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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 69

Opinions of the Press

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Opinions of the Press.

The following cablegram appeared in the "Otago Daily Times," January 22, 1890:—

London,

The Chronicle applauds the idea of holding an exhibition of New Zealand products in London.

The Otago Daily Times (December 30) says:—

"... The idea is in many respects a happy one, and as regards the needs of New Zealand, if not the disposition of the British public, very opportune. The credit of the colony has improved of late, but a good advertisement, such as a successful Exhibition in London, would greatly help us in many ways, particularly if it were specially directed to attract the attention of the agricultural classes.... To make the Exhibition fashionable is half the battle, and the idea that it should be a kind of stepping-stone to the Imperial Institute may succeed in engaging the active interest of the Prince of Wales, which is absolutely indispensible to success.... M. Joubert's actual scheme of taking over the present Exhibition to London would of necessity be subsequently developed. The present Exhibition, robbed of the Australian and Foreign Courts, could not be expected to meet the requirements of the British public, who have almost been spoiled with varied and attractive displays, and it would be found that at least half of the present exhibitors could not afford to send their exhibits to London. Nor could any private persons be allowed to control an enterprise in which the credit of the colony is so deeply involved in the heart of the Mother Country. The Government would have to take the Exhibition in hand, and carry it out on a complete and comprehensive scale.... What the cost of such an Exhibition would be it is difficult to say. It might very possibly succeed so well as to leave a profit as the "Colinderies" did, but in organising a large advertisement of this kind the colony must be prepared not to look at money as regards the original outlay. The New Zealand Court at the "Colinderies" cost nearly £20,000, and the New South Wales Court at Melbourne, £45,000. The financial success of our present Exhibition arises chiefly from the system of placing the greater part of the expenditure upon private exhibitors, which is out of the question in this case. At the lowest we should say that Parliament must sanction an outlay of £100,000..."

The Dunedin Evening Herald (Dec. 3rd), says:—

"... But if the Exhibition were to cost £100,000, it would still be the duty of the Government to unhesitatingly go on with the project. Whatever the cost it is preposterous to suppose that, with such aims in view, the amount would not be trebly returned to the Government in a direct form within a year, to say nothing of the vast indirect good that would most certainly accrue. Such an opportunity to advertise the colony never has presented itself before and probably never will again, for, failing our going on with the project it may be relied upon that some page 16 other colony will seize upon the idea and carry it into immediate execution. Further, M. Joubert has amply shown that he knows how to run a big show, and secure a maximum effect with a minimum of cost. To lose the opportunity of securing his services would be suicidal.... Of this all may rest assured—that with M. Joubert as Executive head, hacked up by the proper influence and a courteous and capable staff at Home, and such able supporters as Mr. John Roberts, Mr. Ernest Twopeny, and Captain Russell (who has already expressed his concurrence with this bold project) success may be considered a certainty..."

The New Zealand Times (December 13) says:—

"... Again and again have we lamented the shortsightedness of successive administrations in not making provision for advertising New Zealand in the Mother Country. It has been urged many times in these colonies the great gain that would probably accrue to the colonies by establishing agencies in the principal country towns of the United Kingdom. The one agency in London is more ornamental and representative than anything else, for its principal work is not keeping New Zealand and her attractions prominently before the working bees of the great British hive, and inducing swarming in this direction. That should be the object of New Zealand agencies in the Motherland, and if they are not the colony's zealous, intelligent, never tiring advocates, they are nothing to it. But the head agency in London might initiate a most desirable undertaking by securing a site in some convenient part of the city for the permanent exhibition of New Zealand products. If a corner could be secured in the South Kensington Museum, than which no better site could he obtained in London, enough of all kinds of minerals, and metals, and timber, and grain, and wool, and flax, and fruits, in their season, could he sent to fill it, and be thoroughly attractive. It is here that part of M. Joubert's propositions fit in. Maps and diagrams, and all kinds of the colony's statistics, could be placed there for reference, and well-executed photographs of the towns and scenery of the colony. New Zealand might be most admirably depicted in microscosin in such an Exhibition, and be brought really face to face with our race in the North. Of manufactures, too, there might be some. It could be made optional for any one in the colony to 30 advertise his or their wares at his or their proper cost. A mass of iron-sand, with steel manufactured from it, would he a taking exhibit, and so would be the products of our woollen mills, and tanneries, and brick and tile yards. Such as these, with a sufficiency of the raw material of every description would be the very best standing advertisement the colony could have in the heart of the great Empire. Ten or twelve, or even twenty thousand pounds spent in such a direction would he money well bestowed. It would be essential for the success of the scheme that the Exhibition should be located in a position frequented by the public, free of cost of course. South Kensington Museum would he the place above all others, but failing all others we believe it would pay the colony to rent a commodious building in a convenient situation in which its exhibits could be permanently placed.

"And more than this, we would unhesitatingly counsel the establishment of permanent exhibitions, necessarily on a much smaller scale, at, say, half-a-dozen of the principal country towns of the United Kingdom. If people in the country districts were only brought into touch with the colony by placing facilities in their way to see and examine what the colony produced indigenously and otherwise, a most potent inducement to emigrate to it would be offered to them. And also a few indispensable views to let; them see what the country is like. We want to attract people, people of the right kind, with means great or small, and if we do not tell them all about the country and practically illustrate our arguments, how can we page 17 hope to succeed? And it must be done, too, in season and out of it. For the people of the United Kingdom are difficult to move out of their country, that is, the sort of people New Zealand wants. There is really room for the showman business among them. Say that such exhibitions, as we have indicated were established, then in connection with them might be appointed a man who loved New Zealand to his heart's core, one with infinite capacity for discourse, familiar with the colony, and the life of its people, whose duty it would be to deliver periodical lectures at the sites of the Exhibition, with occasional divergencies in other directions. He would sound New Zealand's praises, tell of its boundless resources, explain its progress, and clinch his arguments by quoting current statistics, and by putting the colony's best foot forward tor it, so to speak. There are two or three men in the colony who could fulfil the required conditions of the position. Possibly Mr. Joubert himself is one of them....."

The Westport Times (Dec. 14) says:—

". . . We are quite prepared to hear all arguments used in opposition to this proposed grant characterised as narrow-minded and mean, but we feel convinced they are neither. The colony cannot spare the money, and were such an amount available it could be devoted to much more useful objects."

The Bruce Herald (December 17) says:—

"... Mr. Joubert thinks that an advance from the Government of say £20,000, would cover all expenses, and that the charge for admissions, would recoup the outlay. The idea strikes us as being very good, and if the venture is to pay for itself, as Mr. Joubert predicts it will, there is no reason why it should not be carried into effect. At this stage of the business it is hardly necessary to do more than express approval or disapproval, but should it be decided to carry out the proposal a very great deal might be said relative to details."

The Christchurch Weekly Press (Dec 19) says (in he Editor's column):—

"I am a great believer in advertising the Colony, and it is, therefore, with pleasure that I hail Mr Joubert's proposal to hold, next year, a New Zealand Exhibition in London. He thinks it can be done without expense, believing that if £20,000 were advanced for the purpose the charges for admission and profits from the sale of privileges would recoup the outlay. At a time when the Colony in its corporate form, and in the persons of its individual citizens, is doing its utmost to live economically, a prospect of this kind is grateful to the mental eye, and one would love to dwell on it. I could very well believe that now we have plenty of cool space a New Zealand restaurant, such as Mr Joubert proposes as an important part of the Exhibition, might prove extremely profitable; and if the Exhibition itself "caught on" to the affections of the British public, as there is no reason why it should not, why then, it ought to yield a very fair return in gate money. But here we have a "might" and an "if," with which I will not tarry longer.

Let me return, suppose that the £20,000 did not return to us again, but was expended in making the Exhibition. Well, then, I should say that in the present circumstances of the Colony it could not be better spent. We have converted the city editors of the London papers from enemies into friends. Thus we are assured of the support of the Press, and may, if we will, go ahead with an exhibition without fear of injury from prejudiced critics. We ought, therefore, to seize our opportunity, and proceed to show the English farmer what we have been showing in Dunedin to his Victorian cousin—that is, our magnificent display of grain and wool. If we do that, page 18 and if we take care at the same time that the information put before the British public is perfectly candid, accurate and trustworthy, we shall enjoy such an influx of valuable settlers as will materially improve matters within the Colony...

The Christchurch Star (December 20) says:—

... The project is better worthy of public money than any scheme of immigration of the many which have absorbed so much of the contents of the State coffers. We show everything we have—mineral, animal, and vegetable—we give a comprehensive idea of our civilization, our public works, our school system, churches, roads, bridges, lighthouses, harbours; we have every kind of pictures of our scenery, every information about our climate. This is the sort of compendium we all had in our mind's eye when the project of the Imperial Institute was first introduced to our delighted vision. Let us go in for the thing alone and on our own account. Singularity will breed appreciation. The experiment will be a grand success. What that means to a country that sends away annually food enough to feed five millions, and can grow at least three times as much more, we need not stop to calculate, any more than we need to calculate the contents of the ocean in gallons in order to give us some idea of its immensity.

As we have said, his idea is superb. Nothing could be better conceived than his proposal for taking our big advertisement to London and keeping it there. Nothing could be more in keeping with the public opinion that took fire at the Colinderies and rushed in consequence to support the Imperial Institute...

The Wellington Evening' Press (December 20) says:—

... We New Zealanders indulge in a good deal of foolish rhodomontade, but we hope that all our common sense has not yet deserted us, and that we shall have the courage to put a prompt and decisive stop to such a midsummer scheme. Our merchants find no difficulty in disposing of our produce without making us the laughing stock of London, and when we have had all the dirty linen of the Bank of New Zealand washed, and our commercial establishments and our administrative departments inoculated with a little honesty, and the shameless swindling of the bankrupt traders put an end to, it will be quite time to show ourselves in London, and by such honest methods we shall gain more confidence and gather more respect and renown than such a ridiculous proposal as that before us can accomplish to discredit us, even though it had the misfortune to struggle through a whole London season."

The Tablet (December 20) says:—

Mr Jules Joubert has made a proposal which seems to merit consideration. Mr Joubert proposes to supplant the Exhibition now being held in Dunedin by one to be held in London, and the idea strikes us as a very good one. It is true, the Exhibition as it now stands answers all the uses for which such an enterprise is commonly undertaken. It very effectually shows the condition of the country, both with respect to its resources and the degree in which they have been developed, and also illustrates the progress amongst us of culture and civilization, as well as the relative position borne by the Colony towards other countries, both of the old world and the new. For all who visit the Exhibition the effect must be perfect, and nothing more is needed. But however crowded the courts and corridors may be by strangers, the fact remains that the numbers must be comparatively few. And perhaps the classes whom it is most desirable to interest are those who will be the least represented. To carry the matter, therefore, within reach of them, and force it, as it were, on their notice, would seem a very advisable course to take. The Exhibition, as we have said, presents to the page 19 visitor everything necessary to assure him as to the nature of the settlement to be made in the Colony. Abundant tokens are placed before him to prove the wealth that is to be acquired and the returns to be gained by reasonable outlay and effort. All the signs are present that point to a good and wholesome climate and fertile soil. He is also brought face to face with the fact that the settler is not required to relinquish all traces of civilization, but that he has within his reach very effective means of keeping pace with the refined and intellectual progress of the day. It seems almost certain, therefore, that if all this were palpably laid before the eyes of people in the Old Country, who are anxious, as we have reason to believe multitudes arc, to find a fair field for investment and a sphere in which to form for themselves new and better homes, it must produce a due effect. That false ideas of the Colony are prevalent we very well know, and, as Mr Joubert states, very little has been done to furnish information respecting it. Mr Joubert's argument, in short, that the opportunity now offered of clearing away the ignorance that prevails, and that it would be a wise and profitable enterprise to take advantage of, commends itself to us undeniably. If, therefore, the Exhibition;at Dunedin marks, as we believe it does, the termination of the period of depression through which this Colony has passed, we may believe also that by transferring the Exhibition, so far as New Zealand is concerned, to London, and continuing it in every respect effectively there, we should mark the beginning of a period of prosperity unforseen and hardly even hoped for."

The Poverty Bay Herald (Dec. 23) says:—

"... Now, we do not like the idea of an 'advance' for any such purpose. If substantial benefit is hoped for from the enterprise it should be considered worth paying for. The English people have an idea that colonists keep too close an eye on the main chance. The Australian cricketers fell into disfavour through alleged greed of gate-money, and the tour of the Maori footballers showed how strongly opposed the Home public were to the game being converted into a source of profit. The proposed Exhibition in London, it is claimed, would be a grand advertisement for New Zealand. If there is justification for that belief the colony should be prepared to pay for it, and not look to English people bearing the expense.... It would be better if M. Joubert communicated with the several colonial Governments with a view of promoting a joint undertaking, and if the negotiations met with success, then New Zealand could put her best foot forward in bringing under the notice of the Home people the natural resources and industries of these islands; and the expense need not be great.... "

The Cromwell Argus (Dec. 21) says:—

"When M. Jules Joubert's proposal to transfer all the New Zealand exhibits of the present Exhibition to London was propounded, the project, at first blush, seemed too ambitious; but more mature consideration admits not only the practicability of the scheme, but also the advantages which would result to the colony in carrying it out. As pointed out in Mr Joubert's circular to the President of the New Zealand Exhibition, this colony has never, up to the present, been adequately represented in any of the world's great shows in Europe; in fact, when it has been represented at all, the show has been so meagre as to bring more of discredit upon the colony than credit. With all the choicest productions of New Zealand gathered together in Dunedin at the present time, this past error can be easily and inexpensively remedied. The cost Mr Joubert fixes at £20,000, an inconsiderable trifle to the Government as compared with the far reaching and lasting benefits which may fairly be assumed would result to the trade of the colony generally; but when there is a likelihood of this page 20 amount being wholly, or even partially, recouped through the sale of privileges, gate-money, &c., the question of cost at once may be said to disappear as an element which luis to be taken account of, and all that is wanted is the necessary enthusiasm and energy to carry out the details of the work.... As to energy Mr Joubert will supply that requisite, backed up, as he doubtless will be by the President, the Executive Commissioners, and others. As events develop, doubtless the scheme may assume even larger proportions than at first intended, and the cost or responsibility to the country may be correspondingly increased. Many attractions could be, and will be likely added which, while costing money, will tend to increase the interest taken in the show, and at the same time add to the importance of the colony. In this connection it is to be hoped that the management will not lean to parsimony. A few thousands more or less should not be allowed to stand in the way of making a show in London that New Zealanders will be proud of. There can be no question, we think, of the wisdom of the project, nor of the certain gain directly and indirectly which will result to the colony. The scheme has our hearty sympathy, and we trust that its initiators will be soon in a position to say that it is un fait accompli."

The Auckland Evening Star (Dec. 24) says:—

"A project to convey a number of the leading exhibits now being displayed at Dunedin to London for exhibition is receiving considerable support in the southern press, and is said to be endorsed by a prominent member of the Ministry as well as by the Executive Commissioners of the Exhibition.... The bureau of land, emigration, and information, no doubt sounds well, but we apprehend that the colony already possesses such a bureau in the Agent-General's office presided over by one of the most able and highly-paid officers in the service of the colony, assisted by very capable subordinates. Applicants for information naturally go there, and if a more active policy were decided upon in the promotion of emigration, the work could be done much more effectually and economically through the Agent-General's Office than by setting up any new and irresponsible bureau at South Kensington. It is a mere matter of cost. Another matter which really weighs against the Exhibition, although the fact has been urged in its favour, is the question of providing for the proper representation of the colony at the Imperial Institute. This will prove a much better place of exhibition than New Zealand could possibly set up for itself by an expenditure of £20,000, and when the time conies the Government will have to spend a considerable sum to secure the adequate representation of New Zealand in this permanent display of colonial products. It is by no means certain that the exhibits at Dunedin would be available for the Institute, or would be the most suitable for that purpose. The selection of exhibits for the Imperial Institute can be most satisfactorily considered on its own merits when the proper time comes....."

The Palmerston and Waikouaiti Times (Dec. 25th) says:—

... "The scheme propounded by Mr Joubert is one that is deserving of serious consideration, and ought not to be summarily dismissed, as very much more depends upon it than many at first think. It will be observed that Mr Joubert in his letter gives very conclusive evidence, and supports the realisation of his scheme by arguments that are unrefutable, and which point to the advantages which such a proposal is calculated to confer on New Zealand. The fact cannot, of course, be denied that the more widespread the publicity we give to the resources of the Colony, and the progress that has been made in the industrial, manufacturing, and other pursuits, the greater the benefit that is likely to accrue from it. The present Exhibition will do much to advertise and bring into prominence the page 21 resources of the Colony, its advantages as a field for settlement, and the position it has already obtained in commerce, arts, sciences, and other pursuits; but then relative importance will be as but a drop in the bucket to that which would result from the scheme propounded by Mr Joubert. Whether the Government will be prepared to support the proposal remains to be seen, but the advantages which such a scheme promises to confer on the Colony are so self-evident that we almost think it requires to be brought under the notice of Ministers to induce them to sound Parliament on the proposal, and if found favourable then to place a sufficient sum on the estimates to cover the expense of the undertaking.... There is one matter in connection with the scheme which affords a strong guarantee of its proving not only a financial success, but also advantageous in the most extended sense to the Colony, and that is the offer of Mr Joubert to take the thing in hand....

The Dunstan Times (Dec. 27) says:—

.... "It seems to us that the project, is one which, if carried out will he of incalculable benefit to the Colony, and place New Zealand under an everlasting debt of gratitude to Mr Joubert, who, of course, will be entrusted with the task of carrying the scheme into execution. There is no one else to undertake the work, for no one else has yet demonstrated that they can run exhibitions at a profit, as he has done. This is a serious point, for, although it would eventually pay New Zealand to lay out the whole cost of the Exhibition merely to secure such a gigantic advertisement, still we must remember that we have not the means in hand to scatter money so lavishly, and must, therefore, turn to the man who can give us the full benefit of the advertisement, and recoup us for all the outlay. This M. Joubert's previous successes has shown that he can do."

The Tuapeka Times (Dec. 28) says:—

.... "Our exports in the English market are the best proofs of the fruitfulness of our soil; our land laws are as liberal as we can reasonably make them; and the rest depends upon ourselves, upon the caution with which we administer our affairs, avoiding further debt, and eschewing experimental legislation. These and not Mr Joubert's score or two of half-clad Maoris, and his other showman's devices, will impress the people at Home with notions favourable to our Colony and to ourselves....

The Waikato Times (Dec. 28) says:—

.... This will enable New Zealand to take a foremost place at Home, and have the choice of the best positions in the Institute. That M. Joubert should himself carry out this scheme he has initiated is only feasible, for no Colonial Government, and but one Home Government, has ever yet been able to make Exhibitions pay, while M. Joubert has demonstrated that that is just the speciality in which he shines—he runs shows at a profit."

The Otago Daily Times (Dec. 31) says:—

.... "At a time when Mr Joubert is projecting a fresh Exhibition, it may be well to copy from his book ("Shavings and Scraps") Lord Ripon's words at the closing ceremony of the Calcutta Exhibition:—'We cannot allow this day to pass without recording publicly the great obligations that are due to Mr Joubert for the success of this Exhibition. I confess that when he first intimated his intention to hold an Exhibition in the capital city of India, I looked upon it as an impracticable scheme. Mr Rivers Thomson, however, held a different opinion, and I am happy to-day to acknowledge that Mr Joubert has most nobly redeemed all his promises, fulfilled most honourably all his engagements, and deserves the thanks not only of the Government of India but of the whole population of this Empire.' page 22 Such a public declaration by the Viceroy might well make even a veteran of Mr Joubert's experience feel proud."

The Dunedin Evening Star (Dec. 31) says:—

"In respect to the project formulated by Mr Joubert for moving the present Exhibition, or rather the purely New Zealand portion thereof, to London, Mr Fergus did not certainly commit himself very distinctly, but he said enough to convey the impression that, as a Minister he was generally favourable. 'The Government,' he said, 'would be glad to forward the interests of the colony in the direction indicated...."

The Dunedin Evening Herald (Dec. 31) says:—

"... Mr Joubert was publicly thanked by Lord Ripon, Viceroy of India, for the incalculable amount of good his brilliantly successful Calcutta Exhibition had done India, a circumstance which, conjoined with the success Mr Joubert has made of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, may well be borne in mind while considering his proposal to hold a New Zealand Exhibition in London...."

The Grey River Argus (Dec. 31) says:—

"... If carried out in any sort of proper and spirited way, the scheme cannot fail to be of immense benefit, to us. We are told that some members of Government have already expressed themselves favourably to the scheme. That is a very great deal gained, as it almost amounts to compromising the Government. However, unless they are prepared to make it a ministerial question they had better not bring the matter forward at all. It is fully expected that the Colonial Treasurer will next year show a surplus of at least £200,000, probably rather more than less. As we are now receiving little or no practical benefit in any way from the expenditure on the Agent-General's department in consequence of the complete discontinuance of public works and immigration, we might well afford to try the effect of giving the colony a fillip by Mr Joubert's project. After looking into the matter carefully we cannot help thinking that the scheme is likely to do us a great deal of good as a colony, and that the prospect of loss in carrying the idea out is a mere nothing. With all the old outlets of expenditure, extravagant and otherwise, completely stopped, Government would be fully justified in risking the expenditure of the sum asked for, and from which every part of the colony must derive more or less benefit. It is not like asking for a bridge or section of railway for some particular locality."

The Taieri Advocate (January 8) says:—

"A few weeks back Mr Jules Joubert, general manager of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, propounded a scheme which advocated the holding of a New Zealand Exhibition at London. It was urged that beneficial results would be sure to follow; that our population would be considerably increased by the arrival of desirable immigrants, who instead of looking forward to a period of inactivity and ease, would be imbued with the idea that to be thoroughly successful in this colony patience and perse-verance—those admirable adjuncts to a man's character—would have to be continually exercised to bring about the desired result. The many advantages the colony possesses in the shape of innumerable attractive spots would, it was alleged, have the requisite effect, if properly set forward, upon tourists; while by the aid of a land bureau, with which would doubtless be incorporated an immigration bureau, settlement would be facilitated to a great extent; the productive quality of the land would be brought prominently before English capitalists; and the natural consequence would page 23 be that New Zealanders within a very short time would reap the benefits attending their spirited action in a manner which would amply repay them for any inconvenience caused by the absence of their goods, or the temporary (we use the word with a full knowledge of it significance) monetary assistance which they would perhaps be called upon to give. When the proposal was first brought to light by Mr Joubert we confess we were not deeply impressed by its probable results, but the more the subject is studied the more feasible, practical and beneficial does the proposition become...."

The Dunedin Evening Herald (Jan. 17) says:—

"... Mr Joubert's services in connection with the present Exhibition have been simply of incalculable value. In exhibitions he has never made a failure, and as every step leads but to another yet higher, and as he is a man who lives not in the present but in the future, it is reasonable to suppose that he never will. And that is the best of auguries for his proposed New Zealand Exhibition in London."

The New Zealand Herald (Auckland) says:—

... "In addition to other features of the scheme, Mr Joubert proposes that the Government shall send home a first-class man with a good knowledge of this Colony, who shall be empowered to sell or lease Crown lands, and to give full information and every possible assistance to emigrants of the right, sort. He should be provided with every available hand-book and work of reference, pamphlets specially written for the purpose, maps, large relief models, etc., etc. His efforts would also be seconded by those of a lecturer, whose discourses upon New Zealand would be illustrated by limelight views of the best sort. Nor does the advertising stop here. The most unique proposal of all is to establish a New Zealand Restaurant. Here the very best French chef that money can procure will place before Londoners in the most attractive form possible—New Zealand goods of all descriptions, frozen meat, game and fish, bread made from New Zealand flour, New Zealand joints, New Zealand tinned goods, etc., etc."

The Tablet says:—

"It has been proposed to transfer the New Zealand Exhibition to London, and to find a home for it in the new Colonial Institute. This is a wise idea, and it will at once command itself to the approval of Colonists... In no other way can the resources of this Colony be adequately advertised, and advertising is just the very thing which the Colony wants at the present time.... The best capital for us would be brawny arms and stout hearts. These of themselves would soon create capital, and, as much would have more, and as Providence aids those who aid themselves, capitalists would soon of their own accord, pour millions into our laps, and press us to make use of their superabundance in the further development of our magnificent country. We hope, therefore, that this project which has proceeded from the fertile brain of Mr Joubert will be realised. We think it the best and wisest project that has for many years been suggested by any friend of New Zealand. But there is one thing more which is required, which the Government can do, and which ought to be done at once. The Government should at once prepare for settling people on the land....

Zealandia (January 1st) says:—

"But the New Year promises to bring forth something of far greater importance to the Colony than the current Exhibition. The proposed New Zealand Exhibition in London the latest project which has sprung from the fertile soil of M. Jules Joubert's brain, is a colossal advertising scheme, which, page 24 if there is the slightest value in advertising at all, should open out a magnificent future for the Colony. The most extraordinary misconceptions exist at Home with regard to the Colony. Once remove these, and direct attention to our wonderful resources, and a stream of mingled capital and emigrants should flow to our shores, which should drown the last echo of the cry "Depression" beyond the power of recovery." On February 1st "Speaking of the other side of the world reminds me of Mr Joubert's proposal to hold a New Zealand Exhibition in London. The scheme, I understand, is progressing famously, and there is little doubt now but that it will he carried out in some form or other. The lines Zealandia has been started upon show that I am intensely patriotic—many writers think too much so. Anything, therefore, which promises to benefit New Zealand deeply interests me. It seems to me that a well conducted Exhibition in London cannot fail to be of incalculable benefit. But there must he enough of the "show" element in it to attract the people, and, as it were, trap them into seeing the exhibits. Mr Christie Murray, when interviewed on the subject, said very truly—"Londoners will not go to see exhibits, hut they will flock in thousands to see the Maoris and the fernery, and to eat New Zealand fruits in midwinter."

Caxton Printing Company Manse Street, Dunedin.