The following letter and enclosures, which will be read with interest, have been laid on the table of the Chamber of Commerce for the information of members:—

" The Treasury, September 1st, 1886.

"Sir,—I have the honour, by direction of the Colonial Treasurer, to enclose herewith statements giving statistical information asked for in your letters of 4th June and 21st July last, and at the same time to express regret that it was not found possible to send you the figures at an early date. There is an immense amount of labour involved in compiling both the Census and the Property Tax Returns, which cannot be done in a month or two, and even now, as you will observe, some of the figures given are only estimated. It is thought, however, you may rely upon them as being pretty nearly accurate. The gold export and general import and export returns are not included, as they are published quarterly in the Gazette, in which probably you have already seen them. It is hoped the information is not supplied too late for your purpose.

Note.—No. 3 is exclusive of Native Lands beyond five miles of any road suitable for horse traffic, and of all railways, telegraphs, and public works.

The total amount of personal property has not yet been ascertained.

(Exclusive of stock belonging to Natives.)

Railways.

This, added to the estimated cost of opened lines, March 31st, 1886, viz. 12,472,814l., gives the following estimated value of lines opened to 30th June, 1886......£12 620,814

Since 1870 an area of 4,273,000 acres has been purchased from the Natives in the North Island at a cost of 900,000l., the value of which may be taken at least at 1,500,000l.; this is included in the 2,250,000l. North Island, as above. The above estimates are for unsold Crown Lands, and do not include education reserves, endowments for high schools, universities, hospitals, harbours, municipalities, and other public purposes, the total value of which will be at least two or three millions more.

Telegraphs.