I have the honour to forward herewith my final report on New Zealand hemp and other industries.

In accordance with the instructions contained in your letter of authority, dated the 5th June, 1897, I made an extensive tour of Australia, South Africa, England, Ireland, Scotland, America, Canada, and British Columbia.

The result of my investigations will be found in the report dated the 30th March last, furnished to the Agent-General in London for transmission to the Government, and now supplemented in the accompanying document, which completes sixteen months of very arduous work undertaken by me on behalf of the colony.

page 9

My official investigations of the hemp and kauri-gum industries, together with the general publicity of statistics regarding the exports and imports of New Zealand which I caused to be inserted in all the leading newspapers published in the many cities throughout the world, entailed lengthy correspondence, considerable outlay in postages and telegrams, and other disbursements incidental to the numerous interviews I had with leading business-men.

The continous travelling by land and sea involved me in heavy expense, far beyond my original estimate. Apart from the time and service which I freely gave in proclaiming the many advantages possessed by this colony I find that the cash outlay for bare expenses has exceeded by £750 the small allowance already extended to me.

In further evidence of the completeness of the work carried out by me, I have pleasure in quoting the following extract from Mr. Kennaway's letter, dated the 3rd September, 1898: "I feel sure that the active and energetic manner in which you have endeavoured to advance the interests of the colony has, and will, bear good fruit."

I also beg to subjoin copy of letter of even date herewith just received from Mr. Harold Beauchamp, senior partner in the well-known firm of Messrs. W. M. Bannatyne and Co., of this city:—