he may buy off all the moneys due and get the freehold, provided he has during the three years made the following improve- ments, viz., one-twentieth cultivated the first year, and one- tenth the second. If he does not buy at the end of three years, he must by six years have one-fifth cultivated and have improvements made to the value of 24, 1 per acre. A considerable area of Otago has been settled on this system, and the settlers, as a whole, have done well, having comfortable homes, and able to maintain themselves and families. 4. Town lands are sold at £30 per acre for cash by auction. Suburban lands are sold sometimes for cash to the highest bidder, and sometimes in Deferred Payments, the upset price not being less than 4.4. Ios. per acre. The suburban land in Deferred Payments is generally taken advantage of by those who wish to have gardens, or a small holding as a home, who go elsewhere to work as servants, gardeners, shearers, &c. &c. The conditions are residence 23o NEW ZEALAND. and one-tenth of the allotment (generally they are from two to ten acres) cultivated the first year, one-fifth the second, and in four years three-fourths must have been cultivated, and improvements to the extent of 24, Io per acre put on the land. 5. Iand is also sold right out for cash. The land varies in quality and price, the lowest being 24, 1 per acre. There are always areas of agricultural land open for sale, for cash, and also some suitable for mixed farming—that is, part suitable for cereal-growing and part for stock. 6. Another system has been lately introduced into Otago, called the Perpetual Lease system, and it has met with considerable approval from those who, understanding farm- ing, have but limited capital to enable them to become their own masters. The land opened for lease has a certain value fixed by the Board as its selling value. The minimum price is 24, I per acre and generally the prices fixed have averaged from 262 to 24.3 per acre. Five per cent. on this value is the upset rental, that is, for 24, 1 per acre land, the rental is one shilling per acre; for 4.2 per acre land, two shillings, and so on. A day is fixed for receiving tenders, and if more than one person tenders for a section, the highest tenderer gets the land. The area of a section cannot exceed 640 acres. As a fact, the areas vary from 50 acres up to 640 acres, but the general average has been about 4oo acres. The leases are for thirty years, and the lessee has to improve the land as follows:–In one year to bring one-twentieth into cultivation, in two years one-tenth, in four years one-fifth, and in six years permanent improve- ments equal to 24, I per acre beyond the one-fifth culti- vated. All the lands opened on this system have been in districts proclaimed gold-fields, and there is no right of purchase on gold-fields. The reason the lease is called “perpetual” is, that at the end of his term the lessee can obtain a new lease for twenty-one years, and so on for ever. What is done is the following. Three years before the ex- piration of the term, a valuation is made of the value of the land as a freehold, and a valuation of all substantial im- provements of the land. The lessee can get a new lease by paying as a rent five per cent. on the value of the freehold, after deducting the improvements. Should he decline this, 232 NEW ZEALAND. The immigrant will, no doubt, choose the part of the colony he desires to settle in mainly by the kind of climate he wants. If he desires the climate of Greece or Southern Europe, he will go to Auckland, Hawke's Bay, or Taranaki. In Auckland he will see the vine, the orange, and the olive grow to perfection. If he wishes the climate of France, he will choose Wellington, Nelson, or Marlborough. He will go further south if he wishes the climate of the South of England or the North of France. He will miss the fog of England and the cold weather of France, but he will get in Canterbury, Otago, and Southland invigorating, temperate weather. The mean annual temperature will be some guide to him. That of the North Island is 57 deg., and of the South Island 52 deg. London is 51 deg. The mean annual tem- perature of the seasons is, -spring 55 deg., summer 63 deg., autumn 57 deg., winter 48 deg. Our autumn is our finest weather, and one finds it a pleasure to live in autumn weather. In conclusion, though I have spoken only of Otago, I must not be understood as underrating the resources of the other land districts. Southland will, I believe, be one day the finest farming district of the colony for mixed farming, whilst the future of the North Island in fruit culture, silk production, and stock raising, can hardly be over-estimated. I have written of Otago, because of my upward of twenty years' residence in it, and because of the official position I have held, and still hold, in this land district. - DUNEDIN, N.Z., May 24th, 1884. ROBERT STOUT. WAGES IN NEW ZEALAND. It should be noticed that the rates given include rations unless otherwise stated. Farm labourers: in Auckland, 20s. per week; Taranaki, 22s. 6d. per week, £40 to 445 per annum; Hawke's Bay, 25s, to 35s. per week, 4,60 to 24,90 per annum; Welling- ton, 20s. per week, 4.5o per annum; Marlborough, 20s. per week, 24.5o per annum; Nelson, 20s. per week, or 6s. per day without rations; Westland, 25s. per week, 24.5o per annum; Canterbury, 20s. per week, 452 per annum; Otago, 20s, to 22s. 6d. per week, 24.52 to 24,60 per annum. All(kland & Hawk's Bay Länd (0. CAPITAL–43100,000, in 100,000 Shares of £1 each, with power to increase. BANKERS–National Provincial Bank of England (Limited), Liverpool, London, and Branches. TEMPORARY OFFICES-15, St, Swithin's Lane, London. W. H. COCHRAN, Chartered Accountant, Secretary (pro tem.). This Company was incorporated under the Companies Acts, 1862 to 1880. Its objects are to purchase, improve, and colonise Land in New Zealand, and to dispose of convenient-sized Farms on the deferred-payment principle ; also to advance the passage-money in special cases to eligible Farm Labourers, who will be afforded an oppor- tunity of settling on the Lands to be acquired by the Company. Prospectuses and further particulars, with Forms of Application for Shares, can be obtained by addressing the Secretary of AUCKLAND AND HAWKES BAY LAND (0. (LIMITED), 15, ST. SWITHIN'S LANE, LONDON. BANK OF NEW ZEALAN D. (Incorporated Ay Act of General Assembly, july 29, 1861.) IBankers to the New Zealand Government. CAPITAL, SUBSCRIBED AND PAID-UP, £1,000,000. RESERVE FUND, £625,000. LONDON BOARD. Right Hon. A. J. MUNDELLA, M.P. F. LARKworTHY, Esq. F. LARK worthy, Esq., Managing Director. Sir PENROSE (G. * K.C.M.G., C.B. Rob ERT Port ER, Esq. THOMAS RUSSELL, Esq., C.M.G. LONDON OFFICE–1, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, CITY. H. B. MACNAB, Esq., Accountant. London Bankers.-BANK OF ENGLAND and THE NATIONAL Provincial BANK OF ENGLAND, Limited. HEAD OFFICE, AUCKLAND.—D. L. MURDoch, Esq., General Manager. BRANCHES AND AGENCIES IN NEW ZEALAND, Akaroa. Dunedin, North Leeston. Palmerston, Temuka. Alexandra, Featherston. Lyttelton. North. Thames. South. Feilding. Manaia. | Patea. Timaru. Amberley. Foxton. Mangawhare. Picton. Tokomairiro. Aroha. Geraldine. Marton. Port Chalmers. Waikari. Arrow. Gisborne. Masterton. Queenstown. Waikouaiti. Ashburton. Gore. Mataura. Rakaia. Waimate. • Auckland, Greymouth. | Mosgiel. Rangiora. Waipawa. South. Greytown. | Motueka. Reefton. Waipukurau. Balclutha. Halcombe. Napier. Rimu. Wairoa. Blenheim. Hamilton. Naseby. Riverton. Waitahuna. Bulls. Hastings. Nelson. Ross. Waitara. Cambridge. Hawera. New Plymouth. Roxburgh. Wakefield. Carterton. Hokitika. Ngaruawahia. | Russell. Wanganui. Charleston. Hutt. Normanby. Sanson. Wangarei. Christchurch. |Invercargill. Oamaru. Southbridge. Waverley. Clinton. Kaiapoi. Ohinemuri. Stafford. Wellington. Coromandel. Kaikoura. Opotiki. Takaka. Westport. Cromwell. Kawa Kawa. Opunake. Tapanui. Winton. Dargaville. Kelso. Outram. Tauranga. Woodville. Dunedin. Kumara. Oxford. Te Aro. Wyndham. Lawrence. Palmerston. Te Awamutu. LEVUKA and SUWA......... FIJI. MELBOURNE.........Victoria. NEWCASTLE and SYDNEY...... NEw South WALEs. ADELAIDE...... South AUSTRALIA. AGENTS IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. The Bank of Liverpool, Limited ; The Birmingham Banking Company, Limited; The Devon and Cornwall Bank, Limited ; The Gloucestershire Banking Com- pany, Limited; Messrs. Gurneys, Birkbeck, & Co., Norwich; The Leicester- shire Banking Company, Limited ; Lloyds, Barnetts, & Bosanquet's Bank, Limited ; The Manchester and Liverpool District Banking Company, Limited ; Messrs. Eyton & Company, Shrewsbury ; , The Union Bank of Manchester, Limited ; The Bank of Scotland ; The British Linen Company Bank; The Caledonian Banking Company, Limited ; The Commercial Bank of Scotland, Limited ; The National Bank of Scotland, Limited ; The North of Scotland Bank, Limited ; The Union Bank of Scotland, Limited ; The Hibernian Joint Stock Company, Limited ; The National Bank, Limited; The Northern Banking Company, Limited ; The Provincial Bank of Ireland, Limited; The Ulster Bank, Limited. THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND, LONDON, Grants Drafts on any of the above-named places in New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. Receives Deposits of £50 and upwards, rates and particulars of which can be ascertained on application; Opens Current Accounts on the usual terms; Negotiates and Collects bills of exchange, &c.; Makes Advances against produce shipped, on receipt of Bills of Lading, Policy of Insurance, and Invoices; Undertakes the Agency of Persons connected with the Colonies; and receives for safe custody Securities, Shares, &c., drawing Interest and Dividends on the same as they fall due ; Undertakes all other descriptions of Colonial Banking and Monetary Business, and affords every facility to Emigrants and others for receipt of their funds deposited in London on arrival in the Colonies. LoNDON, Dec., 1884. NEW ZEALAND. TO FARMERS, Lârgº and Småll Capitalists, and Others, AFTER the continued disastrous seasons in England and the unfavourable prospect for agriculture in the future, a rare opportunity now presents itself to those who are desirous of acquiring lands in New Zealand. THE AUCKLAND AGRICULTURAL COMPANY, LIMITED, established in 1881, to remove what might have proved a great difficulty to persons going out for the first time, and being totally unacquainted with the Colony, now offer for Sale, in large and small lots, about Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Acres of first-class Land. The climate of New Zealand is second to none in the world for farming and grazing operations, and, owing to the almost entire absence of either frost or snow in the Northern Island, where the properties are situated, cattle are enabled to remain unhoused all the year round. The properties in question have been carefully chosen in the most suit- able districts in the Colony. They lie near important and growing town- ships (where land increases in value every year), and have communication, by rail and water with the principal towns. Large sums have been spent in improvements, draining, fencing, and cultivation generally, including the erection of houses and other buildings. The estates include valuable sheep runs, and land adapted for all purposes, whether agricultural or pastoral, and a large proportion is now carrying a heavy quantity of stock. The Company offer these properties in lots to suit purchasers, and on conditions which will be found exceptionally advantageous as regards price and terms of payment. Mr. Grant (who went out some few years back, in conjunction with Mr. Foster, as delegate from the Lincolnshire farmers), has just returned from the Colony, and is in a position to assist, in a practical manner, all intending purchasers in the selection of such property as may best suit their means and requirements. New Zealand is one of the most prosperous and rising Colonies, and, owing to the direct line of steamers running to all its principal ports, the duration of the voyage is so greatly lessened (it now only taking 40 to 42 days to accomplish), that what appeared at one time a great undertaking, has now become of little moment as compared with the grand prospects at the other end. Passages may be obtained in these steamers at from 4, 16. 16s. per head upwards. Full particulars may be had at the Head Offices, 68 & 69, CORN HILL, LONDON, E.C. JNO. W.M. ECHLIN, Secretary. NEW ZEALAND, TASMAN/A, & AUSTRALIA. _^_^_^ -- ~~~. --~~~~~~ -- ~~ ~ * ~ *-* -- 330pal ſhail int. ~ --> --> *-* ~ *-* ~ *-* ~ *-* ~~~~~~~~~~ *-*~~~~ THE NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING CO. (T, IIMLITIEID.) C APIT A L £ 1, O O O, O O O. HEAD OFFICE: CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND. Branches at all the Ports in the Colony. THE Company despatches FROM LONDON, every four weeks, alternating with San Francisco Mail Service, the following splendid Steamers, which make the passage in forty days, and are unsurpassed for the complete- ness and comfort of their Passenger Fittings:— To Ns. H. P. EFFECTIVE. ICAIKOURA --- 4,750 - - - 4,000 IRIMIUTAIKA --- 4,750 --- 4,000 TONGHAIRIEO ... 4,163 --- 4,000 AOIRANGI --- 4,163 --- 4,000 IRUAIPIEHU --- 4,163 --- 4,000 ©-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O — FARES TO THE PRINCIPAL PORTS: Saloon, 60 Guineas and upwards ; 2nd Saloon, 35 Guineas and upwards ; 3rd Class Closed Cabins, with 2 berths, 22 Guineas each ; Closed Cabins, with 4 berths, 2O Guineas each ; Open Berths (for men only) 16 Guineas each. ************** The Steamer Service is supplemented by the frequent despatch of the Company's fine Iron Clipper Ships, which make the voyage in about ninety days, and are provided with every requisite for the safety and convenience of Saloon Passengers desiring a long Sea voyage. Fare up to 50 Guineas. Arrangements can also be made for Booking Parties of not less than 20 to 30 Steerage Passengers. For further particulars apply at the Company's Offices— 138, LEADEMHALL STREET, LONDON, E.G.