Extension of Trade and Commerce.

I am one of those who believe that there are few questions of greater importance to the well being of any country than the development of its natural resources and the consequent extension of its trade and commerce. Agriculture and commerce are inseparably linked together. The prosperity of the one means the success of the other, and the adversity of the one means the depression of the other. It, therefore, behoves us to help forward the genera] movement which is now occupying the close attention of the Government of this colony, to whom we are largely indebted for the prosperity which we have long enjoyed in New Zealand.

We have many things contributing to our wealth and happiness, for which we ought to be thankful. We possess a beautiful climate, rich and fertile country of 104,000 square miles, regular rainfall, numerous rivers, a land which nature has richly endowed, free from droughts or disappointments, 2300 miles of railway, connecting the main land with the seaboard, good bridges, excellent roads, and 7249 miles of telegraph and also telephone communication, and in fact every facility that the people of so young a country could reasonably expect.

Surrounded by the ocean with a coastline of 4330 miles, and exceptional harbour facilities from the Bluff in the South to Auckland in the North, all combine to give us easy access to the markets of the world. Our distance of 12,000 miles from the manufacturing centres of Britain is perhaps the chief barrier that blocks our way to greater progress.

While saying this, however, I must not be understood to mean that we have reached the haven of our prosperity, and that nothing more is to be done. On the contrary I am of opinion that one of the many reasons which should increase our activity and vigilance is the fact that compared with other countries, we are the most distant from the great consuming population of the Old World. The old saying "Out of sight out of mind" may be applied to commerce as well as to individuals. The success attending our friendly American cousins in marketing their produce and manufactures is largely due to the enterprise they display in their endeavours to capture the markets of other countries, and their readiness to comply with the altered requirements.

They are always in evidence, constants pushing their goods, an important factor in permanently establishing an export trade. Emulating the people of the United States are to be found our Canadian friends, who exhibit that rare combination of talents which might best be described as having all the vivacity of the French, the solidity of the English and the enterprise of the American.

During my visit to Europe as New Zealand Trade Commissioner in 1897-1898, I was struck with the very great effort! continually put forward by Canadians in directing the attention of the British people to the resources of Canada.

Thousands of specially prepared and beautifully illustrated pamphlets, setting forth the many advantages of the coun- page 3 try, are constantly being distributed throughout the United Kingdom. Indeed no opportunity is lost to advertise the country and its products.

Evidence of this I saw everywhere. In England at the Agricultural Shows, Canada was in evidence. At the Healtheries Exhibition in Dublin in 1898, Canada was well represented, distributing literature to attract people to her shores, and exhibiting samples of the various products of that great country, with a view to widening the outlets for her exporters.

That we may have a fuller appreciate of the necessity for extended markets for our produce, I have pleasure in subjoining a detailed list showing the growth of our exports during 1890, 1895 and 1900.

Showing an increase in butter and cheese since 1900 of over £6163,704.

It is instructive to read a similar return from our neighbouring colonies.