Produce, &c.

The produce of the Colony is well known and appreciated amongst ourselves, and has become an important factor in the food supply of different countries. Messrs E. H. Banks, G. King and others enabled visitors to the Exhibition to judge of the excellence of New Zealand cereals and of some of the products therefrom. Sides and rolls of bacon, and hams of generally high quality were shown by Mr J. Gilmour, Mr T. H. Green and Messrs T. and W. R. May, the last mentioned exhibitor also making a tempting display of cheese and butter. A new item, starch made from potatoes, was introduced by Mr C. A. Ulrich. On this product a great deal has recently been written, in the belief that the manufacture of page 25 potato starch may be made one of the moans whereby our farmers may render their profits larger and more regular. Mr Ulrich's modest samples include the raw pulp, containing the starch, and presenting anything but an inviting appearance; the discoloured—because unpurified—starch as taken from the pulp; the purified farina in a marketable condition, and the refuse, which could be used for pig or cattle feeding. The local manufacture of biscuits, confectionery, baking powder, writing ink, and various dietetic preparations, was included in the crowded representation under the general heading of produce; and the allied, though much more extensive manufactures of soap and candles were admirably represented. The New Zealand Provision and Produce Company not only showed the varieties of soap manufactured at their Belfast works, but also the various ingredients used, and the modes of moulding, cutting and stamping. They claim that since the rebuilding of their works in May, 1879, they have "introduced such improvements that they are now able to turn out soap at a much less cost than was possible under the old system of manufacture;" that the importation of foreign soap has so been stopped, and large quantities are now exported. Messrs J. Kitchen and Sons may claim that the candles made by them are in every respect equal to those of the best English makers; they are entitled to warm commendation for the tasteful arrangement of their show case. Messrs T. Hancock and Beardsley were also exhibitors of soap and candles. The local brewers were well represented, and Messrs Schwartz and Co. showed sample bottles of the New Zealand wines for which they are the Christchurch agents. Mr Gee, confectioner, made a speciality of jellies, specimen bottles of which he is sending to the Melbourne Exhibition.